Petroleum Geologist

What is a petroleum geologist?

Petroleum! One of the building blocks of our civilization, petroleum and the oil industry affect our lives profoundly. It gives us fuel for cooking and powering machines and vehicles, gives us the ability to create concrete and steel, plastic, and fertilizer, and assists in many other industries.

Perhaps the most well-known of all of the geology careers, petroleum geology typically involves the process of identifying suitable locations to begin the extraction of oil and gas. They use a wide assortment of tools and techniques to accomplish this task. They also study the methods used to extract fossil fuels in order to maximize the efficiency and amount of material produced from well sites. Our society and much of the world rely heavily on the work that petroleum geologists do.

Most petroleum geologists will work often in both the field and the lab, collecting samples and bringing them back for analysis. Many jobs are located in Texas, California, and Oklahoma, and the industry as a whole is projected to grow similarly in demand to all geoscience careers, at about five percent a year.

If working in the field, studying and gathering precious resources, and helping our society function sounds enticing, become a petroleum geologist today!

For More Information
How to Become a Petroleum Geologist | EnvironmentalScience.org
What does a Petroleum Geologist do? Career Overview, Roles, Jobs | GSA
Geoscientists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Petroleum Geologist I Salary, Hourly Rate (May, 2025) in the United States | Salary.com