Here are the 15 best paying jobs in oil & gas production industry that job aspirants can consider as their career option after graduation and master’s degree.
The Oil and Gas Production Industry is ever-growing and offers good career options. This industry is responsible for oil and gas production from wells and then turning them into useful products for consumers.
In 2020, oil and gas production industry suffered a downfall due to the pandemic, but the production level recovered after one year. As by Statista, the highest demand for crude oil was in 2019, before the pandemic. But this value instantly fell in 2020 from 99.7 to 91 million barrels per day.
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However, after 2020, they recorded a continuous increase in the demand for crude oil; at the current time, it is 99.4 million barrels per day. In the coming year, it will be 101.2 million barrels per day, and in 2024 the estimated consumption will reach 104.1 million barrels per day.
As per DataUSA, the job opportunities in the oil & gas production industry are also continuously increasing as this industry employed 140k people in 2019, up from 127k in 2018.
The industry’s full-time employees work 48.8 hours weekly and earn $123,226 annually. However, part-time employees work 22.7 hours per week and earn an average salary of $58,680 annually.
15 Best Paying Jobs In Oil & Gas Production
As of now, the oil and gas industry is booming and offers students and job seekers an array of career opportunities. If you’re also looking for best paying jobs in oil & gas production sector, here are 15 best options you can consider.
1. Vessel Manager
As a vessel manager, your responsibilities include the management of the vessel, the crew, and the equipment, as well as the management of the client representatives. Additionally, safe and timely completion of the job is also of prime importance. For a vessel manager, maintaining good relations with all departments is essential for having the authority to resolve any issues on board.
Vessel Manager earn an average salary of $69k per year.
2. Drilling Supervisor
Between 2018 and 2028, there is expected to increase in jobs for this position. As a drilling supervisor, you would oversee the drilling operations. This would include ensuring that the equipment is properly maintained and operated and that the workers follow safety procedures. You would also be responsible for keeping track of the drilling project’s progress and ensuring that it stays on schedule and within budget.
The median salary for a Drilling Supervisor is $83k per year.
3. Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum Geologist is one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production and they study the history and formation of oil and gas reserves. They also determine the best methods for extracting these resources. The other responsibilities of petroleum geologist includes monitoring the production and ensuring that it meets all the safety standards.
This job also demands to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and able to work well under pressure and be comfortable with travel.
Typically, Petroleum Geologists earn a whopping amount of $162k per year.
4. Mechanical Engineer
As a mechanical engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing equipment and machinery used in oil and gas production. You will also be responsible for conducting research and development work related to oil and gas production. In addition, it is required that you have previous experience working in the oil and gas sector for this job.
Mechanical Engineers earn an average salary of $71k per year.
5. HSE Manager
As the HSE Manager, you will ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations. You will also develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures. Additionally, you will be responsible for conducting safety audits and investigations.
On average, HSE Managers are estimated to earn $100k per year.
6. Excavating Engineer
An excavating engineer is responsible for the planning and execution of excavation projects. They work with a team of engineers and technicians to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Excavating engineers must have a strong understanding of the principles of physics and mechanics in order to safely and effectively excavate materials.
Some of the responsibilities of an excavating engineer include:
- Developing excavation plans
- Supervising the construction crew
- Ensuring that the project stays on schedule
- Monitoring safety during the excavation process
- Preparing reports on the progress of the project
An Excavating Engineer gets an average salary of around $155k per year.
7. Lease Operator
Oil and gas transport operators track production and ensure safe and damage-free delivery of crude oil and gas to all the drilling sites, refineries, and fuel stations.
An average Lease Operator earns $52k a year.
8. Production Engineer
As a Production Engineer, you will oversee the equipment for oil and gas production. This includes supervising the drilling, completion, and workover of wells and managing the production facilities.
Production Engineers earn a median salary of $74k per year.
9. Gas Plant Operator
A gas plant operator ensures gas flow through pipelines and the safe operation of the compressors at a gas processing plant. You will also be required to monitor and control the plant equipment and systems and troubleshoot potential problems.
In addition, you will be responsible for ensuring that the gas produced meets all quality specifications. Gas plant operators typically work 12-hour shifts on a rotational basis.
The average salary for a Gas Plant Operator is $80k per year.
10. Petroleum Sales Representative
As a petroleum sales representative, you will be responsible for selling crude oil and natural gas to energy companies. You will be required to negotiate contracts, transport oil and gas, and maintain client relationships. This highly skilled position requires knowledge of the oil and gas industry.
The average salary for a Petroleum Sales representative is $75k per year.
11. HR Advisor
A Human Resources Advisor advises and guides employees on various topics, including benefits, compensation, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The HR Advisor also works closely with managers to ensure they effectively carry out their responsibilities in these areas.
HR Advisors earn an average salary of $69k per year.
12. Subsea Engineer
Subsea engineering is one of the most multidisciplinary fields, and Subsea Engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and the installation process of offshore oil and gas fields. The demand for subsea engineers is increasing because of the global energy transition, and many companies are looking to hire fresh and experienced subsea engineers.
People in the subsea engineering field need to know diving skills to evaluate the worksites, determine the area’s needs, and formulate tailored solutions.
Subsea Engineers in the oil and gas production industry earn an average of $175k annually.
13. Landman
A Landman interacts and negotiates directly with landowners as part of an exploration and production team for oil, gas, minerals, and other energy sources. The Landman should have knowledge of rights, interests, and ownership to negotiate with landowners and make profitable and right deals.
Additionally, a Landman prepares contracts, obtains leases, inspects surface conditions on land, and ensures government regulations and compliance with industry standards.
Landman earns an average salary of $120k yearly.
14. Rig Welder
The oil rig welder uses specialized equipment to weld metal on the rig, a large platform erected for drilling, processing, and storing oil. The role of rig welders is crucial to the extraction and processing of oil and natural gas. Due to the serious risks associated with this job, only the best welding candidates are considered in the oil and gas industry.
The average salary of Rig Welders is around $80k annually.
15. Geophysicists
Geophysicists study the physical characteristics of the earth by applying physics, math, geology, and engineering principles. As a geophysicist in the oil and gas industry, you will be required to study what lies beneath the earth’s surface.
Geophysicists earn an average annual salary of around $75k.
Conclusion
The oil and gas production industry is a great place to start your career and could be the perfect field for you if you’re looking for a new career. With so many different positions available, there’s sure to be something that’s a perfect fit for your skills and interests. I hope our list has given you some ideas on where to start your search for the perfect oil and gas production job.