Petroleum engineers use scientific principles to find crude oil and natural gas reserves. They also figure out how to get these reserves back in the safest and most cost-effective way possible. A student considering a major in petroleum engineering should be aware that the career has both pros and cons, as well as some aspects that could be either, depending on the student’s personality. One disadvantage is that obtaining a petroleum engineering degree is not easy, and the career is directly linked to the demand for petroleum products. The pay scale is unquestionably beneficial; however, the fact that many jobs require travel to remote locations can be viewed as either a benefit or a drawback, depending on how the individual views the opportunity.
This isn’t to say that those with a petroleum engineering degree can only work in a foreign country or in the middle of nowhere. Petroleum engineers, on the other hand, must go where the oil is, and jobs in states with no oil or gas reserves will be scarce. If a student wants to major in petroleum engineering in order to make the most money, he or she should expect to spend at least part of his or her career overseas, on off-shore drilling rigs, or in remote locations with few amenities. While some may see travel as an exciting adventure, others may see it as a major disadvantage.
Another disadvantage is the difficulty in obtaining the degree. A petroleum engineering major must have strong math skills and a passion for science and engineering classes. Most universities that offer the degree require courses in chemistry, geology, statistics, calculus, and physics. In addition, the major will include a number of advanced courses that are specific to the degree, such as fluid dynamics and drilling operations. Communication skills are also important, and the student must complete English, computer skills, and economics courses.
Petroleum engineers are in high demand due to the high demand for the products they deliver. The price of crude oil is a significant factor because high prices encourage governments and corporations to pursue production, including marginal reserves that were previously deemed unprofitable. As alternative energy sources are developed, the demand for hydrocarbon production may decrease, resulting in fewer opportunities and lower upward mobility for those who major in petroleum engineering.
The potential salary is one of the most significant benefits of a petroleum engineering major. Petroleum engineers have the highest salaries of all engineers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Petroleum engineers earned an average of $127,970 USD per year in 2010, with the top 25% earning at least $158,580 USD per year. Oil-producing states such as North Dakota, Alaska, Oklahoma, and Texas had significantly higher average salaries.