Geology vs. Petroleum engineering

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion compares job prospects and salaries between geology and petroleum engineering. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, petroleum engineers generally earn higher salaries than geologists, also referred to as geophysicists. Both fields are experiencing demand due to increased exploration for petroleum in the continental US, but the energy sector is subject to volatility, leading to competition for jobs. The conversation suggests that choosing geology may be more prudent in light of potential future declines in petroleum availability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Familiarity with the roles of geologists and petroleum engineers
  • Knowledge of the energy sector's economic cycles
  • Awareness of alternative energy sources and their impact on petroleum demand
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest trends in petroleum engineering job markets
  • Explore the educational requirements for becoming a geologist
  • Investigate alternative energy technologies and their implications for the petroleum industry
  • Analyze historical employment trends in the energy sector
USEFUL FOR

Students considering careers in geology or petroleum engineering, career advisors, and professionals evaluating job market trends in the energy sector.

AsherA123
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
I'm not sure which one to choose so it all comes down to job prospects and pay. In the future, which is more likely to have better job prospects and a higher pay?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an office inside the federal Department of Labor, publishes an Occupational Outlook Handbook for various technical and non-technical occupations:

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

Geologists (or to use the term 'geophysicist' from the handbook), tend to make a lower salary than petroleum engineers. Both occupations are in some demand because of an uptick in exploring new sources of petroleum in the continental US. However, employment in the energy sector has for a number of years experienced periods of boom and bust as the price of oil soars or drops. You may find yourself competing for a job as a geologist or petroleum engineer against people who were laid off after the last crash who have a wealth of previous experience to bring to a job.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Medicol
Thank you!
 
I think you should rather choose geology because petroleum is soon going to end or scientists will find an alternative.
 

Similar threads

Engineering Is a career in Optics/Photonics engineering right for me?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Engineering Petroleum and Aerospace Engineering DifferenceS
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Physics Is the Job Market for Geophysics in Canada Uncertain Due to the Pandemic?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Engineering What Are the Job Duties and Salaries of Petroleum Engineers?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Job Skills After a BS in physics, what are the skills needed for employment?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Engineering Petroleum Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Aerospace Engineer?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
68K
Engineering Trouble with choosing how to shape my engineering career
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Engineering Help Guys - Petroleum Engineering
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Engineering Mid career guidance as an aerospace engineer
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Engineering Types of Engineers: Petroleum, Power, Electrical
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K