Engineering & Architecture · SOC 17-2171
ML is reshaping reservoir analysis, but petroleum engineers still direct field operations and bear regulatory accountability.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: Machine-learning reservoir models are displacing some analytical work today; petroleum engineers who develop field leadership and data science skills will remain competitive over the next decade.
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$106,950 median pay
$155,020 median pay
$101,140 median pay
$117,750 median pay
$117,750 median pay
$68,730 median pay
AI job-risk card
Petroleum Engineers is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Petroleum Engineers is 50/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
50 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Analyzing production data to recommend well placement, Assessing well economics and production capability, Monitoring production rates and planning rework, Directing completion and evaluation documentation. Harder to automate: Directing field drilling and completion operations, Maintaining drilling and production records, Solving complex operating problems with field teams, Developing field-specific drilling and recovery plans.
Lean into AI-assisted reservoir modeling, Drilling engineering, Production optimization, Data-driven decision making, Field operations management. Consider roles such as Reservoir engineering manager or Energy data scientist or Renewable energy transition engineer.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.