by our College Data Analytics TeamMost of our modern equipment relies on petroleum for fuel. Although scientists are working on creating new forms of energy, our society still relies heavily on petroleum. If you would like to participate in finding and extracting this precious resource, consider majoring in Petroleum Engineering.
As a Petroleum Engineering major, you will take classes in applied mathematics, geology, thermodynamics, and engineering principles. These classes will equip you with the skills to drill and collect petroleum and maintain rigs to ensure we have enough gas to complete our day-to-day tasks.
Studying Petroleum Engineering explores Petroleum Engineering. Read on to learn the key facts every petroleum engineering major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering petroleum engineering programs.
In the U.S., petroleum engineering is a popular field of study, with 755 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Petroleum Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 28 schools to determine the best overall colleges for petroleum engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of petroleum engineering programs later in this article.
Studies in Petroleum Engineering develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations petroleum engineering graduates commonly enter.
Strong math and analytical skills will help students succeed in this field. Each drilling location is different, meaning engineers must be able to develop a drilling plan, adjust for issues, and determine any problems that may arise. Creativity and problem-solving skills will allow engineers to accomplish these tasks. Students must also be able to work in teams with a variety of other professionals.
Petroleum Engineering is a full time job that often has long hours. Many work between 50-60 hours a week while traveling back and forth from drilling locations. While at a drilling location, petroleum engineers rotate being on duty every 84 hours.
Like most engineering professions, petroleum engineering employers require previous experience. Students are able to gain this experience through internships or cooperative engineering programs, which allow students to earn credit while working.
Most entry-level jobs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree. However, if you wish to rise within the company or want to conduct research and development, you may have to receive your master's degree. Some colleges offer 5-year programs that end with the receiving of both degrees.
Skills emphasized by a petroleum engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a petroleum engineering major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several petroleum engineering degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 489 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 183 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 82 |
People currently working in careers related to petroleum engineering tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 34.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 25.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 13.5% |
| Master’s degree | 11.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.1% |
| First professional degree | 1.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.8% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in petroleum engineering careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in Petroleum Engineering often leads graduates to a career in oil and gas extraction. Graduates currently hold jobs with oilrig companies, mining companies, and oil product manufacturers. Since large petroleum sources are outside the United States, some graduates have pursued careers in other countries.
A degree in petroleum engineering opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to petroleum engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to petroleum engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Petroleum Engineers | 432,291 | 13.1% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of petroleum engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $68,881 |
| 4 years | $97,016 |
| 5 years | $103,379 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for petroleum engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers petroleum engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineers | $137,336 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,889 |
With 28 different petroleum engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased petroleum engineering school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in petroleum engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | 755 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
