Last Updated on August 29, 2022 by
Jobs in oil and gas industry are increasing rapidly after the pandemic. More people seek various opportunities in this field, including white-collar and labor jobs. However, getting a job in the oil industry is not as easy as you think. You must pursue a relevant degree and undergo rigorous training to work in this field.
If you are interested in building a career in the oil and gas sector, read this article to find the best and highest paying jobs in oil and gas industry in 2022.
What Are Oil Field Jobs?
Oil field jobs involve locating, transporting, refining, collecting, or selling crude oil, petroleum, or natural gas. Several entry-level, mid-level, and executive-level opportunities exist in this field. Most individuals working in the oil and gas industry are interested in chemistry, mechanics, engineering, etc.
Highest Paying Jobs In Oil & Gas Production
The oil and gas industry offers various high-paying jobs and attracts talent from all over the world. You can apply for entry-level positions in this sector without experience. But if you want a high-paying job, you need a degree and work experience.
Below is our list of the best-paying jobs in oil and gas industry.
1. Project Manager
Project managers are amongst the highest paying jobs in oil and gas industry. Managers are responsible for ensuring that the entire project from start to finish is completed as defined.
They need to manage the budget so that the project completes within the allotted budget, determine the project’s scope, communicate with the upper management about the progress, and address the risks involved.
2. Drilling Supervisor
The drilling supervisor is in charge of monitoring and supervising the gas and oil wells during drill operations. They work with the management team to plan the project’s operation. Drilling supervisors are also responsible for the operations, maintenance, and safety while drilling sites.
They obtain necessary permits, find the best drilling methods depending on the sites, execute drilling operations, and review the budgets for the project.
3. Construction Manager
With a national average salary of $82,000, construction managers are the best paying jobs in oil and gas industry. Construction managers are responsible for constructing sites based on the HSE requirements and schedule.
They train and hire construction workers, manage projects to ensure the project completes within the budget and schedule, propose changes, and ensure the project completes depending on the proposed construction changes.
Overall, construction managers control construction projects, review progress reports and complete the project while ensuring safety measures.
4. Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum geologists search for and discover oil and gas deposits within the earth. They use geological methods to determine which sites companies should drill for oil and gas production and recommend the best drilling methods depending on the region.
Petroleum geologists must use various drilling equipment and instruments to obtain the surface data. The average petroleum geologist salary is nearly $68,000 per year, making it one of the best-paying jobs in oil and gas industry.
To become a petroleum geologist, you must pursue a bachelor’s degree in geosciences.
5. Geophysicist
Geophysicists are professionals that study the earth and its gravitational field to find resources like oil, gas, minerals, groundwater, etc. They work in all sectors at oil and gas companies, including drilling engineers, reservoir engineering, exploration, production, etc.
They are generally responsible for land-based projects and focus on survey design and data analysis.
6. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineer jobs are amongst the highest paying jobs in oil and gas industry, with an average salary of $71,000 per year. Mechanical engineers assist in plant design, development, installation, and maintenance.
They ensure the oil and gas equipment’s safety, quality, and sustainability. Mechanical engineers also look after plant equipment failures in the oil gas industry and generate some high paying jobs in metal fabrication.
7. HSE Manager
Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) managers are important employees within the gas production and oil industry. They develop and implement organizational safety programs, review and update HSE policies, and create precautionary measures.
HSE managers are also responsible for ensuring the employee’s safety at the oil field and processing plants.
8. Excavating Engineer
Excavating engineer jobs are one of the highest paying jobs in oil and gas industry, with an average salary of $155,000 per year. The Excavating engineer handles staff and assesses and maintains the oil wells.
They ensure safety measures are implemented while drilling and during gas extraction. They also carry out the financial and technical operations for drilling.
9. Project Engineer
A project engineer is a professional that ensures that the project is completed securely. They are responsible for handling major maintenance projects’ design, construction, and budget. They also monitor the project progress for upper management and stakeholders.
Project engineers spend most of their time at the site to ensure no errors occur during the project execution.
10. Production Engineer
Production engineers are in charge of selecting and designing the well equipment after oil and gas production. They regularly monitor the well to ensure it is commercially feasible and efficient.
Production engineers are also responsible for designing, implementing new processes, and improvising existing processes to improve the efficiency of the product. They even suggest changes in the equipment when a problem is encountered.
11. Gas Plant Operator
Gas plant operators oversee and supervise the operations of industrial plants. It is one of the best-paying jobs in oil and gas industry, with annual pay of $51,000. Gas plant operators process and distribute gas for utility companies via compressors which maintain the pressure of pipelines.
You need to hold a high school diploma and get on-the-job training to become a gas plant operator.
12. Well Testers
Well testers evaluate and assess oil pipelines for stability and risk level predictions during development. They use surface and subsurface tools to determine the risk levels. Well tester jobs are in high demand and can be pursued by individuals with a high school diploma. Most companies also provide onsite training.
13. Chemical Engineer
With an annual salary of $80,000, chemical engineer jobs are the best paying jobs in oil and gas sector. Chemical engineers perform various tests and evaluations to ensure companies use proper equipment and materials to turn crude oil into petroleum and other useable materials.
Chemical engineers work with engineers and scientists to ensure the safe storage and transformation of raw oil materials. You can become a chemical engineer with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a relevant course
14. Petroleum Sales Representative
Petroleum sales representative jobs require professionals to sell the finished products and goods to other whole or retail businesses, manufacturers, etc. These people need to have extensive knowledge of the oil gas industry and excellent communication skills.
You can also become a petroleum sales representative by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, or business.
15. Vessel Manager
Vessel manager jobs are amongst the best paying jobs in oil gas sector for those interested in working in the field. Vessel managers oversee and ensure safe offshore drilling operations on oil and petroleum vessels.
They also train members, supervise drill operations, and ensure safety during the operation at gas stations. You can become a vessel manager with a bachelor’s degree in natural science or fleet management training courses.
16. HR Advisor
Human resource professionals are required in every industry, including the oil gas sector. HR advisors are responsible for improvising the relations between the employees and company management.
They review and update job descriptions, execute interviews for new hires, update company policies, and conduct performance evaluations. HR advisors also solve conflicts between the management and employees.
17. Lease Operator
Lease operators are responsible for ensuring that the oil and gas transported to and from the oil and gas deposits, drilling sites, and gas stations reach the destination safely without errors.
They check the delivery vehicles for cracks, damage, or loose fittings and coordinate with crude oil drivers for safe transportation of oil gas.
What Is The Salary Of Working In Oil Fields?
The salary of jobs in oil and gas sector varies depending on the job role and seniority level. However, the average salary for most positions is around $100,000 a year. Additionally, employees receive bonuses and other employment perks from companies.
What Are The Educational Requirements For An Oil & Gas Production Job?
The educational requirements for gas jobs vary depending on the position. For instance, petroleum engineers need to have a bachelor’s in petroleum engineering, while chemical engineers need a bachelor’s in chemical engineering. Likewise, most gas jobs require you to complete an undergraduate or graduate studies.
Additionally, prior work experience in a relevant field can be helpful.
How To Find The Best-Paying Jobs In Oil & Gas Production?
The best method to look for high-paying gas production jobs is through online job portals. Online job portals provide access to job openings from various industries, and you can also filter the results based on your preferences. Some popular job search sites include Indeed, ZipRecruiter, CareerBuilder, Monster, etc.
How Many Jobs Are Available In Oil & Gas Production?
The oil gas production sector is booming after the pandemic. As per recent statistics, the industry offers more than 10.3 million jobs in the US.
Best Oilfield Companies to Work for
Various companies recruit talents in the oil gas sector. However, the best oilfield companies include:
- Saudi Aramco
- Royal Dutch Shell
- BP
- Chevron
- Marathon
- TotalEnergies
- PetroChina
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Highest Paying Job In The Oil And Gas Industry?
The highest paying job in the gas sector is a petroleum geologist, with a yearly pay of $161,946.
Which Oil Company Pays The Best?
PetroChina Limited is one of the highest-paying companies in the gas sector. The company is also one of the largest oil industries worldwide. Other companies that pay well include Chevron, Saudi Aramco, Royal Dutch Shell, etc.
Do Oilfield Workers Make Good Money?
Yes, oilfield workers earn a good income. They also get various company benefits, bonuses, and perks.
How Much Do Roughnecks Make?
Roughneck workers make $68,380 per year roughly. However, the pay varies depending on the seniority level and position. Besides, Roughnecks also have to work long hours and help in various drilling and maintenance work.
High Paying Oil Jobs with No Experience
While most oil gas sector jobs require experienced employees, you can still get gas jobs without experience. Some positions that hire candidates without experience include truck drivers, welders, testers, operator assistants, line assistants, etc.
Highest Paying Oil Field Jobs in Texas
Texas’s highest paying oil field job opportunities include petroleum geologists, petroleum engineers, and gas plant operator jobs.
How Much Do Oil Field Jobs Pay in Texas?
The average salary of Texas workers in the oil and gas sector jobs varies based on their skill, experience, and position. However, the pay for most jobs ranges between $20,500 to $139,000.