Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Petroleum Engineer specializes in designing and developing methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth's surface. They also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells, optimizing resource extraction and managing reservoirs.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 2.5% (average)
Annual job openings: 1 200
Direct AI exposure: 8% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 78% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Petroleum Engineers. According to the wage tables, average income is $135K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $96K per year | $110K per year | $135K per year | $165K per year | $200K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $70K above the national average. | ||||
Petroleum Engineers typically work in offices or research laboratories. They also spend time at drilling and well sites, which can be in remote locations, often requiring extensive travel and periods away from home. They may be employed by energy companies, engineering service firms, or government agencies.
Petroleum Engineers play a crucial role in the energy sector, driving the extraction and production of oil and gas. Their expertise in understanding underground geological formations and analyzing mechanical systems is essential for the efficient and safe extraction of hydrocarbon resources. They apply principles from geology, chemistry, and engineering to discover and exploit reservoirs of oil and natural gas.
This occupation demands a blend of strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking. Petroleum Engineers work on designing drilling equipment and planning extraction operations, ensuring that resources are accessed and handled in a way that maximizes yield and minimizes environmental impact. They often work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with geoscientists, other engineers, and project managers.
The field requires adaptability and a willingness to tackle challenges, as engineers often face complex situations that demand novel solutions. With the growing emphasis on sustainable energy practices, Petroleum Engineers also focus on optimizing resource recovery and reducing environmental footprints. The role can be demanding, with work in challenging environments, but offers the satisfaction of contributing significantly to global energy solutions.
This career usually requires a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may require advanced degrees, particularly for research-oriented roles.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
