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Is Integrated Oil Companies A Good Career Path? (20 Jobs In Integrated Oil Companies: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)

By Di Doherty
Jun. 14, 2022
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Jan. 23, 2026

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Is a Career in Integrated Oil Companies Worth It? (20 Jobs in Integrated Oil Companies: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)

Absolutely, a career in integrated oil companies is a rewarding path. This industry is robust and well-funded, offering a myriad of opportunities for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. Whether you pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce directly, you can secure a well-paying position in this dynamic sector.

Integrated oil companies oversee the entire petroleum supply chain—from exploring for oil deposits to extraction, refining, shipping, and retail. This multifaceted process creates a diverse array of career options across the industry.

Here are 20 promising jobs in integrated oil companies:

  1. Petroleum Engineer Jobs (Overview)

  2. Process Engineer Jobs (Overview)

  3. Mechanical Engineer Jobs (Overview)

  4. Petroleum Geologist Jobs (Overview)

  5. Tool Pusher Jobs (Overview)

  6. Environmental Compliance Specialist Jobs (Overview)

  7. Franchise Owner Jobs (Overview)

  8. Oil Driller Jobs (Overview)

  9. Oil Truck Driver Jobs (Overview)

  10. Petroleum Refinery Operator Jobs (Overview)

  11. Oil Fire Specialist Jobs (Overview)

  12. Floor Hand Jobs (Overview)

  13. Welder Jobs (Overview)

  14. Process Technician Jobs (Overview)

  15. Roustabout Jobs (Overview)

  16. Petroleum Inspector Jobs (Overview)

  17. Safety Officer Jobs (Overview)

  18. Oiler Jobs (Overview)

10 High-Paying Jobs in Integrated Oil Companies

As with almost any industry, advanced education often correlates with higher salaries. Positions that require a degree tend to be less physically demanding, though many roles still necessitate fieldwork.

  1. Petroleum Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $92,000

    Petroleum engineers focus on optimizing extraction methods. They stay updated on emerging technologies to determine their application in current practices. Many also monitor field equipment to ensure proper calibration and maintenance.

    Find Petroleum Engineer jobs near me

  2. Process Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $81,000

    Process engineers focus on refining production techniques in various manufacturing sectors. Their expertise ensures efficiency and compliance with industry standards.

    Find Process Engineer jobs near me

  3. Mechanical Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $79,000

    Mechanical engineers design and maintain machinery critical to the oil and gas industry, continually working on efficiency and safety enhancements.

    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs near me

  4. Petroleum Geologist

    Average Annual Salary: $86,000

    Petroleum geologists analyze geological data to identify potential oil reservoirs, requiring both geological expertise and an understanding of extraction technologies.

    Find Petroleum Geologist jobs near me

  5. Petroleum Analyst

    Average Annual Salary: N/A

    Petroleum analysts focus on data analysis to determine pricing and production costs, ensuring the financial viability of extraction and refinement processes.

  6. Tool Pusher

    Average Annual Salary: $120,000

    This management role oversees all operations on an oil rig, ensuring efficient workflow and safety compliance. It requires extensive experience and reliability.

    Find Tool Pusher jobs near me

  7. Petroleum Landman

    Average Annual Salary: N/A

    Landmen negotiate rights for oil extraction, requiring knowledge of legal regulations and excellent communication skills, particularly in dealings with property owners.

  8. Environmental Compliance Specialist

    Average Annual Salary: $56,000

    These specialists ensure compliance with environmental regulations, necessitating a strong understanding of pertinent laws and safety standards.

    Find Environmental Compliance Specialist jobs near me

  9. Franchise Owner

    Average Annual Salary: $61,000

    Franchise owners operate gas stations under major brands, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship within a regulated framework.

    Find Franchise Owner jobs near me

  10. Oil Driller

    Average Annual Salary: $62,000

    Drillers operate heavy machinery while ensuring crew safety and adherence to operational standards.

    Find Oil Driller jobs near me

The majority of these high-paying positions require higher education and relevant experience, making them competitive. For those looking to enter the industry, consider the following entry-level positions.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Integrated Oil Companies

  1. Oil Truck Driver

    Average Annual Salary: $45,000

    This role requires a commercial driver’s license and involves transporting oil while managing logistical paperwork. Long, irregular hours are common.

    Find Oil Truck Driver jobs near me

  2. Petroleum Refinery Operator

    Average Annual Salary: $43,000

    This position involves operating machinery to refine crude oil into various products. On-the-job training is typically provided.

    Find Petroleum Refinery Operator jobs near me

  3. Oil Fire Specialist

    Average Annual Salary: $46,000

    These specialists tackle oil fires, which require a unique skill set and an understanding of fire safety regulations.

    Find Oil Fire Specialist jobs near me

  4. Floor Hand

    Average Annual Salary: $51,000

    Floor hands assist drillers, performing maintenance and routine checks. This physically demanding role is often a stepping stone into the industry.

    Find Floor Hand jobs near me

  5. Welder

    Average Annual Salary: $38,000

    Welders are crucial in constructing and repairing equipment, particularly in remote offshore locations. Training is often available through vocational programs.

    Find Welder jobs near me

  6. Process Technician

    Average Annual Salary: $37,000

    Process technicians ensure operations run smoothly, requiring attention to detail and the ability to monitor production quality.

    Find Process Technician jobs near me

  7. Roustabout

    Average Annual Salary: $37,000

    Roustabouts perform various unskilled tasks in oil fields, making this a versatile entry-level position.

    Find Roustabout jobs near me

  8. Petroleum Inspector

    Average Annual Salary: $43,000

    Inspectors ensure petroleum quality meets industry standards, requiring attention to detail and compliance knowledge.

    Find Petroleum Inspector jobs near me

  9. Safety Officer

    Average Annual Salary: $53,000

    Safety officers ensure compliance with safety regulations, often requiring a relevant degree and training in safety standards.

    Find Safety Officer jobs near me

  10. Oiler

    Average Annual Salary: $46,000

    Oilers maintain oil machinery, ensuring proper lubrication and basic upkeep to keep operations running smoothly.

    Find Oiler jobs near me

Why Consider a Career in Integrated Oil Companies?

The petroleum industry remains a significant economic force, offering extensive opportunities. Despite ongoing shifts towards renewable energy sources, traditional petroleum products will remain in demand for the foreseeable future. Many skills acquired in this field are transferable to other sectors, enhancing career flexibility.

This industry is challenging, so consider whether you possess the following qualities before pursuing a career in integrated oil companies:

  • You enjoy fieldwork. Even for roles that require analytical skills, like petroleum engineering, fieldwork is often necessary. Direct roles in oil fields involve considerable physical labor.

  • You accept risks for potential rewards. While some careers, like petroleum analysts, are less hazardous, many positions require a willingness to work near heavy machinery or in challenging environments.

  • You prefer working for large organizations. Integrated oil companies typically have a vast corporate structure, which differs significantly from small businesses in terms of culture and operations.

This sector demands resilience and adaptability, but it also offers competitive salaries, even for entry-level positions. If you resonate with these qualities, consider exploring a career in integrated oil companies.

Educational and Certification Requirements for Careers in Integrated Oil Companies

While many roles require only a high school diploma, those interested in engineering or specialized positions should consider pursuing the following degrees:

  • Engineering. A versatile degree that opens doors to various fields, including:

    • Petroleum Engineering. Ideal for aspiring petroleum engineers.

    • Mechanical Engineering. Suitable for future mechanical engineers.

  • Chemistry. Provides opportunities in engineering and inspection roles.

  • Chemical Engineering. Similar benefits as a chemistry degree.

  • Petroleum Technology. Covers equipment and technology used in oil extraction and processing.

  • Mathematics. Particularly useful for analysts and engineering roles.

Certifications vary based on career paths. For instance, safety officers may need specific safety certifications. While many positions do not require certifications, obtaining relevant ones can enhance your career prospects.

What Do Professionals in Integrated Oil Companies Do?

Integrated oil companies manage the entire petroleum lifecycle: extraction, processing, transportation, and sales; thus, employees may engage in any of these processes.

Generally, those without college degrees perform manual labor, including operating machinery, maintenance, and logistics. Conversely, degree holders typically handle strategic planning, equipment design, and process optimization.

In addition, roles in logistics, retail, and transportation are crucial, offering positions such as truck drivers, analysts, or franchise owners. The extensive range of opportunities allows individuals to choose career paths aligned with their interests.

The integrated oil industry is intricate and technical, encompassing various roles from extraction to processing and distribution. The vast array of career options accommodates individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Di Doherty

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.

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