22 Best Paying Jobs in Oilfield Services and Equipment in 2024

Oil Services and Equipment is a company that provides oil extraction businesses with various pieces of machinery and tools. A corporation that provides tools, equipment, and services for gas and oil exploration, midstream transportation, and storage, as well as a downstream company that includes refining and marketing the oil and gas, is referred to as an “oilfield services” company. It is also known as a downstream company.

The principal responsibility of this company is to monitor the entire oil and gas production process, beginning with discovery and ending with refining.

The oilfield service and equipment industry is the place to go if you want a job that pays well while allowing flexibility in your schedule. Without further ado, I will list the oilfield service and equipment jobs that pay the highest salaries.

1. Director Of Safety

Safety directors are responsible for implementing and developing new safety measures by their organization or state’s policies, procedures, and guidelines. They are responsible for lowering the risk of injury or accident and keeping an eye on things to ensure they follow workplace safety rules.

Salary: The average annual salary for a director of safety is $100,109

Education And Experience:

The majority of the time, safety directors study business, occupational safety, health, or other related fields. On the other hand, some people who want to work in safety management get an associate’s or master’s degree. You must have worked in the field for at least five years for the safety director job.

2. Oilfield Sales Representative

As part of their sales jobs, petroleum and oil salespeople send finished goods to corporations and retailers on behalf of wholesalers and manufacturers.

Salary: The average annual salary for an oilfield sales representative is $99,021

Education And Experience:

These industry experts typically have a bachelor’s degree in sales, business, or a related field, in addition to an in-depth familiarity with the latest developments in the oil industry. A sales representative interested in applying for this position needs at least two years of experience in which they have met or exceeded their quota.

3. Drilling Engineer

Drilling engineers are in charge of planning and executing drilling operations for natural gas and crude oil. They manage and carry out the entire drilling process, beginning with the initial design and continuing through testing and controlling drill operations.

Salary: The average annual salary for a drilling engineer is $96,009

Education And Experience:

 For this job, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, or a related discipline. No prior experience is required as you will receive on-the-job training, but you will need a state-issued certificate.

4. Vessel Managers

On oil and petroleum vessels, the responsibility of monitoring and ensuring offshore drilling operations’ safety falls on a vessel manager’s shoulders. They give instructions to crew members, keep an eye on drilling trips, and work with safety inspectors and drilling engineers to ensure that offshore drilling trips are made safely.

Salary: The average annual salary for a vessel manager is $92,849

Education And Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in maritime technology, mechanical engineering, or another discipline that is closely related is required to work as a vessel manager. In addition, candidates must have a minimum of two years’ worth of shore-based experience working in a comparable capacity to tankers.

5. Petroleum Geologist

Petroleum geologists search for and locate oil and gas deposits in the earth. They use geological data to identify where companies should drill for oil and recommend the most effective drilling techniques based on the region’s geology. They collect surface and subsurface data using various drilling equipment, gear, and specialized sensors.

Salary: The average annual salary for a petroleum geologist is $87,989

Education And Experience:

Petroleum geologists are often required to hold a bachelor’s degree in geosciences. Although employers prefer geology degrees, several geoscientists begin their careers with environmental science or engineering degrees. The standard requirements for becoming a petroleum geologist are two to four years of relevant experience.

6. Director Of Operations

A director of operations manages all of a business’s primary duties, including budgeting, sales, marketing, negotiating, and purchasing. In addition, to accomplish the company’s objectives, they create long-term operational strategies.

Salary: The average annual salary for a director of operations is $85,211

Education And Experience:

A director of operations usually possesses a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a closely related field. Some businesses could prioritize job candidates with advanced degrees. Candidates for the position of operations director should have at least ten years of experience in that position or one similar.

7. Lease-Purchase Operators

Lease operators make oil and gas deliveries to and from drilling sites, refineries, and gas stations safely and damage-free. They inspect delivery vehicles for flaws that could result in product loss or damage, including cracks, corrosion, separations, loose fittings, and other defects. The equipment used to extract and refine crude oil, petroleum, and natural gas may also be inspected by them.

Salary: The average annual salary for a lease-purchase operator is $79,546

Education And Experience:

The standard educational requirements for this position are a high school diploma, GED, or bachelor’s degree in a related field and extra mechanical systems training. In addition, technical expertise, understanding, and prior oil and gas industry experience are prerequisites.

8. Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers play a vital role in oil testing by applying the correct chemicals to change crude oil or petroleum into usable products. Not only do they work with other departments or experts to make the best products, but they also use the oil to help people.

Salary: The average annual salary for a chemical engineer is $77,212

Education And Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, bioengineering, or a related field is required to pursue a career as a chemical engineer. A master’s degree in chemical engineering is ideal for occupations requiring advanced knowledge or management skills. Additionally, a chemical engineer is expected to have four years of relevant work experience.

9. Technical Director

Technical directors provide drilling team leaders, consultants, project managers, and engineers with strategic guidance, operational advice, assistance, and oversight.

Salary: The average annual salary for a technical director is $75,771

Education And Experience:

Technical directors must hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some technical directors also possess advanced degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a technology concentration, a Master of Science in information technology, or a Master of Science in computer science. A master’s degree can help a technical director quickly transition into management positions and increase their earning potential. Most technical directors have worked in information technology for at least ten years.

10. Executive Account Manager

Executive account managers are in charge of planning, coordinating, and directing the actions involved in account management. For example, in the oil industry, executive account managers are tasked with finding and getting new oil and gas accounts and keeping in touch with their customers.

Salary: The average annual salary for an executive account manager is $73,211

Education And Experience:

As an executive account manager, a bachelor’s degree in business management, accounting, sales, or a related field is necessary. Accounting managers must have at least five years of accounting or financial experience.

11.  Core Drillers

A core driller’s job is to oversee two to three rig teams, ensure they are safe and efficient, and ensure everyone follows business and government rules.

Salary: The average annual salary for a core driller is $75,555

Education And Experience:

Core drillers can obtain certificates demonstrating their expertise in various subfields of drilling operations. Core drillers do not require prior experience because they are trained on the job.

12. Crude Oil Driver

Using semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, crude oil drivers transport raw oil supplies and completed items to gas stations, retailers, and clients.

Salary: The average salary for a crude oil driver is $72,988

Education And Experience:

Most businesses need oil truck drivers to have a high school diploma or  (GED). Certain positions may require a certificate from an approved postsecondary institution or an associate’s degree in transportation or logistics. To operate on public roads, a valid CDL is required. Check your state’s requirements to determine the type of vehicle you must use to obtain a commercial driver’s license. State-specific regulations for obtaining a commercial driver’s license vary.

13. HR Consultants

To improve management-employee relations, consultants in human resources oversee grievance procedures, employee investigations, and other forms of dispute resolution. In addition, they can do performance reviews, look at job descriptions and make changes to them, and keep company policies and procedures up to date.

Salary: The average annual salary for an Hr consultant is $64,115

Education And Experience:

To work as a human resources consultant, you need a bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field of study. In addition, to become an HR consultant, you must have at least four years of relevant work experience.

14.  Well Testers

Throughout the development phase, well-testers analyze and inspect oil pipelines to make predictions about the pipelines’ degrees of stability and risk. These tests are done with the help of information and tools from both the surface and the depths.

Salary: The average annual salary for a well-tester is $62,671

Education And Experience:

Well-testers are often required to have either a high school diploma or a GED. Some businesses provide hiring preference to candidates who have completed postsecondary education in an appropriate field, such as petroleum engineering. Testers are required to have certification in safe working methods, and depending on the work they will be doing, they may also be necessary to have extra credentials. They will also receive training while on the job, so previous experience is not required.

15.  Technician

Oilfield technicians are in charge of many tasks in the oil and gas industry. For example, they monitor oil production levels, storage volumes, and equipment upkeep schedules.

They perform routine equipment maintenance, including checking fluid levels, changing filters, and replacing spark plugs.

Salary: The average annual salary for an oilfield technician is $54,721

Education And Experience:

For oilfield technicians, a high school diploma or GED is frequently required. Some employers prioritize candidates with postsecondary degrees in a field linked to the oilfield, like petroleum engineering or geology. Most oilfield technicians pick up their skills on the job. They might help a more experienced oilfield technician for a while while they learn the ropes.

16.  Gas Plant Operators

Gas plant operators process and distribute gas for utility companies using pipeline pressure-maintaining compressors. Additionally, they may utilize control panels and automated systems to provide gas for industrial activities.

Salary: The average annual salary for a gas plant operator is $55,700

Education And Experience:

In addition to a high school diploma or GED, this occupation typically requires on-the-job training. For example, gas plant operators often need one to two years of on-the-job training and informal lessons from more experienced workers.

17.  Oilfield Floorhand

Oilfield floor hands set up and dismantled drilling rig equipment. You are responsible for gathering, handling, and sorting equipment, pipelines, and other materials utilized by the rig’s operations. As authorized by your supervisor, you move or adjust pipe sections as necessary. Other jobs may include driving huge trucks to move equipment, making sure the work area is clean and safe, and doing preventive maintenance on equipment.

Salary: The average annual salary for an oilfield floorhand is $51,430

Education And Experience:

As an oilfield floorhand, you are expected to have a high school diploma or GED certificate, a valid driver’s license, and a reliable means of transportation. Although postsecondary education is not required, some persons earn a certificate in a mechanical profession to become acquainted with industry tools. The majority of floor hands gain experience on land-based rigs for a few years.

18. Pipeline Controller

A pipeline controller monitors and controls pipeline system activities. They look for leaks in pipes and make sure that liquid natural gas or oil flows continuously. When problems are found, they coordinate emergency operations and record significant events.

Salary: The average annual salary for a pipeline controller is $51,100

Education And Experience:

To work as a pipeline controller, you must have either your high school diploma or a GED. However, some hiring companies prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. On-the-job training for pipeline controllers often lasts from a few weeks to several months and can last anywhere between. Most of the time, training is done under the watchful eye of a pipeline controller already working.

19.  Frac Operators

The safe and efficient operation of hydraulic fracturing equipment is the responsibility of frac operators. These tools fracture underground rock formations to release trapped natural gas or oil pockets. Therefore, Frac operators must know how to use complicated tools while working under stress and following all safety rules.

Salary: The average annual salary for a frac operator is $49,020

Education And Experience:

Most frac operators hold a high school diploma or something comparable. Certain frac operators may have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in geology, geophysics, or petroleum engineering. Frac operators must have the appropriate certifications to use the equipment on-site. The equipment a frac operator would use would determine the qualifications needed. Most enterprises demand that new frac operators undergo training before working independently.

20. Oil Terminal Operator

An oil terminal operator is responsible for loading and unloading tanks from and onto boats and the associated line-up and checks. They combine inter-tank transfers, in-line, onboard, and chemical and additive blending.

Salary: The average annual salary for an oil terminal operator is $48,009

Education And Experience:

Even though there are no specific education requirements for terminal operator jobs, many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or GED and some postsecondary education.

Some employers may want you to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in logistics, transportation, or a related field. Terminal operators receive on-the-job training to grasp their position’s unique processes and procedures.

21.  Warehouse Associate

Employees who assist in the operation of the company’s warehouse are known as warehouse associates. They are in charge of getting supplies when they come in, scanning items before entering them into their computer systems, managing inventories and stockpiles, keeping warehouses clean, and checking products for flaws or damage.

Salary: The average annual salary for a warehouse associate is $45,921

Education And Experience:

To be eligible for a position in a warehouse as an associate, you need to have either your high school diploma or a GED. In addition, employers look for potential employees with at least three years of experience working in a warehouse.

22. Roustabout

Although the income is not very high in this line of work, it could be a helpful supplement to whatever you are now doing. A roustabout is a manual laborer who works almost exclusively in oil and gas drilling. They are responsible for checking equipment, cleaning work areas, and making repairs to ensure that all tools and machines on the construction site always work correctly and safely.

Salary: The average annual salary for a roustabout is $40,090

Education And Experience:

The educational qualification for a job as a roustabout is typically just a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). However, some companies may give preference in their hiring processes to applicants who have graduated from a vocational training program or served as an apprentice.