Petroleum Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals entering the energy sector, this program equips students with foundational engineering principles and hands-on technical expertise essential for supporting the safe and efficient operation of oil and natural gas extraction and processing systems. Graduates gain the practical knowledge needed to contribute effectively within complex field environments, from initial site evaluation to ongoing operational monitoring and compliance.
- Petroleum extraction principles: Core concepts governing the recovery of crude oil and natural gas from subsurface reservoirs, including drive mechanisms and production strategies.
- Applied geology for hydrocarbons: Understanding subsurface rock formations, stratigraphy, and depositional environments critical to identifying viable reservoirs.
- Petroleum field mapping and site analysis: Techniques for interpreting geological and geophysical data to assess field potential and plan infrastructure deployment.
- Sampling and testing methodologies: Standardized procedures for collecting and analyzing fluid and rock samples to evaluate reservoir properties and production quality.
- Instrument calibration and maintenance: Ensuring accuracy and reliability of measurement devices used in real-time monitoring of pressure, flow, and composition.
- Laboratory analysis protocols: Hands-on training in conducting chemical and physical tests on hydrocarbon samples to determine composition, viscosity, and contamination levels.
- Test equipment operation: Proficiency in using specialized tools and systems for downhole testing, pressure monitoring, and diagnostic evaluations.
- Environmental and safety compliance procedures: Frameworks for minimizing ecological impact and maintaining operational safety across drilling, production, and processing stages.
- Facility inspection techniques: Systematic evaluation of equipment, piping, and structural components to ensure integrity and regulatory adherence.
- Technical report preparation: Developing clear, accurate documentation of field data, inspection findings, and operational performance for engineering and management review.
Petroleum Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Petroleum Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Petroleum Technology degrees, including Gas Plant Operators and Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 25,620 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Plant Operators 51-8092 | $83,400 | $59,040 - $109,350 | 15,910 | $40.10 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians 19-4043 | $48,390 | $32,830 - $92,210 | 9,710 | $23.27 |
Petroleum Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $56,660 in Alabama to $107,400 in Connecticut—a 90% difference. The highest-paying states include Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 25,620 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Petroleum Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 28 institutions offering Petroleum Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Petroleum Technology is found at Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) (82 graduates), Fletcher Technical Community College (31 graduates), Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) (22 graduates), Nicholls State University (22 graduates), and Lackawanna College (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 294 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) |
Residency
|
82 | Roosevelt, Utah | Public | ubtech.edu |
| Fletcher Technical Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | Schriever, Louisiana | Public | fletcher.edu |
| Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
22 | Godfrey, Illinois | Public | lc.edu |
| Nicholls State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
22 | Thibodaux, Louisiana | Public | nicholls.edu |
| Lackawanna College |
Associate's
|
12 | Scranton, Pennsylvania | Private | lackawanna.edu |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin |
Other Award
|
12 | Odessa, Texas | Public | utpb.edu |
| South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | solacc.edu |
| Stark State College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) |
Associate's
|
9 | Okmulgee, Oklahoma | Public | osuit.edu |
| Central Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Drumright, Oklahoma | Public | centraltech.edu |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College (PCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Fairmont, West Virginia | Public | pierpont.edu |
| Houston Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Houston, Texas | Public | hccs.edu |
| West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Wheeling, West Virginia | Public | wvncc.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Seward County Community College (SCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Liberal, Kansas | Public | sccc.edu |
| Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI) |
Associate's
|
6 | Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania | Public | cpi.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
5 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| Western Texas College (WTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Snyder, Texas | Public | wtc.edu |
| Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Summit, Mississippi | Public | smcc.edu |
| Williston State College (WSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | Williston, North Dakota | Public | willistonstate.edu |
| Bismarck State College (BSC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Public | bismarckstate.edu |
| Coastal Bend College (CBC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Beeville, Texas | Public | coastalbend.edu |
| Navarro College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
3 | Corsicana, Texas | Public | navarrocollege.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Associate's
|
2 | Bradford, Pennsylvania | Public | upb.pitt.edu |
| Aims Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | aims.edu |
| Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Bossier City, Louisiana | Public | bpcc.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Rock Springs, Wyoming | Public | westernwyoming.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Petroleum Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Petroleum Technology degree?
Salaries for Petroleum Technology graduates vary by role and location. Gas Plant Operators earn a median of $83,400 annually, while Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians earn around $48,390. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Connecticut average $107,400 compared to $56,660 in Alabama. Approximately 25,620 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Petroleum Technology programs?
Currently 28 accredited institutions offer Petroleum Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) (82 graduates), Fletcher Technical Community College (31 graduates), and Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) (22 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Petroleum Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 321 in 2010 to a peak of 579 in 2020, before declining slightly to 294 in 2023-24. This represents a 8% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Petroleum Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Gas Plant Operators, Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 25,620 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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