Petroleum Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of oil and natural gas extraction and processing facilities. Includes instruction in principles of petroleum extraction and related geology, petroleum field mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, laboratory analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance, environment and safety monitoring procedures for oil/gas fields and facilities, facility inspection procedures, and report preparation.
- Schools offering
- 26
- Annual completions
- 104
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $86k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of oil and natural gas extraction and processing facilities. Includes instruction in principles of petroleum extraction and related geology, petroleum field mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, laboratory analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance, environment and safety monitoring procedures for oil/gas fields and facilities, facility inspection procedures, and report preparation.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas plant operators | $83k | -8.8% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians | $48k | +1.5% | Associate's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$86k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$89k
Bachelor's
$74k
Top colleges for Petroleum Technology/Technician
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA | 18 | 4 | 22 |
| Lewis and Clark Community College | Godfrey, IL | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| Lackawanna College | Scranton, PA | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Fletcher Technical Community College | Schriever, LA | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | Okmulgee, OK | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology | Pleasant Gap, PA | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Houston Community College | Houston, TX | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Southwest Mississippi Community College | Summit, MS | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College | Fairmont, WV | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | 3 | 0 | 3 |
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