- Energy
- Is Energy A Good Career Path
- Is Natural Gas Distribution A Good Career Path
- Is Electric Utilities Central A Good Career Path
- Is Oil & Gas Production A Good Career Path
- Is Power Generation A Good Career Path
- Is Integrated Oil Companies A Good Career Path
- Is Coal Mining A Good Career Path
- Jobs Available In Public Utilities
- Jobs Available In Natural Gas Distribution
- What Do Public Utilities Jobs Pay
Is Oil and Gas Production a Good Career Path? (20 Jobs in Oil and Gas Production: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)
The oil and gas production industry remains one of the largest sectors in the United States and globally. It offers a diverse array of skilled jobs, catering to both degree holders and those entering the workforce directly. Whether you’re considering advanced education or diving straight into a career, oil and gas production presents numerous opportunities.
Here are 20 Great Jobs in Oil and Gas Production
The oil and gas production process is intricate, involving various stages from extraction to refinement, and even exploration. This complexity creates a wide array of roles within the industry, attracting individuals from diverse educational backgrounds.
10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Oil and Gas Production
Like many industries, higher salaries in oil and gas production are often associated with advanced education. While this is not universally true, many of the best-paying jobs require at least a college degree.
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Average Annual Salary: $103,000
Natural gas traders monitor the commodities market, making trades based on production and projected demand. They must balance purchasing amounts to avoid excess inventory while securing the best possible prices for their clients.
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Average Annual Salary: $92,000
Petroleum engineers develop strategies to efficiently extract oil and gas while staying updated on emerging technologies and techniques in the field. Some are also tasked with monitoring and maintaining extraction equipment.
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Average Annual Salary: $81,000
Although not exclusive to oil and gas, process engineers focus on improving manufacturing processes. They must understand their specific industry and the processing techniques involved.
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Average Annual Salary: $79,000
Mechanical engineers are essential in oil and gas production, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of heavy machinery used throughout the industry.
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Average Annual Salary: $86,000
Petroleum geologists assess geological formations to identify potential oil and gas reserves and evaluate their accessibility. They must possess strong geological knowledge along with an understanding of extraction equipment.
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Petroleum Analyst
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Petroleum analysts focus on the financial aspects of the industry, analyzing costs related to extraction and refining to determine pricing strategies that maintain profitability.
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Average Annual Salary: $78,000
Natural gas engineers share responsibilities similar to petroleum engineers but specialize in the extraction and management of natural gas, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
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Average Annual Salary: $120,000
As a management position, tool pushers oversee rig operations and personnel, ensuring equipment functionality and smooth workflow. Their high level of responsibility comes with a corresponding salary.
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Average Annual Salary: $69,000
Landmen negotiate the rights to extract oil from properties, requiring knowledge of regulations and land management while also possessing strong negotiation skills.
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Environmental Compliance Specialist
Average Annual Salary: $56,000
Environmental compliance specialists ensure adherence to environmental regulations, requiring knowledge of relevant laws and chemical safety standards.
Most of these positions necessitate a college education and industry experience, contributing to their higher salaries and competitive nature. For those looking to break into the industry, entry-level roles can provide a viable start.
10 Entry-Level Jobs in Oil and Gas Production
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Average Annual Salary: $45,000
Oil truck drivers require a commercial driver’s license and must manage paperwork and perform basic maintenance. The role often demands irregular hours, which can be challenging for some.
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Average Annual Salary: $43,000
Petroleum refinery operators manage machinery that refines petroleum into products like gasoline and oils. The role typically requires on-the-job training and does not necessitate a college degree.
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Average Annual Salary: $46,000
Oil fire specialists are trained firefighters who handle oil and gas fires, which pose unique challenges compared to other types of fires. They must be well-versed in safety regulations and fire prevention techniques.
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Average Annual Salary: $51,000
Floor hands assist drillers with routine checks and maintenance. This physically demanding role provides an entry point into the industry for those willing to work hard and endure challenging conditions.
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Average Annual Salary: $38,000
Welders play a crucial role in oil fields, often working on offshore rigs where their skills are in high demand. Training is available through trade schools and vocational programs.
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Average Annual Salary: $37,000
Process technicians ensure that manufacturing processes run efficiently, performing maintenance and quality testing to optimize production.
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Average Annual Salary: $37,000
Roustabouts perform various duties in oil fields, primarily unskilled labor, including maintenance and supply management, providing a versatile entry-level role.
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Average Annual Salary: $43,000
Petroleum inspectors check that products meet industry standards, a role that may not require extensive prior experience, but attention to detail is crucial.
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Average Annual Salary: $53,000
Safety officers are responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards, typically requiring a degree in a related field. This role is critical in the oil and gas industry where safety concerns are paramount.
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Average Annual Salary: $46,000
Oilers, also referred to as greasers, are responsible for lubricating machinery and performing basic maintenance, essential for ensuring the longevity of equipment used in oil and gas production.
Why Choose a Career in Oil and Gas Production?
The oil and gas sector is a major player in the global economy, presenting numerous opportunities for career growth. While there are ongoing efforts to transition away from fossil fuels, the demand for petroleum products and natural gas continues to be significant.
Before pursuing a career in this field, consider whether you possess the following traits:
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Enjoy hands-on experiences. Many roles, including those in petroleum engineering, often require fieldwork in oil production environments, exposing you to physical labor.
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Comfortable in large companies. The majority of oil corporations are sizable entities, which offers a different culture compared to smaller organizations.
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Not risk-averse. While some roles like petroleum analysts may be less dangerous, many positions involve manual labor and working near heavy machinery.
This industry can be demanding and comes with inherent risks. However, the compensation reflects these challenges, with many jobs providing a lucrative income, even for those with only a high school diploma. If you identify with these characteristics, a career in oil and gas production may be a suitable choice for you.
Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Oil and Gas Production
While many positions in oil and gas only require a high school diploma or GED, certain roles, especially in engineering and specialized fields, necessitate advanced degrees:
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Engineering. A broad degree that opens up various career paths, including:
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Petroleum Engineering. Ideal for those seeking a career as a petroleum or natural gas engineer.
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Mechanical Engineering. Suitable for those interested in becoming mechanical engineers.
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Chemistry. A versatile degree that can lead to roles as a petroleum engineer, process engineer, or inspector.
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Chemical Engineering. Similar opportunities as with a chemistry degree.
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Petroleum Technology. Focuses on heavy equipment and the technology used in extraction and processing.
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Mathematics. Beneficial for aspiring analysts or engineers.
Certifications vary based on career interests. For example, safety officers may pursue numerous safety certifications. While not mandatory for many roles, obtaining certifications relevant to your specialization can enhance your career prospects.
Is Oil and Gas Production a Good Career Path?
Yes, oil and gas production remains an excellent career choice. This thriving industry offers a wealth of opportunities, whether you pursue higher education or prefer entry-level roles.
If you’re interested in working in a sector with tangible impacts on the economy and daily life, the petroleum industry certainly fits that description. We rely on petroleum and natural gas for various essential functions, including transportation, heating, and powering numerous products.
For individuals ready to work hard and embrace manual tasks, this industry presents a promising career path. The challenges faced in oil and gas production come with corresponding rewards, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for those who succeed.
- Energy
- Is Energy A Good Career Path
- Is Natural Gas Distribution A Good Career Path
- Is Electric Utilities Central A Good Career Path
- Is Oil & Gas Production A Good Career Path
- Is Power Generation A Good Career Path
- Is Integrated Oil Companies A Good Career Path
- Is Coal Mining A Good Career Path
- Jobs Available In Public Utilities
- Jobs Available In Natural Gas Distribution
- What Do Public Utilities Jobs Pay
Author
Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.
