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How to Become a Petroleum Engineer: Australian Careers in Engineering

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What is a Petroleum Engineer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Petroleum Engineer?

A petroleum engineer plans and directs the extraction of oil and natural gas from the earth. They work with geologists and geophysicists to find reserves and design safe, efficient methods to extract them. Most work for oil and gas companies, but some work for engineering consultancies or government agencies.

The role covers the full life of a project. Engineers assess drilling sites, design well layouts, and select equipment. They monitor production rates and adjust methods to improve output. Safety and environmental compliance are part of every decision they make.

Australia has around 2,400 petroleum engineers (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Most work in Western Australia, which accounts for about 61% of the national workforce. Queensland is the second-largest employer, with around 21% of roles.

Future demand is rated as strong (Your Career, 2025). Median weekly earnings sit at $3,365, around $175,000 a year. Around 90% of petroleum engineers work full-time.

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Career snapshots For Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers are among the best-paid professionals in Australia’s engineering sector. Median weekly earnings are $3,365, about $175,000 a year (Your Career, 2025). Around 90% work full-time, putting in an average of 45 hours per week.

About 2,400 petroleum engineers work in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 39, and 18% are female. Western Australia employs the largest share at 61%, followed by Queensland at 21%. Future demand is rated as strong (Your Career, 2025).

What will I do?

Petroleum engineers plan, design, and direct the extraction of oil and natural gas from the earth. They do field surveys, drilling design, output checks, and safety reviews. Tasks vary by role but follow a clear technical pattern.

  • Surveying deposits: working with geologists and geophysicists to assess petroleum and gas reserves.
  • Preparing cost estimates: developing project budgets and production schedules.
  • Assessing risks: checking natural, technical, financial, and safety risks at each project stage.
  • Coordinating resources: managing labour and equipment to meet efficiency, safety, and environmental targets.
  • Researching methods: advising on engineering approaches for exploration and production.
  • Selecting locations: deciding where to drill based on geological surveys.
  • Choosing equipment: selecting derricks, platforms, and seabed equipment for each site.
  • Managing flow: devising methods to control the flow of oil and gas from wells.
  • Monitoring production: tracking output and adjusting operations to improve efficiency.
  • Running simulations: using computer models to predict reservoir and production behaviour.

What skills do I need?

Petroleum engineers need a strong base in maths, physics, and engineering principles. They apply these skills to solve real challenges in resource extraction. The work also demands clear communication, as engineers must explain complex data to non-technical stakeholders.

Project management skills matter too. Engineers run large, costly operations and must keep them on track. They need to assess risk quickly and act when problems arise in the field. A commitment to safety and environmental care is essential in every aspect of the role.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong analytical and numerical skills
  • Knowledge of maths, physics, and geology
  • Understanding of reservoir, drilling, and production engineering
  • Proficiency with simulation and modelling software
  • Project management and planning skills
  • Problem-solving ability in complex field conditions
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Teamwork and cross-discipline collaboration
  • Risk assessment and safety awareness
  • Ability to work in remote and outdoor environments
  • Attention to detail in technical documentation
  • Adaptability as technologies and regulations evolve

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.