Petroleum Engineers
SOC Code: 17-2171 Job Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Petroleum Engineers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | $128,274 | $175,843 | $223,392 | $270,962 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $116,314 | $156,978 | $197,662 | $238,326 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $112,570 | $152,318 | $192,046 | $231,795 |
| St. George, UT | $126,402 | $159,016 | $191,651 | $224,266 |
| High Desert Utah nonmetropolitan area | $126,402 | $159,016 | $191,651 | $224,266 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $106,288 | $144,747 | $183,186 | $221,645 |
| Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $94,245 | $135,803 | $177,341 | $218,899 |
| Alaska nonmetropolitan area | $115,128 | $148,242 | $181,376 | $214,490 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $102,960 | $140,026 | $177,091 | $214,157 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $100,755 | $138,466 | $176,197 | $213,907 |
H-1B Filing Data
Top H-1B Employers
| Employer | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Chevron Corporation | 20 | $178,578 |
| EOG Resources, Inc. | 13 | $144,738 |
| Occidental Petroleum Corporation | 11 | $169,364 |
| CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY | 7 | $191,390 |
| University of Wyoming | 7 | $98,494 |
| ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company | 7 | $149,685 |
| Schlumberger Technology Corporation | 7 | $127,491 |
| BP America Inc. | 7 | $114,239 |
| Shell International Exploration and Production Inc. | 6 | $147,170 |
| HESS CORPORATION | 5 | $124,880 |
Filing Trend
| Year | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 36 | $148,858 |
| 2021 | 25 | $148,061 |
| 2022 | 15 | $146,590 |
| 2023 | 44 | $134,940 |
| 2024 | 97 | $145,215 |
| 2025 | 97 | $144,395 |
| 2026 | 7 | $157,097 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Systems Analysis | 3.9 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.9 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.9 | |
| Speaking | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.9 | |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.9 | |
| Writing | 3.9 | |
| Active Learning | 3.8 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology | 4.4 |
| Mathematics | 4.1 |
| Physics | 3.5 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.5 |
| Chemistry | 3.4 |
| Administration and Management | 3.4 |
| Economics and Accounting | 3.2 |
| Administrative | 3.2 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 71.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 15.4% |
| High school diploma | 7.5% |
| Doctoral degree | 5.4% |
Typical Tasks
- Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
- Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
- Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
- Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
- Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
- Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
- Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
- Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Autodesk AutoCAD C# C++ Eclipse IDE Google Analytics Linux Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project Microsoft Visio Microsoft Visual Studio Microsoft Word
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