Petroleum geologists study rock samples for signs of oil.
Petroleum geologists have the important task of searching for oil and natural gas. They typically examine and study sub-surfaces of land and ocean floors, using special instruments and computers. They also study terrain from airplanes and analyze land formations to determine which types of drilling tools to use. Most of these professionals have bachelors' degrees in geology. Some may have master's or doctorate degrees in their particular specialty. They typically get paid annual salaries.
Salary and Benefits
Petroleum geologists earned median salaries of $82,500 per year, according to May 2010 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle 50 percent earned salaries between $57,820 and $115,460 annually. The top 10 percent made more than $160,910 per year. These geology professionals earned average annual salaries of $93,380. Additionally, they may also be eligible for certain benefits such as medical and life insurance, paid time off and various retirement savings plans.
Salary by State
Petroleum geologists' salaries can vary significantly by state. States paying the highest salaries are known for producing large amounts of oil. Those in Oklahoma earned the highest annual salaries at $129,870, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They also earned relatively high salaries in Texas at $125,070 per year. Those in Alaska also earned above-average salaries at $103,880 per year. These workers earned salaries closer to the national average in Colorado at $96,610 per year. Those in Wyoming made only $67,710 per year on average.
Salary by Non-Metropolitan Area
Petroleum geologists' salaries can also vary considerably by certain non-metropolitan or rural areas. Those in southwest Mississippi earned some of the highest annual salaries at $94,900, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics' data. Those in the north coast region of California earn salaries somewhat below the national average at $84,560 per year. These professionals earned even less in northeastern and southeastern Wyoming at $68,140 and $63,970 per year, respectively.
Job Outlook
The number of jobs for geoscientists, including petroleum geologists, is expected to increase 18 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to a December 2009 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rate of growth is considered "faster than average" compared to all other careers. Job growth will primarily be spurred by the energy needs of the U.S. and the countries that use oil produced in this country, including the Netherlands, Mexico, Chile and Canada, according to MsNBC.com.
Tags: annual salaries, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, Petroleum geologists
