Petroleum Engineers
(NOC 2145)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyPetroleum engineers carry out studies for the exploration, development and extraction of oil and gas deposits. They plan, design, develop and supervise projects for the drilling, completion, testing and re-working of oil and gas wells. Petroleum engineers work for petroleum producing companies, consulting companies, well logging or testing companies, government, and research and educational institutions. Petroleum engineers may specialize in drilling, production, reservoir analysis, or subsea operations.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$26.85
Minimum$49.14
Median$78.01
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$149,522
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Petroleum engineers carry out studies for the exploration, development and extraction of oil and gas deposits. They plan, design, develop and supervise projects for the drilling, completion, testing and re-working of oil and gas wells. Petroleum engineers work for petroleum producing companies, consulting companies, well logging or testing companies, government, and research and educational institutions. Petroleum engineers may specialize in drilling, production, reservoir analysis, or subsea operations.
Job duties
Petroleum engineers:
- Study and assess feasibility of developing new oil and gas fields.
- Direct and monitor oil and gas drilling operations.
- Develop drilling programs, select sites, and specify drilling fluids, bit selection, drill stem testing procedures and equipment.
- Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing and well surveys.
- Design and select artificial lift machinery, and well and surface production equipment and systems, and specify programs for corrosion control and oil or gas treatment.
- Develop specifications for and monitor and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
- Analyze reservoir rock and fluid data to design optimum recovery methods and to predict reservoir performance and reserves.
- Monitor and forecast oil and gas reservoir performance and recommend oil recovery techniques which extend the economic life of wells.
- Design, develop and coordinate the installation, maintenance and operation of subsea well-head and production equipment.
Sample job titles
- drilling and recovery petroleum engineer
- natural gas engineer
- offshore drilling engineer
- oil and gas drilling engineer
- oil and gas production engineer
- petroleum engineer
- petroleum production engineer
- subsea engineer
Skills
- You need persistence and good judgement. The ability to think analytically and logically is important. You must be able to communicate and cooperate with others, as engineers often work in teams. Leadership and problem-solving skills are also necessary. Computer experience is an important asset.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or in a related engineering discipline.
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Other considerations
- There is movement between petroleum engineering specializations at the less senior levels. Supervisory and senior positions in this group require experience. Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and gain knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practice in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing, or management.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$108,792 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ANorth Shore
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Professional, scientific and technical services
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
55-64
35-44
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$67,545 median annual incomeMaster
N/AHigh school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ATrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Chemical Engineering
University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems employing chemical processes like chemical reactors, kinetic systems, electrochemical systems, energy conservation processes, heat and mass transfer systems, and separation processes, and the applied analysis of chemical problems such as corrosion, particle abrasion, energy loss, pollution, and fluid mechanics.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Engineering - General
University ProgramThese programs prepare individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Mathematics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. They include courses in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Mining and Mineral Engineering
University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of mineral extraction, processing and refining systems, including open pit and shaft mines, prospecting and site analysis equipment and instruments, environmental and safety systems, mine equipment and facilities, mineral processing and refining methods and systems, and logistics and communications systems.
Institutions providing this program
Physical Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.