ActuallyActuary

Where are most of the petroleum engineering jobs typically located? I know the job usually involves a fair amount of travel; what if I want to settle down and have a family? I am hoping to remain in California or at least somewhere in the United States. Will I still be able to demand the nearly the same salary and job opportunities that most international petroleum engineers receive?

alchemist007

Petroleum Engineers have the opportunity to acquire a normal office 40 hour a week job in a modern city such as Houston, Dubai or Anchorage or field jobs with 80 hour weeks working 3 weeks on and 3 weeks off or 1 month on and 1 month off.

Pays for field jobs are going to be higher but even Petroleum Engineering office jobs have the highest starting salary of any engineering discipline.

It is very much possible to be a Petroleum Engineer and still be back to your family for dinner at night.

arrdad

A petroleum engineer can easily spend an entire career in the state of California. (Hint: try to get a job with Chevron.)

Overseas jobs typically demand higher salary due to "hardship". Plus, much of that salary can get preferential tax treatment, which translates to higher pay.

I earned a BSPE in 1982, and have lived and worked in the same Texas city (Midland) for that entire time, by choice due to family ties and regional preference. Turned down many opportunities for "advancement" by moving overseas or elsewhere in the US. Parlayed regional experience and numerous relationships into consulting business and eventual independent operator status.

Petroleum Engineering careers are not as streamlined as this forum would have you believe. There are all sorts of opportunities that can be pursued with that degree. Don't get hung up on a particular path until you get some experience in the oil patch. The more you learn, the more options become available. Good luck.

TXAggie92

What would you estimate the max salary to be of a normal office PE vs a traveling field PE?

alchemist007

It depends on your specialty. Drilling Engineers with 20+ years experience will make about $190,000 a year. If you go into finance then your salary will exceed 200,000. Those in managment position could make close to 400,000 a year with 25+ years experince like my uncle who makes 1200$ a day. Reservoir engineers will make 175,000$ with 20+ years experience. If you want to get some specifics visit the SPE website they have all job stats. It also depends on your location. Those in managment usually make more than both field and office workers.