High-paying Jobs in the Oil and Gas Sector

The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest sectors generating revenue in terms of dollar value. The global economy depends heavily on oil, which influences electricity, manufacturing, and industrial output.

Oil is critical to many nations as the foundation of their industries. This sector has made an effort to maintain investor trust and achieve strong financial performance. Oil is also vital and a major contributor to the national GDP.

As infrastructure and economies around the world continue to rely significantly on petroleum-based products, the world’s reliance on gas and oil is growing. This article will discuss the types of high-paying jobs in the oil and gas sector and their basic duties.

Types of Oil and Gas Production Jobs

Oil and gas production jobs can be simplified into three primary categories:                         

• Drilling jobs involve operating equipment to dig wells in pursuit of natural gas and oil.
• Completion roles involve setting up the wellhead equipment to extract the gas or oil appropriately.      
• Production roles involve monitoring and ensuring the safe and effective use of natural resources.

15 Jobs in the Oil and Gas Industry That Pay Well

You can choose the best career path in the oil and gas industry by being aware of the highest-paying jobs in the sector. Some of the highest-paying oil field jobs are listed below, along with information on their main responsibilities.

1. Subsea Engineers

Average annual salary: $111,632

As a subsea engineer, you design and develop tools and parts for use in offshore and undersea areas. Although the oil and gas industries employ a large number of subsea engineers, this profession is common to those sectors.

In this position, you will create structures that take corrosion, high pressure, low temperatures, and aquatic life into consideration—as the ability to design structures that divers can repair without endangering the rest of the structure.

2. Drilling Engineers

Average annual salary: $121,662

A drilling engineer is a professional who specializes in planning, designing, and overseeing drilling operations for the extraction of oil and gas. They manage and execute drilling operations’ safety, well-bore quality, and drilling cost efficiency.

They work with geoscientists and other engineers to plan, design, and manage complex drilling projects. Education, experience, and a dedication to efficiency and safety in the oil and gas sector are all necessary to become a drilling engineer.                                                                            

3. Petroleum Geologists

Average annual salary: $118,556

A petroleum geologist specializes in petroleum geology, which includes all aspects of oil production and sourcing. They use their technical expertise to explore, drill, and extract gas and crude oil to maximize output while lowering costs. 

Using geological data, they determine which oil drilling locations are best for businesses and suggest the most effective drilling techniques based on the local geology. 

4. Chemical Engineers

Average annual salary: $105,442

Chemical engineers work in the chemical industry and convert raw materials into various products. They carry out experiments to ensure businesses employ the right chemicals to convert petroleum into useful material. In addition, they collaborate with other scientists and engineers in the sector to guarantee the safe storage and conversion of raw materials into fuel.                                                                                              

5. Production Engineers

Average annual salary: $104,165

Production engineers collaborate with oil and gas reservoirs to ensure that the well runs successfully and efficiently. They maximize oil and gas production by providing solutions and ensuring that facilities and equipment are operating properly. They also carry out a number of tests to ascertain the well’s production and decide how to increase it.

6. Geoscientists 

Average annual salary: $92,040

Geoscientists investigate the makeup of the ground to pinpoint potential oil and gas resource locations. They gather and examine data utilizing advanced instruments and equipment, such as samples of rock and soil and seismic waves. Then, they analyze the data to help determine the most advantageous drilling sites.

7. Reservoir Engineer

Average annual salary: $125,131

Reservoir engineers work alongside drilling engineers and geoscientists to optimize oil and gas production. They evaluate well-performance data to analyze reservoir behavior over time and create computer models that forecast future output.

They also monitor the performance of oil and gas reservoirs, modify production techniques to boost output, and guarantee the well’s security.

8. Project Managers

Average annual salary: $90,025

They are in charge of supervising oil projects from inception to completion. These include setting project objectives, creating plans, and allocating resources. They also guarantee that the project is finished on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with all applicable laws.

The oil industry collaborates with engineers and specialists to guarantee a successful operation. Due to constantly changing technologies, their importance in the gas sector has increased.

9. Petroleum Engineers 

Average annual salary: $130,935

Petroleum engineers specialize in the exploration, extraction, manufacturing, and supervising of oil and natural gas resources from the Earth’s subsurface. They are responsible for developing new techniques and extracting valuable resources efficiently and safely.

10. Health and Safety Management

Average annual salary: $98,189

Health and safety management ensures that business and governmental policies regarding workplace health and safety are followed. They are responsible for detecting and reducing hazards, monitoring and managing risks on the job site, developing emergency protocols, and ensuring that employees have received the appropriate safety training.

11. Sales Representative

Average annual salary: $76,774

A sales rep sells producers’ and wholesalers’ final products to retailers and companies. These people frequently possess a bachelor’s degree in business, sales, or a similar discipline and are well-versed in the latest developments in the oil industry.

12. HR Advisers

Average annual salary: $79,335

HR enhances management-employee relations by managing grievance procedures, employee investigations, and dispute settlements. They can also undertake performance reviews, revise organizational policies and procedures, and review and update job descriptions.

13. Executive Account Manager

Average annual salary: $109,335

Executive account managers plan, coordinate, and oversee account management operations. They create and purchase target oil and gas accounts and manage the clientele of oil firms. Executive account managers usually hold a bachelor’s degree in business management, accounting, sales, or a similar discipline.

14. Glass Plant Operator

Average annual salary: $125,005

Gas plant operators are responsible for monitoring and managing gas plant operations. They preserve accuracy, efficacy, and safety. In addition, they have to change valves, operate machinery, and accurately read gauges. Other job functions include checking gas and oil pipelines for leaks or other problems that can jeopardize production. 

Every day, gas plant operators collaborate with other oil business workers to ensure smooth operation. They must make fast, precise decisions and understand the relevant safety protocols. They must also preserve precision, effectiveness, and security by operating machines, changing valves, and reading gauges precisely. 

15. Well Testers

Average annual salary: $94,304

Well testers conduct assessments and evaluations of oil pipelines during the development stage to forecast stability and risk levels. They combine data and instruments from the surface and below to carry out these experiments.

Final Thoughts

There are many different work prospects in the oil and gas sector at different phases. As demonstrated above, various lucrative career paths in this industry require skilled professionals to maximize production. They offer excellent employment prospects for those who are willing to work hard and continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills.

This sector also invests in employee development and attracts top talent to keep its place in the fiercely competitive market. Understanding the duties and qualifications can help you determine which oil industry role is the best fit for you.