Petroleum engineers
SOC Code: 17-2171
Petroleum engineers carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $141,280 and +1.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 19,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 42% AI exposure, Petroleum engineers sits 5 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 75% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Petroleum engineers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Petroleum engineers has ai exposure of 42%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Petroleum engineers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Petroleum engineers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Petroleum engineers (SOC 17-2171) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 19,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.3% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $141,280, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Petroleum engineers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
- 2. Test machinery and equipment to ensure that it is safe and conforms to performance specifications.
- 3. Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
- 4. Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
- 5. Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
- 6. Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
- 7. Assign work to staff to obtain maximum utilization of personnel.
- 8. Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
- 9. Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
- 10. Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Administration and Management
- Economics and Accounting
- Administrative
- English Language
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Petroleum engineers?
Petroleum engineers has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Petroleum engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Petroleum engineers is projected to grow by 1.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 19,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Petroleum engineers?
Key skills for Petroleum engineers include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Petroleum engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Petroleum engineers is $141,280, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Petroleum engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Petroleum engineers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Petroleum engineers?
Petroleum engineers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).