Best institutions to study Petroleum Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of oil and natural gas extraction and processing facilities.
22 U.S. institutions graduated 254 Petroleum Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0903, a specialization of Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.09), and leads most directly to the Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 19-4043).
About Petroleum Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of oil and natural gas extraction and processing facilities. Includes instruction in principles of petroleum extraction and related geology, petroleum field mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, laboratory analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance, environment and safety monitoring procedures for oil/gas fields and facilities, facility inspection procedures, and report preparation.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Petroleum Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support engineers and other professionals in the oil and natural gas industry. Students learn to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in the development and operation of extraction and processing facilities. This program is ideal for those interested in a hands-on career in a vital sector of the economy.
Core coursework includes principles of petroleum extraction, geology, site analysis, instrument calibration, and safety monitoring procedures. Students also gain practical skills in testing, sampling methods, and facility inspection, ensuring they are well-equipped for various roles in the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Petroleum Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree109 graduates / yr · 15 institutions43%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year59 graduates / yr · 7 institutions23%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years45 graduates / yr · 9 institutions18%
- Award of less than 12 weeks39 graduates / yr · 1 institution15%
- Bachelor's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.8%
Graduates over time
Petroleum Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 555 |
| 2013 | 676 |
| 2014 | 912 |
| 2015 | 1,196 |
| 2016 | 1,329 |
| 2017 | 1,013 |
| 2018 | 897 |
| 2019 | 602 |
| 2020 | 579 |
| 2021 | 434 |
| 2022 | 392 |
| 2023 | 407 |
| 2024 | 293 |
| 2025 | 254 |
Top 22 institutions for Petroleum Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicholls State University Thibodaux, LAPublicAssociate'sBachelor's | 40 | 54% | — | $63,555 |
| 2 | Uintah Basin Technical College Roosevelt, UTPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 39 | 86% | — | — |
| 3 | Fletcher Technical Community College Schriever, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 34 | 30% | — | — |
| 4 | Western Texas College Snyder, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 25 | 53% | — | — |
| 5 | Lackawanna College Scranton, PAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 18 | 37% | $25,320 | $63,377 |
| 6 | West Virginia Northern Community College Wheeling, WVPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 18 | 33% | — | — |
| 7 | South Louisiana Community College Lafayette, LAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 30% | — | — |
| 8 | Central Technology Center Drumright, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 85% | — | — |
| 9 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAssociate's | 8 | 17% | — | $47,146 |
| 10 | Lewis and Clark Community College Godfrey, ILPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 7 | 44% | — | $58,787 |
| 11 | Southwest Mississippi Community College Summit, MSPublicAssociate's | 7 | 56% | — | — |
| 12 | Navarro College Corsicana, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 23% | — | — |
| 13 | Stark State College North Canton, OHPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 23% | — | — |
| 14 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Okmulgee, OKPublicAssociate's | 5 | 42% | — | $59,357 |
| 15 | Seward County Community College Liberal, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 50% | — | — |
| 16 | Bismarck State College Bismarck, NDPublicAssociate's | 4 | 47% | — | — |
| 17 | Pierpont Community and Technical College Fairmont, WVPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 4 | 42% | — | — |
| 18 | University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 30% | — | — |
| 19 | Aims Community College Greeley, COPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 40% | — | — |
| 20 | Bossier Parish Community College Bossier City, LAPublicAssociate's | 2 | 15% | — | — |
| 21 | Southeast New Mexico College Carlsbad, NMPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 20% | — | — |
| 22 | The University of Texas Permian Basin Odessa, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 40% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 14 states
Where Petroleum Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 4 | 87 | Nicholls State University40 / yr |
| Texas | 4 | 40 | Western Texas College25 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 39 | Uintah Basin Technical College39 / yr |
| West Virginia | 2 | 22 | West Virginia Northern Community College18 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 18 | Lackawanna College18 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 2 | 14 | Central Technology Center9 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 7 | Lewis and Clark Community College7 / yr |
| Mississippi | 1 | 7 | Southwest Mississippi Community College7 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 5 | Stark State College5 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 4 | Seward County Community College4 / yr |
| North Dakota | 1 | 4 | Bismarck State College4 / yr |
| Alaska | 1 | 3 | University of Alaska Anchorage3 / yr |
| Colorado | 1 | 3 | Aims Community College3 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 1 | Southeast New Mexico College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4043, Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Petroleum Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Geological Technicians or Gas Plant Operators. The job outlook indicates little or no change in growth, with approximately 1,300 annual openings and a median wage of $48,390. Most positions require an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0903
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Techniciansprimary SOC 19-4043 | $53,350 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~1,300 | Associate's degree |
Gas Plant Operators SOC 51-8092 | $87,820 | -8.8% Decline | ~1,300 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Petroleum Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
Tools and technology used
Other Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.09).
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies/
Technicians15.0999
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, or awards ranging from less than 12 weeks to 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, monitoring, writing, and mathematics.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 1,300 annual openings.
What is the median wage for careers in this field?+
The median wage for careers related to Petroleum Technology is approximately $48,390.
What is the CIP code for Petroleum Technology/Technician?+
Petroleum Technology/Technician is CIP 15.0903 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.09). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of oil and natural gas extraction and processing facilities. Includes instruction in principles of petroleum extraction and related geology, petroleum field mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, laboratory analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance, environment and safety monitoring procedures for oil/gas fields and facilities, facility inspection procedures, and report preparation.
How many institutions offer Petroleum Technology/Technician programs?+
22 U.S. institutions reported Petroleum Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 14 states, awarding 254 credentials in the year. That is 80.6% of all Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Petroleum Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians occupation, which Petroleum Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $53,350 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $59,357 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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