Fast Track Your Career in Australia as a Petroleum Engineer
Secure your Australia PR Visa faster as a Petroleum Engineer with a 100% EA-approved CDR report. Get expert help now and maximise your chances of success!
Petroleum Engineer (ANZSCO 233612)
Petroleum Engineers are responsible for planning and overseeing the engineering processes involved in locating and extracting petroleum and natural gas resources from the earth. Their duties include designing and developing wells, as well as managing drilling, completion, and production operations to ensure optimal performance.
Petroleum Engineers prioritise operational efficiency, safety protocols, and the minimisation of environmental impact throughout all stages of oil and gas production. They collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to implement innovative technologies and best practices that drive sustainable resource development.
Key Responsibilities of a Petroleum Engineer
- Conduct reservoir evaluations and analyse geological data
- Design and develop oil and gas wells
- Manage drilling, completion, and production operations
- Optimise production techniques and processes
- Monitor and maintain well performance and reservoir productivity
- Implement safety measures to ensure the protection of personnel and the environment
- Collaborate with geoscientists and other professionals to assess reservoir potential
- Perform economic evaluations and cost analysis for drilling and production projects
- Identify and address operational challenges and troubleshoot technical issues
Specialisation
- Mud Engineer
- Petrophysical Engineer
ANZSCO Structure
| Major Group | Sub-Major Group | Minor Group | Unit Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 - Professionals | 23 - Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals | 233 - Engineering Professionals | 2336 - Mining Engineer |
Job Outlook
| WEEKLY EARNINGS | $3118 AUD |
| WORK FULL TIME HOURS | 93% |
| GROWTH EXCEPTED IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS | Strong |
| GENDER SHARE | 17% FEMALE |
| AVERAGE FULL-TIME | 48 Hours |
| SKILL LEVEL RATING | Very High Skills |
| AVERAGE AGE | Males: 38.2, Females: 33.2, Persons: 37.3 |
| EMPLOYED | 2600 |
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 233411 Electronics Engineers – Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2016
Average Salary:
Petroleum Engineers in Australia earn an average of AUD $134,000, and in New Zealand, it is NZD $195,000, depending on location, experience, and sector.
Source: Salary figures are based on 2024–2025 data sourced from SEEK data.
Required Skill Level for Petroleum Engineer Migration
Skill level: 1
An entry-level position for a Petroleum Engineer is classified as Indicative Skill Level 1 under the ANZSCO skill level framework. At this level, individuals operate under close supervision, performing routine and well-defined tasks within the petroleum engineering field.
Candidates at Indicative Skill Level 1 are expected to possess foundational knowledge and practical skills relevant to petroleum engineering, enabling them to contribute effectively while developing their expertise.
Skill Assessment Authority
For Australia
In Australia, Engineers Australia serves as the official Skills Assessment Authority for Petroleum Engineers. Through a comprehensive Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) assessment, Engineers Australia rigorously evaluates whether an applicant’s engineering qualifications and professional experience meet Australian standards.
For New Zealand
In New Zealand, Engineering New Zealand assesses the skills, qualifications, and experience of Petroleum Engineers who wish to migrate to New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Skill Priority in 2023
The Skills Priority List (SPL) provides a detailed view of occupations that are facing a shortage at a national level and within different states and territories in Australia. It also gives information about the expected future demand for different professions.
- S: Shortage
- NS: No Shortage
- R: Regional Shortage
| National | NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT | ACT | Future Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | At Economy-Wide Average |
Potential Visa Pathways for Petroleum Engineer ANZSCO Code 233612
| ANZSCO | OCCUPATION | SKILLS ASSESSMENT | 189 | 190 | 485 | 491 (STATE) | 491 (FAMILY) | 186 (DIRECT) | 407 (TRAINING) | 494 (REGIONAL SPONSORED) | 482 (TSS MEDIUM TERM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 233612 | Petroleum Engineers | Engineers Australia |  | | | | | | | | |
2022/12/08 Round Results
| Lowest Points Score Invited subclass 189 (Points-tested stream) | Lowest Points Score Invited Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored Regional) |
|---|---|
| Offshore: 90 | Offshore: N/A |
| Onshore: 85 | Onshore: N/A |
2022/10/06 Round Results
| Lowest Points Score Invited subclass 189 (Points-tested stream) | Lowest Points Score Invited Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored Regional) |
|---|---|
| Offshore: 65 | Offshore: 80 |
| Onshore: N/A | Onshore: N/A |
Unit Group 2336: Petroleum Engineer
Occupations in Unit Group 2336
- Mining Engineer 233611
- Petroleum Engineer 233612
The ANZSCO Unit Group 2336 encompasses “Mining Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, and Related Professionals.” This classification includes experts responsible for the planning, design, development, and management of mining and petroleum extraction operations.
These professionals oversee the efficient extraction, processing, and refinement of minerals, metals, and petroleum resources, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
English Requirement
| ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST | MINIMUM REQUIRED SCORE |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall 6.0, with no band score below 6.0 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | B |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 23, Overall: 93 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall score of at least 65, with a minimum score of 50 in writing, reading, listening, and 65 in speaking |
Exceptions
- Senior-level positions in Petroleum Engineering typically require an advanced degree in Petroleum Engineering or a closely related field.
- Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience within the oil and gas industry, reflecting a thorough understanding of established practices and regulatory standards.
- Professional certifications, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng), are often prerequisites for these roles.
- Furthermore, specialised expertise in disciplines such as drilling, production, or reservoir engineering may be essential depending on the employer’s specific needs.
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What are the responsibilities of Petroleum Engineers?
Petroleum Engineers design and develop methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They analyse data, conduct reservoir evaluations, and oversee drilling and production operations.
What qualifications are required to become a Petroleum Engineer?
A bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field is typically required. Some senior-level positions may require a higher degree. Relevant work experience in the oil and gas industry is also beneficial.
What key skills are important for Petroleum Engineers?
Key skills include knowledge of reservoir engineering, drilling techniques, production optimisation, and proficiency in data analysis. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills are also vital.
Where can Petroleum Engineers find employment?
They can work in oil and gas extraction companies, energy consulting firms, research organisations, and government agencies. Their work involves exploration projects, production operations, reservoir management, and more.
What influences the demand for Petroleum Engineers?
The global energy industry influences demand. Market fluctuations can impact job prospects, but the need for skilled professionals in oil and gas exploration and production is expected to continue due to ongoing energy demands.
