Also called: Mud Engineer
Mixes and tests the special 'mud' that keeps an oil well from blowing out.
Mud engineers test drilling fluid every few hours, adjust its weight and chemistry, and keep a well stable as the drill goes deeper.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in chemistry, chemical, or petroleum engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Petroleum Engineering.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Automated mud sensors test fluids continuously; on-site experts still adjust chemistry and keep wells stable.
Classes: AP Chemistry, Physics, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2171.
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