The field of Engineering has proven to be a sustainable path. This article focuses on Petroleum or Oil Engineering. Find out why people who work on this field make so much money and why Oil Engineering jobs are being sought after.

Education

A college degree in Engineering provides a good entry point but more so if you are trained in Petroleum Engineering. This means flexibility as Petroleum companies may employ Engineers from different fields. However, note that since Engineers have their own specializations, it would be good to pursue Petroleum Engineering. Being a participant in co-op training programs adds merit to your resume later on. Prepare to spend at least four to five years in college.

Apart from earning a Bachelor's degree, Petroleum Engineers also seek out to earn their Master's and Doctor's Degrees. While this is not a requirement, it helps individuals land a more promising career path and a heftier salary when pursuing Oil Engineering jobs. The knowledge earned from advanced and higher learning also contributes to an individual's innovative and strategic potential especially if he or she decides to open a Petroleum Engineering firm.

Job Description

The following provide specific details about Oil Engineering jobs:

Assessment: Oil Engineers are responsible in the assessment of the economic and productive potentials of oil wells.

Geology: Petroleum Engineers also work with Geologists in order to assess the economic and productive viability of potential oil drilling areas.

Production: Petroleum Engineers are also responsible in monitoring production and efficiency levels respective to their areas of jurisdiction.

Coordination: Oil Engineers oversee the installation of production equipment in drilling sites.

Research: Apart from field work, Oil Engineers also have hands on in research to discover innovative strategies in oil drilling and production.

Supervision: Petroleum Engineers also guide a team of people in order to ascertain progress and achievement of production goals.

Job Distribution and Income

Oil Engineers are distributed in various industries. Here is an outline of their estimated distribution and income from the U.S Department of Labor, 2012 - 2013 Edition:

Mining Support: The bulk of Oil Engineers is on field and act as support for mining companies. They make more or less $150,000 annually.

Hospitals: About 15,000 Oil Engineers work for hospitals. They make about $120,000 annually.

Architects: Oil Engineers are also employed in architectural firms and make about $145,000 a year.

Management: Petroleum Engineers work in Management firms as well, and make $150,000 or more annually.

Manufacturing: In the manufacturing industry, Petroleum Engineers less than 10,000 are employed but they make as much as $130,000 per year.

Research: There are a very few Petroleum Engineers working in Research Industries but they make around $150,000 per year.

It should be noted that the figures above can change anytime, and employers have their own packages to offer their employees.

Job Outlook

Between 2010 and 2020, it is estimated that the number of employed Petroleum Engineers will increase from 30,200 individuals in 2010. The number of jobs related to EPC is also bound to grow over the next few years. This growth surge is marked by industrial developments that need the expertise of Petroleum Engineers. These are geothermal production of energy, coal gasification, underground waste disposal, and environmental cleanup.