The oil industry is prosperous and has contributed to the creation of many millionaires in the world today. The industry is on a constant lookout for professionals and qualified people to hire. If you want to start your career path as a geological and petroleum technician, you must first consider where, how, and what to learn.

This article teaches you how to become a geological and petroleum technician, what type of degree you should obtain, and the average cost of tuition you can expect. Aside from general information, this article provides a step-by-step guide to launching a career in the oil industry.

A geological and petroleum technician is a professional who discovers and analyzes mineral and valuable resources using surface analysis techniques. These technicians are trained to direct oil extraction processes and other natural resources.

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You can attend different types of schools to jumpstart your way to becoming a geological and petroleum technician. All options will equip you with the fundamental skills you’ll need to break into the field. Note that you’ll need to at least have a high school diploma to qualify for any of these schools.

Below are the best education tracks to become a geological and petroleum technician. Some options are better than others depending on your resources, time, and preferences.

At the very least, you’ll need to have an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Petroleum Technology, Geology, or any related field to become a professional geological and petroleum technician. To get one, you need to attend a community college.

A community college is many people’s first choice to learn about this field. This is because a community college generally costs less than attending a university. The shortness of the programs a community college offers also makes it easier for you to get your foot in the job market as soon as possible.

Community college courses take approximately two years to complete. You can work as an entry-level petroleum technician after you receive your associate’s degree. That said, some employers may require further education.

If you want a complete academic path, you can start a bachelor’s degree at any university that offers programs in petroleum technology or geology. Many companies require you to have a bachelor’s degree so this path is something you should strongly consider.

You will learn professional skills and have experience in internships. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, you can start a master’s degree to be a specialist in any area of ​​the oil industry or mineral extraction.

If you have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, your next goal may be a doctoral degree. This is the last and most crucial academic title. A doctoral degree makes you a qualified researcher, professor, and expert for any job in the petroleum industry. You can take any of the three options at a traditional university or online college.

This career is exclusive to universities and community colleges. However, many courses and conferences cover oil, minerals, and the extraction of natural resources. These courses are widely available online.

Below are the five steps to pursuing a career as a geological and petroleum technician. Note that these steps are not set in stone and only pertain to the steps you can take should you choose a traditional learning path.

To work in any oil company as a petroleum technician, you must be an expert in geology and earth sciences. Below are the essential skills you need to master.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), geological and petroleum technicians earn a median salary of around $50,600, which is equivalent to around $24 per hour. The bottom 10 percent earners make around $28,000 while the top 10 percent earners pocket as high as $109,000.

BLS also reports a five percent increase in employment in the field by 2029.

You’ll need at least an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree to land an entry-level role as a geological and petroleum technician. Most technicians at this level have an associate degree from a community college, a prerequisite for joining any company.

You must have theoretical and practical knowledge of geology and science-related technology to get an entry-level job in this field. Be sure to hone your communication, analysis, and physical skills. The average salary of an entry-level geological and petroleum technician is $48,210, according to ZipRecruiter.

The fundamental task of a geological and petroleum technician is to put theoretical knowledge into practice. Not all companies have the same work schedule for their technicians. That said, below are the most common tasks for a geological and petroleum technician.

To qualify for a geological and petroleum technician role, some employers may require you to have a license or certification. To earn a professional certification, you’ll typically need to sit a practical exam or assessment. If you pass, the certification verifies your proficiency in the assessed skill.

The OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) offers a special certification for professionals who work in hazardous spaces. High-risk activities at work require special skills. In this OSHA program, you will learn how to prevent injuries and illnesses that are likely to occur from exposure to toxic substances.

This includes being knowledgeable about the legal and safety standards that need to be adhered to when working in these types of spaces.

To get hired for a geological and petroleum technician job, you’ll need to ace your job interview. Job interviews help companies get to know you and evaluate your professional skills and performance.

Below you will see the most common questions in job interviews for geological and petroleum technicians.

The time it takes you to become a geological and petroleum technician depends on your level of commitment and availability.
If you want to be an entry-level technician, you will need two to four years of postsecondary training at a community college to get an associate’s degree. This option allows you to enter many companies and have your first professional experience.

If you want to further your knowledge and boost your job prospects, choose a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Technology, Geology, or Applied Science. This option requires four to five years at a university.

It’s not a bad idea. The oil and gas field is growing despite the boom in the electrical industry. The US is the largest oil producer in the world, extracting about 17 million barrels per day, according to Statista. Thanks to the stability of this industry, job opportunities in this field are promising.