When it comes to job opportunities, Oil & Gas production has an array of chances. In spite of the ups and downs the industry sees, it always has good jobs to offer. In this article, we will talk about the best-paying jobs in Oil and Gas Production.
The industry offers a chance to people to restart their careers. Even those who work in some other field can find a job in this industry. After all, there is a lot of growth to be had.
Now, the United States Oil & Gas Production keeps adding a massive number of jobs every year. So, for anyone looking to kickstart their career and find a well-paying job, to begin Oil & Gas is a good industry.
Jobs in the industry range from entry-level positions to that of a Geophysicist. One can choose a job to start a career in Oil & Gas based on their set of skills & interests. So, with no further delay, let’s take a look at the best jobs in the industry.
Is Oil & Gas Production a Lucrative Career Path?
Jobs in Oil & Gas Production come in various types and forms. There is a role for someone who does not even have a degree. At the same time, there is also a job for someone who has a degree in naval technology. This makes it a vast field with lots of jobs.
Apart from the high pay, there are other perks to a career in the industry. These include health insurance and the chance to travel the world, among others. Naturally, lots of youngsters move towards a career in oil & gas production.
Oil & Gas production is definitely an industry that provides good opportunities. It is worth looking for the best paying jobs in oil & gas production. We will list the jobs in descending order in terms of salary. So, let’s get started with the highest-paying ones.
Methodology: The salaries for the listed jobs have been taken from indeed.com, salary.com, and talent.com. We have also conducted secondary research before going on these websites. Positions like that of Chief Executive Officers and Vice Presidents are high-level positions in all industries. In these roles, professionals can make the highest salary which can sometimes be up to $500K or beyond. In this article, we will not be mentioning their wages as they might differ heavily based on the employer.
Best Paying Jobs in Oil & Gas Production (Between $120K and $160K)
1. Project Manager
The Project Manager’s job is among the highest paying jobs in Oil & Gas production. Naturally, this is a role of great responsibility as well. They oversee an entire project from beginning to end. This includes checking if the project is within the budget and all safety guidelines.
In a nutshell, this job role is the glue that holds the entire thing together. This role requires leadership skills, good communication, etc. Most companies will require one to have years of experience in the field before hiring for this role.
It is one of the best-paying jobs in oil & gas production and can earn you up to $160,000 per year. An example of how good the jobs in this industry can be.
2. Subsea Engineer
A Subsea Engineer designs and installs below-sea equipment. They oversee the installation of equipment such as well-beds. They also manage suppliers and provide support to the entire team. Planning and Reporting on the tasks are also part of this job role.
Naturally, this role requires one to have a diverse set of skills. Subsea Engineer also needs strong communication skills in order to convey their ideas with clarity. They should be able to lead a team and also be able to work independently. The role also needs one to stay updated with the latest technology in the field.
On average, this role earns an average annual salary of $124,687. A degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field is required for this role. This role also includes an extensive on-the-job training period. So, you can learn on the job as well.
3. Reservoir Engineer
One needs a Petroleum Engineering degree in order to become a Reservoir Engineer. They are responsible for forecasting oil and gas production from old and new fields. They’re also tasked with managing the daily operations of the gas and oil fields. Their focus is on boosting efficiency and devising plans for viable production.
Reservoir Engineers also need to be sound in economic analysis. After all, they’re expected to make sure the production process is as efficient as possible. Most companies will need you to have, at least, two years of experience in the industry for this role.
The average annual salary of a reservoir engineer in the United States is $121,228. One of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production, this is a technical role that is your chance for a lucrative career in the industry.
4. Construction Manager
Construction Managers work closely with the Project Manager and other teams. They are responsible for overseeing the construction in line with the requirements and schedule. The entire construction process is managed and controlled by the manager.
In this role, the main aim is to ensure the timely completion of construction projects. Naturally, this role requires organizational skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. One also needs a degree of leadership and adaptability to do well in this job.
On average, the salary of a Construction Manager is $120,334 per year, making it one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production.
5. Production Superintendent
The role of a Production Superintendent includes several responsibilities. They have to make sure that the site work is completed on time. They also ensure that all safety measures are followed.
In order to get this job, one needs a Bachelor’s degree at the very least. This role needs one to manage multiple tasks at once. This role also needs leadership skills to do well in the role.
The average annual salary of a Production Superintendent is $109,320. Naturally, it is one of the best paying jobs in the oil & gas production industry.
6. Petroleum Geologist
A Petroleum Geologist deals with deposits on both land and sea. They also make sure that the extraction process is efficient enough. They study the composition, structure, and other aspects of the land in question.
A Geologist conducts geological testing and must also be familiar with data analysis. They should also be able to write reports and find efficient ways for extraction.
The average annual salary of a Petroleum Geologist is $109,320. It is one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production. But it does require one to have an eye for detail.
Best Paying Jobs in Oil & Gas Production ($80K and $120K)
7. Drilling Supervisor
Drilling is an important part of the oil & gas production process. Naturally, the role of a Drilling Supervisor is a vital one. This role requires one to oversee that the drilling is done on time.
The great thing about this job role is that one doesn’t always require a Bachelor’s Degree. Some companies are open to hiring candidates that do not have one. But one will need to have significant experience in the industry for this role. Also, some companies might prefer candidates with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Drilling Technology.
With an average annual salary of $116,277, it is one of the best paying jobs in Oil & Gas production. The job also has several perks to add to the salary.
8. Geophysicist
By definition, Geophysicists are scientists who study the earth. To be specific, they determine what lies underneath the earth. Naturally, it is an important role when it comes to the oil & gas industry. They oversee research and conduct experiments to study the earth for finding oil.
These study factors such as seismic and gravitational waves in order to project where the resources are to be found. Naturally, in order to become a Geophysicist, one requires a Bachelor’s Degree at the very least. If one has a Master’s Degree in a related field, growth becomes easy in the field.
The average annual salary of a Geophysicist in the industry is $111,508, making it one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production. This job also requires one to have a technical hand.
9. HSE Manager
Health, Safety, and Environmental Managers are tasked with implementing safety programs. They conduct a risk assessment, review HSE policies and check them for updates. HSE Managers also devise and come up with precautionary measures to ensure safety at the work sites.
They also advise the senior management regarding health and safety issues. They also raise awareness among the workforce about the same. The role of HSE Manager requires one to have a degree in Health, Safety, or EVS.
On average, this role can earn you $101,317 every year. Naturally, this is one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production. This role also provides a lot of perks, such as Health Benefits. One can also contribute to the environment with this role. Making it a meaningful job role.
10. Petroleum Engineer
The job of a Petroleum Engineer is well sought-after in the industry. The responsibilities in the job role include discovering new petroleum reservoirs and finding efficient methods for extraction. They focus on developing low-cost ways to ensure maximum profit for the company.
They also work with other teams to ensure safety during the process. Working in this role also comes with a lot of room for growth. Naturally, it is one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production with other perks as well.
The average annual salary in this role at the entry-level is in the vicinity of $100,000. The salary will also depend on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, etc.
11. Environmental Engineer
There’s a lot of focus on the environment in the oil & gas industry. After all, oil & gas production is a process that is sensitive to the environment. Naturally, the role of an Environmental Engineer is an important one in the industry.
Their job is to make sure that the extraction process does not harm the environment in any way. They work to mitigate risks to the environment and ensure sustainable and efficient extraction.
This is a meaningful role that allows one to contribute to environment conservation. The average salary in this role is $82,960, making it one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production. The job also provides perks such as paid vacation time, health insurance, etc.
12. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers make sure that all the equipment at the extraction plant is up to the mark. They also see the design, development, and installation of the new equipment. The role also requires one to make sure that all the equipment is safe, sustainable, reliable, and of the highest quality.
They usually develop equipment such as pipes, valves, turbines, etc. This role requires one to be technically sound and familiar with the latest technology. One also needs to be creative and be able to work under pressure for this role.
With an average salary of $80,214, it is among the best paying jobs in oil & gas production. Again, there are several employee perks with this role based on industry standards. It is among the best jobs in the industry in every aspect.
In Conclusion
The Oil & Gas industry has seen several ups and downs. Yet, there continues to be a surge in job opportunities in the sector. Furthermore, one also does not need a degree for an entry-level job in oil & gas production.
But if you want a senior-level job in oil & gas production, you might require a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree. Furthermore, the job role of a Geophysicist needs one to have a degree in a related field.
So, are you someone who is looking to start a career in a field that provides lots of opportunities? Then, you can find these best paying jobs in oil & gas production. Get your resume ready, find out which job suits you, and start applying.
We wish you all the best! We hope you find just the job you are looking for!
Ranu Kumari is a Professional Writer and a Marketing enthusiast who currently runs her own Marketing Consultancy, LatitudeBOX. She has written promotional articles for multiple brands and has published her work in Scopus indexed journals. She is passionate about expressing her thoughts and ideas to connect with her readers in a voice that they understand.