Oil and gas production has a long and complex history that dates back to the early days of human civilization. Early civilizations used oil and gas as part of their everyday lives, cooking, lighting fires, and manufacturing items such as lamps and calendars using oil.
As the world transitioned from an agricultural society to an industrial one, our reliance on oil & gas increased. Fossil fuels were essential in powering factories, transportation systems, homes, and hospitals; you name it! Oil & gas became even more important when we began exploring new sources of energy.
Today’s Oil & Gas industry is incredibly complex – countless drilling rigs operating all over the globe; dozens (if not hundreds) of extraction methods being used; ever-changing government regulations; and rapidly changing market conditions. It cannot be easy to understand how everything fits together.
As the demand for oil and gas continues to grow, so does the number of jobs in this industry. And with that growth comes an ever-growing salary range for those interested in entering this field. This blog post will discuss the top 22 best-paying jobs in oil and gas production. Whether you’re looking for a job in production or engineering, you’re sure to find something that fits your qualifications and salary range on this list!
1. Petroleum Engineer
The average salary for a Petroleum Engineer is $45.00 per hour.
A petroleum engineer is a professional who designs, installs, and maintains oil and gas production systems. They work in many different industries, including energy supply (such as natural gas or coal), transportation (like pipelines or ships), chemical manufacturing, food processing plants, water resources development project, and so on! Petroleum engineers are essential to the ongoing operation of many businesses and facilities.
With demand for oil and gas production on the rise, petroleum engineers are in high demand. A degree in petroleum engineering will give you the skills and experience you need to be an expert in this field. Some petroleum engineers often take up jobs, including drilling rigs and refining facilities. With experience, petroleum engineers can move on to become project managers or consultants.
As the oil and gas industry continues to grow, the demand for petroleum engineers will too. So, if you’re looking for a high-paying job with many opportunities, petroleum engineering might be the perfect field for you!
2. Gas & Oil Sales Representative
The average salary for a Gas & Oil Sale Representative is $ 40.54 per hour.
A gas & oil sales representative is a professional who sells petroleum products and related services to businesses, governments, or consumers. They work in various industries, including energy production (oil drilling and exploration), transportation (pipelines and ships), and chemical manufacturing! Sales representatives are often required to have certification in sales management or accounting.
As the demand for petroleum products continues to grow, so does the demand for gas & oil sales representatives. A degree in business administration will give you the essential skills needed to be successful as a gas & oil sales representative. Certification in sales management or accounting can also be beneficial.
3. Petroleum Geologist
The average salary for a Petroleum Geologist is $19.83 per hour.
A petroleum geologist is a professional who studies the physical and chemical properties of oil and gas.
Petroleum geologists collect data using various methods such as drilling, mapping, sampling, and analysis. This information is then used to model the potential oil and gas reserves in an area. They also develop strategies for extracting these resources economically while protecting environmental habitats.
A career in petroleum geology can provide a steady income over time. With a degree in Geoscience or a related field and passing an oil & gas test, you’re well on your way to a rewarding career in this industry. There are many different positions available, so it’s important to be proactive when searching for employment opportunities.
4. Refinery Manager
The average salary for a Petroleum Engineer is $56.99 per hour.
A refinery manager is responsible for overseeing a refinery’s operations, including monitoring production levels and ensuring that all processes are running smoothly. They also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and often work closely with marketing and sales departments to promote the company’s products.
The oil & gas industry is constantly expanding, and the demand for refinery managers is high. Registering for our free course is a great way to get started if you’re interested in a career in oil & gas production. This course will teach you everything you need to know about this lucrative field, from the basics of the oil & gas industry to the specifics of refinery management.
5. Transport Manager
The average salary for a Transport Manager is $20.26 per hour.
Transport managers are responsible for ensuring that oil and gas products are delivered to their destinations safely and on time. It can include coordinating the transport of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, and other hazardous materials. They also work with marketing departments to ensure that the company’s products reach consumers where they need them most.
They monitor traffic patterns and routes, keep records of shipments, and make modifications as needed. As with most jobs in oil & gas production, this position can be very time-consuming.
The petroleum industry is constantly expanding, which means there is high demand for transport managers in small and major businesses. That’s why having the right skill set for the job is important. If you’re interested in a career in oil & gas production, transport management may be a good option!
6. Production Engineer
The average salary for a Production Engineer is $24.91 per hour.
Production engineers ensure that oil and gas production is carried out safely and efficiently. They work with other engineering team members to devise plans, make modifications as necessary, and carry out inspections. They also manage resources – such as personnel, machinery, and supplies – to ensure that production goals are met.
Production engineers are crucial in ensuring a smooth flow of oil and gas from well to market. With experience in oil & gas drilling and engineering, this field is well-suited for those with a degree in engineering. If you’re interested in an oil & gas production career, be sure to study engineering at an accredited university! It will give you the skills and certifications you need to be successful in this field.
7. Chemical Engineers
The average salary for a Chemical Engineer is $29.07 per hour.
Chemical engineers are responsible for designing and managing chemical processes in oil & gas production and other industries. They work with chemists, biologists, physicists, and other engineers to create optimal chemical solutions for various industrial applications. They also test chemicals to ensure they meet safety standards before releasing them into the environment.
If you have a degree in engineering or chemistry, chemical engineering may be the perfect field for you! Chemical engineering is one of the most in-demand jobs because oil & gas production is constantly growing.
That said, chemical engineers don’t require a college degree to start their careers. Many of them have only a high school diploma or equivalent. So, if you’re interested in this field, now is the time to make a move!
8. Drilling Engineer
The average salary for a Drilling Engineer is $22.00 per hour.
Drilling engineers are responsible for designing and managing excavation projects in oil & gas production and other industries. These projects can involve everything from drilling to trenching to building structures. They work with geologists, soil scientists, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers to ensure that the project is completed safely and on time.
If you want a career in oil & gas production or construction, drilling engineering may be the perfect field for you! Because of its emphasis on safety and efficiency, this field is always growing rapidly. As engineers with experience in multiple disciplines, drilling engineers can easily move up the ladder in their field.
Oil & gas production is an industry that is always in demand. As a result, drilling engineers can find jobs in a variety of locations and with a variety of companies. Training for this career path can be extremely beneficial, as it can help you learn the skills you need to be successful in this field.
9. Mechanical Engineer
The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $28.72 per hour.
Mechanical engineers design, engineer, and oversee the construction of machinery and equipment used in oil & gas production and other industries. They work closely with chemists, geologists, civil engineers, and other engineering professionals to ensure that the machinery is effective and reliable.
If you’re interested in a career in oil & gas production or manufacturing, mechanical engineering may be the perfect field for you! Mechanical engineers are highly sought-after due to their expertise in all areas of machine design – from fuel systems to transmissions to machines. As technology evolves rapidly within this field, mechanical engineers constantly learn new skills and expand their knowledge.
With a strong math and science background, they design, build and maintain equipment used in oil & gas production. It includes working with a variety of different machines, making them an asset to any oil & gas production team. Additionally, mechanical engineers often receive top pay due to their specialized skill set and the competitive job market.
10. Subsea Engineer
The average salary for a Subsea Engineer is $ 65.00 per hour.
Subsea engineers design and operate oil & gas production machinery in tight and difficult-to-reach environments underwater. They work with geologists, petroleum engineers, welding specialists, marine mechanics, and other engineering professionals to develop drilling plans and project management strategies for installing subsea pipelines, valves, and related equipment.
The field of oil & gas production is one of the most dangerous in the world due to its extreme environmental demands. Subsea engineers must have a keen eye for detail and a high skill level in critical scientific disciplines such as mathematics and physics. As the backbone of the industry, this position plays an essential role in ensuring safe and efficient operations.
11. Reservoir Engineer
The average salary for a Reservoir Engineer is $ 42.37 per hour.
Reservoir engineers design, build and operate oil & gas production facilities, including drilling rigs, pipelines, and processing plants. They work with geologists to determine the best locations for drilling wells, study reservoir geology to understand how petroleum forms in rocks under pressure, and analyze data collected during drilling operations to make informed decisions about production levels.
To qualify for this career, you’ll need a degree in engineering or a related field and experience in drilling and production management. The field of oil & gas production is constantly evolving. Reservoir engineers must be able to keep up with the latest technology and techniques to ensure successful operations.
12. Environmental Engineer
The average salary for an Environmental Engineer is $ 29.27 per hour.
Environmental engineers work to protect natural resources and human health by implementing environmental policies and programs at oil & gas production facilities. They develop comprehensive safety plans, monitor chemical spills, clean up after natural disasters, assess risk factors related to drilling operations, and more. This career field involves working with various departments to prevent and mitigate environmental problems. They may develop strategies and implement corrective actions, depending on the severity of the situation.
To qualify for this career field, you’ll need a degree in engineering or a related field and experience in environmental assessment and policy development. The field of oil & gas production is constantly evolving. Environmental engineers must keep up with the latest technology and techniques to ensure safe operations for workers and the environment.
13. Electrical Engineer
The average salary for an Electrical Engineer is $ 31.97 per hour.
Electrical engineers work with electrical systems in oil & gas production facilities to design, build, test, and maintain energy-efficient equipment. They also develop safety procedures for high-voltage lines and other dangerous equipment. Electrical engineers are responsible for ensuring the safe operation of drilling rigs and pipelines and monitoring system performance to ensure optimal throughputs across all stages of production. As technology changes so do their job they must be constantly up-to-date on the latest industry trends to remain competitive in this field.
To qualify for this career field, you’ll need a degree in engineering or a related field and experience in electrical systems and energy efficiency. Electrical engineers are often the first line of defense when preventing power outages, which can seriously affect production.
14. Vessel Manager
The average salary for a Vessel Engineer is $49.65 per hour.
Vessel managers are responsible for the safe operation of oil & gas production vessels, from planning and scheduling trips to overseeing vessel maintenance and repairs. They also ensure stringent safety protocols are followed while aboard the vessels to minimize potential accidents and injuries. Vessel engineers must have a degree in engineering or a related field and experience managing large fleets of ships and boats. Recent technological advances have made this field very competitive. Vessel managers need certification in electronic charting, ship management software, navigation systems, and risk assessment methods. To stay ahead of the curve, vessel engineers need to continually learn new skills.
As a Vessel Manager, you will need strong leadership skills, excellent organizational abilities, and maritime law and regulations knowledge. In addition, you will be responsible for developing and implementing vessel safety programs and maintaining records of all vessel operations. To succeed in this field, you will need to have strong navigational skills and work well with Captains on vessel navigation and crew management policies and procedures. As a result, the Vessel Manager is one of the best-paying jobs in oil & gas production.
15. Hydrogeologist
The average salary for a Hydrogeologist is $30.28 per hour.
Hydrogeologists are responsible for studying the geology of oil & gas production sites to determine the best methods for drilling and extracting natural resources. They also study how environmental factors such as wetlands and rivers affect oil & gas production activities. They are responsible for ensuring wells are drilled and extracted safely and profitably. They analyze data collected during the drilling process to determine whether or not to continue drilling. It can involve analyzing data from oil & gas production maps, 3D seismic imaging software, and other sources.
Hydrogeologists must have a degree in geological engineering or a related field, as well as experience conducting field investigations and working with computers. In addition, they must be proficient in reading and interpreting geologic maps, seismic surveys, drilling logs, pressure gauge readings, water table readings, soiled water reports, and other geophysical data.
16. Crude Oil Driver
The average salary for a Crude oil driver is $ 40.32 per hour.
Crude oil drivers transport crude oil and petroleum products from production sites to refineries and transport natural gas liquids (NGLs) and other hydrocarbons. They must have experience driving large trucks, including vehicles carrying 18-wheelers loaded with crude oil or petroleum products. Drivers also need strong safety skills, as they are responsible for navigating traffic on busy roadways while carrying a heavy fuel load. Depending on your experience and the truck you drive, you’ll receive a wage based on your qualifications.
To be successful in this field, you will need excellent driving skills and the ability to work quickly under pressure. You should also have a valid driver’s license and experience driving large trucks.
17. Land Acquisition Specialist
The average salary for a Land Acquisition Specialist is $27.00 per hour.
Land Acquisition Specialists play a critical role in the oil & gas industry by acquiring land and mineral rights for drilling, production, and other development projects. They typically work with landowners to negotiate agreements that ensure adequate compensation for their property while protecting the interests of companies involved in drilling and mining operations. In addition, Land Acquisition Specialists must have strong writing skills and knowledge of contract law-specific provisions related to oil & gas development.
To succeed in this field, you will need excellent interpersonal and communication skills and knowledge of land acquisition procedures. You’ll also need excellent problem-solving and organizational skills. Being a land acquisition specialist also puts you in charge of a team of people, which is an exciting career opportunity. It would be best if you also had experience working in a technical or engineering environment and knowledge of contract law-specific provisions related to oil & gas development.
18. Well Tester
The average salary for a Well Tester is $34.57 per hour.
Well, Testers work in oil & gas production facilities to ensure that wells are drilling and blasting correctly and without causing environmental damage. As a good tester, you’re responsible for finding problems with a well before it starts producing oil or gas. It means you’re one of the key players in ensuring that a well is drilled, pumped, and fracked correctly. They also test well water, petroleum products, gas pressures, and all related equipment to ensure they function as they should.
Testers must have a degree in engineering or science and experience working with computers and electronic systems. In addition, they need good problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
To succeed in this field, you will need excellent technical skills and knowledge of oil & gas production. It would be best if you also had experience working in a fast-paced, technical environment and excellent written and communication skills.
19. Rig Welder
The average salary for a Rig Welder is $27.96 per hour.
Rig Welder jobs in oil & gas production hinge on being able to weld metal together seamlessly and quickly, which is why this career field pays well. Rig Welders work with pipelines, drilling rigs, and other equipment to ensure it’s safe for workers and the environment. They use their skills as welders to fix pipes that have been damaged or faulty, as well as put new pieces of metal together, so they function properly. They must have a strong back, excellent hand-eye coordination, and be able to weld in high temperatures.
Requirements for a Rig Welder include an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in welding, metalworking, or a related field. You will also need experience welding pipes and working on heavy machinery.
20. Well Tender
The average salary for a Well Tender is $ 28.37 per hour.
Well Tenders are responsible for ensuring that the equipment used in oil & gas production is functioning properly and taking care of the water needed to produce petroleum products. They also inspect wells and pipelines to make sure they’re free from damage and infection. This position requires experience with heavy equipment and can involve going down into wells to look for problems or issues. Some jobs that may require well-tender skills include inspecting pipelines or wellheads and monitoring crews in the field during drilling operations.
To succeed in this job, you will need excellent technical skills, knowledge of oil & gas production processes, good problem-solving abilities, and strong written and communication abilities.
You will also need experience operating machinery using hydraulic systems or drilling rigs.
21. Tank Cleaner
The average salary for a Tank Cleaner is $19.11 per hour.
Tank Cleaners are responsible for cleaning and filling oil tanks, pipeline joints, and other petroleum storage facilities. They must be able to work in tough environments, using industrial-grade solvents and equipment to clean difficult surfaces. This position often requires experience working with machinery or heavy lifting, as well as good problem-solving skills.
Tank cleaning is a vital job in oil and gas production. It’s important to note that this career has steady growth prospects as the demand for this type of cleaning continues to increase.
To become a Tank Cleaner, you will need an associate’s degree from an accredited school, certification in hazmat safety, and experience working with heavy machinery.
22. Gas Plant Operator
The average salary for a Gas Plant Operator is $28.90 per year.
Gas plant operators are responsible for a gas production facility’s safe and efficient operation. They must be able to identify and solve problems quickly while working under pressure in stressful situations. This position often involves managing large crews and maintaining high safety standards.
To be successful in this career field, you will need good communication skills, experience o managing a team, and an understanding of gas plant operations.
To become a Gas Plant Operator, you will need an associate’s degree from an accredited school, experience in gas plant operations or management, and certification in safety management.
Conclusion
As you can see, the qualifications and salary requirements for oil and gas production jobs vary quite a bit. But one thing is certain – if you have the right skills and experience, you can make six figures while working as an oil & gas professional!
The jobs currently most in demand are listed along with the average salary, and other important details. Getting into any of these professions will be a big financial decision for you now that oil prices have started to recover. Please don’t leave your future without giving them a thought!