NOC 2021 · 21332 · TEER 1
NOC 21332: Petroleum engineers
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
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. They are employed by petroleum producing companies, consulting companies, well logging or testing companies, government, and research and educational institutions.
TEER
TEER 1
Usually needs a university degree
Median wage (Canada)
$64.90 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 1
+70 CRS for Canadian work, or 100 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 21332 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 21332 is in tier 1 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +70 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 100 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 21332 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following 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.
- Petroleum engineers may specialize in drilling, production, reservoir analysis or subsea operations.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- oil and gas drilling engineer
- oil and gas production engineer
- petroleum engineer
- petroleum reservoir engineer
- petroleum well completion engineer
- subsea engineer
All 19 job titles in NOC 21332
- chief petroleum engineer
- drilling and recovery chief engineer
- drilling and recovery petroleum engineer
- exploitation engineer - oil and gas
- exploitation engineer - petroleum
- mud engineer
- mud engineer - petroleum drilling
- natural gas engineer
- offshore drilling engineer
- offshore drilling rig subsea equipment engineer
- oil and gas drilling engineer
- oil and gas production engineer
- oil well logging engineer
- petroleum engineer
- petroleum production engineer
- petroleum reservoir engineer
- petroleum well completion engineer
- subsea engineer
- well logging engineer
Requirements
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.
Additional information
- There is mobility between petroleum engineering specializations at the less senior levels.
- Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
- Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 21332 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $46.25 | $64.90 | $96.15 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $38.46 | $60.10 | $72.12 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $30.79 | $48.18 | $74.25 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Ontario | $52.88 | $67.30 | $74.52 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $52.88 | $67.87 | $92.79 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $46.67 | $66.35 | $96.15 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $40.53 | $55.46 | $82.73 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan.
GoodNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Good for petroleum engineers (NOC 21332) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Offshore oil and gas companies and firms that provide service to the industry are the main source of employment for this occupation. Given the specific post-secondary requirements associated with this occupation, the pool of candidates vying for openings would likely be relatively small.
Here are some key facts about petroleum engineers in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Petroleum engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 59%
Support activities for mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 213): 19%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 18%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
74% of petroleum engineers work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of petroleum engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 74% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 26% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 76% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Good for petroleum engineers (NOC 21332) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about petroleum engineers in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Petroleum engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 56%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 21%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 11%
Utilities (NAICS 22): 7%
Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 6%
86% of petroleum engineers work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
6% of petroleum engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 83% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 17% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 65% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 30% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for petroleum engineers (NOC 21332) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about petroleum engineers in Ontario:
Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Petroleum engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 28%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 22%
Petroleum and coal product manufacturing (NAICS 324): 17%
Utilities (NAICS 22): 8%
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 7%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
71% of petroleum engineers work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
11% of petroleum engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 87% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 13% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 55% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 41% compared to 13% for all occupations
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for petroleum engineers (NOC 21332) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about petroleum engineers in Manitoba:
Less than 500 people work in this occupation.
Petroleum engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer, electronic and electrical product manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 18%
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 75% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for petroleum engineers (NOC 21332) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about petroleum engineers in Alberta:
Approximately 11,350 people work in this occupation.
Petroleum engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 60%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 16%
Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 8%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 91% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 9% compared to 20% for all occupations
73% of petroleum engineers work all year, while 27% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
13% of petroleum engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 82% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 18% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 68% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 28% compared to 9% for all occupations
LimitedBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Limited for petroleum engineers (NOC 21332) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment opportunities for engineers continue to be strong across multiple sectors (for example IT, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, utilities, construction).
The high level of technical knowledge required for this occupation makes recruitment difficult.
Here are some key facts about petroleum engineers in British Columbia:
Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Petroleum engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 38%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 35%
Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 18%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 83% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 17% compared to 22% for all occupations
52% of petroleum engineers work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
27% of petroleum engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 87% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 13% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 56% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 35% compared to 12% for all occupations
UndeterminedPrince Edward Island
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNova Scotia
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNew Brunswick
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedQuebec
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 21332 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
Questions
NOC 21332: common questions
What is the NOC code for petroleum engineers?
What TEER category is NOC 21332?
Is NOC 21332 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 21332 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 21332 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 21332 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 2Natural and applied sciences and related occupationsBroad Category
- 21Professional occupations in natural and applied sciencesMajor Group
- 213Professional occupations in engineeringSub-major Group
- 2133Natural resources engineersMinor Group
- 21332Petroleum engineers
Enquiry
Is NOC 21332 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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