21332 – Petroleum engineers
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 2 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 70 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 100 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
Lead statement
Petroleum engineers conduct studies for the exploration, development and extraction of oil and gas deposits; and plan, design, develop and supervise projects for the drilling, completion, testing and re-working of oil and gas wells.
Main duties
- Conduct feasibility assessment studies for developing new oil and gas fields
- Direct and monitor oil and gas drilling operations
- Develop drilling programs, select sites and specify drilling fluids, bit selection, drill stem testing procedures and equipment
- Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing and well surveys
- Design and select artificial lift machinery, and well and surface production equipment and systems, and specify programs for corrosion control and oil or gas treatment
- Develop specifications for and monitor and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery
- Analyze reservoir rock and fluid data to design optimum recovery methods and to predict reservoir performance and reserves
- Monitor and forecast oil and gas reservoir performance and recommend oil recovery techniques which extend the economic life of wells
- Design, develop and coordinate the installation, maintenance and operation of subsea well-head and production equipment.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Example job titles
drilling and recovery chief engineer · chief petroleum engineer · drilling and recovery petroleum engineer · oil and gas drilling engineer · petroleum engineer · oil well logging engineer · mud engineer · natural gas engineer · oil and gas production engineer · petroleum well completion engineer · petroleum production engineer · offshore drilling engineer · subsea engineer · offshore drilling rig subsea equipment engineer · petroleum reservoir engineer · well logging engineer · mud engineer - petroleum drilling · exploitation engineer - oil and gas · exploitation engineer - petroleum
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $46.25 | $64.90 | $96.15 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $38.46 | $60.10 | $72.12 |
| Quebec | $30.79 | $48.18 | $74.25 |
| Ontario | $52.88 | $67.30 | $74.52 |
| Saskatchewan | $52.88 | $67.87 | $92.79 |
| Alberta | $46.67 | $66.35 | $96.15 |
| British Columbia | $40.53 | $55.46 | $82.73 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.