SOC 17-2171
Petroleum Engineers
Risk Score
⚠️36/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥18,970
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$141K
$79K – $229K
Projected Growth
📈+1.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖80/100
High exposure
💡 Petroleum Engineers face a risk score of 36/100 — 8 points below the national average of 44. With 80/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $141K ($95K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions offer lower AI risk while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 36/100, Petroleum Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai coding assistants reducing developer demand are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 18,970 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in client communication and technical consultation and cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Petroleum Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
AI coding assistants reducing developer demand
Robotic inspection and testing automation
AI-powered research and literature review tools
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Client communication and technical consultation
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
Safety-critical judgment in design review
On-site problem-solving in variable physical conditions
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 72% |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 34 | $155K | 79% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 79% |