Drilling Engineer vs Operations Engineer

Side-by-side career comparison in oil & gas

Drilling Engineer Operations Engineer
Average Salary Not listed $70,000 - $80,000
BLS Median $130,850 (BLS median) N/A
Open Positions 12 7
Education B.S. in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field B.S. in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering
Key Certifications
PE License (recommended) IWCF Well Control OSHA 30-Hour
Well Control Certification OSHA
Top Skills
Top Hiring Companies
Experience Levels Senior Level: 3, Entry Level: 8, Intern: 1 Entry Level: 7
Career Path Entry Level → Mid Level → Senior → Lead/Principal View full career path → Entry Level → Mid Level → Senior → Lead/Principal View full career path →

Which Is Right for You?

Choose Drilling Engineer if you...

  • Have a background in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
  • Are interested in drilling and related technologies
  • Want to work at companies like WhatJobs Direct
Browse 12 Drilling Engineer jobs →

Choose Operations Engineer if you...

  • Have a background in Engineering (various disciplines)
  • Are interested in python and related technologies
  • Want to work at companies like SpaceX
Browse 7 Operations Engineer jobs →

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