Is Oil & Gas Production a Good Career Path? A Comprehensive Guide [2023]

The oil and gas industry has been an integral part of the global economy for centuries.

It is an industry that has brought about some of the world’s greatest innovations and has created countless job opportunities for people all around the world. However, is oil & gas production a good career path?

That’s the question that many people have been asking themselves, and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

To give you an idea of the industry’s significance, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2022, oil and gas accounted for over 50% of the world’s energy consumption [source].

That’s a massive amount, and it’s not going away anytime soon. The industry continues to grow at a rapid pace, and with this growth comes more job opportunities.

Oil and gas production jobs encompass a wide range of disciplines, including transmission, refining, and distribution, as well as energy engineers and energy traders.

It’s no wonder that many students and graduates are considering this industry as a potential career path. In fact, a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that employment in the oil and gas extraction sector is expected to grow 14% from 2019 to 2029 [source].

However, there are some significant challenges that come with pursuing a career in this industry.

For one, the production of fossil fuels is extremely damaging to the environment. The process of drilling for oil can cause pollution and habitat loss, while the burning of fossil fuels releases harmful greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

The industry has been making strides to reduce its environmental impact, but there’s still a long way to go.

Another challenge is the industry’s notorious instability. Prices for oil and gas commodities can fluctuate wildly, and that can make it difficult for companies to plan for the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the industry, with oil prices plummeting to record lows in 2022 [source]. As a result, many companies had to lay off workers or even shut down entirely.

Despite these challenges, there are still many people who choose to pursue careers in the oil and gas industry. It can be a very lucrative field, with high salaries and opportunities for growth.

However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and weigh them against the benefits.

With that being said, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of the best-paying jobs in the oil and gas industry, their benefits and salary, to help you make an informed decision about your future career path.

With these statistics, expert opinions, and insights from industry professionals, you can decide whether or not oil & gas production is a good career path for you.

Also read: Top 21 Best Paying Jobs in Miscellaneous (2022)

What are the best-paying jobs in Oil and Gas?

Here are the best-paying jobs in Oil & Gas Career path

1. Petroleum Engineer

My number one pick of the best-paying jobs in Oil and Gas Production career path is the petroleum engineer.

Petroleum engineers are the people responsible for figuring out the best way to get oil and gas out of the ground.

They use geological data to figure out where to drill, design the equipment and methods for extracting the resources, and constantly work to optimize the production process.

Petroleum engineers are always staying up-to-date on the latest industry advancements and regulations to make sure they’re doing things as efficiently and safely as possible.

Salary:

The median annual salary for petroleum engineers in the United States was $138,020 in May 2022.

Credentials required to start as a petroleum engineer:

Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field, as well as relevant experience in the oil and gas industry.

Advantages of this position:

The job offers opportunities for professional growth and development, a high salary, and job security due to the ongoing demand for oil and gas.

2. Geoscientist

Geophysicists are another best paying job in the Oil & Gas Production industry.

They are the ones who use advanced software and tools to analyze seismic data and figure out where oil and gas deposits might be located.

A Geoscientist is responsible for interpreting geological data and identifying potential drilling locations. They play a crucial role in the exploration phase of oil and gas production, helping to identify the best places to drill.

Salary of a Geoscientist:

The median annual salary for geoscientists was $93,580 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials required to become a geoscientist:

To become a geoscientist, you need to have Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Geology or Geophysics, as well as relevant experience in the oil and gas industry.

Advantages of this position:

The job offers opportunities for intellectual challenge and problem-solving, a high salary, and the potential for international travel.

3. Drilling Engineer

Another best paying job in the Oil & Gas Production sector is drilling engineer.

Drilling engineers are the ones who figure out how to get the oil and gas out of the ground once the location has been identified. They create drilling plans and designs, analyze performance data, and make sure drilling operations are safe and efficient.

Drilling engineers are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to drill for oil and gas, and they make sure to stay up-to-date on industry regulations.

Salary:

The median annual salary for drilling engineers was $95,260 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field, as well as relevant experience in drilling operations.

Advantages of this position:

The job offers opportunities for technical problem-solving, a high salary, and international travel.

4. Reservoir Engineer

Reservoir engineers are the ones responsible for maximizing the amount of oil and gas that can be extracted from a given reservoir.

They analyze production data to figure out the best methods for extracting the resources, and they work to optimize the production process. They’re always on the lookout for ways to increase production efficiency and reduce costs.

In other words, reservoir engineers study the characteristics of oil and gas reservoirs to determine the best methods for extracting them efficiently.

Salary:

The median annual salary for reservoir engineers was $104,910 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field, as well as relevant experience in reservoir engineering.

Advantages of this position:

The job offers opportunities for intellectual challenge and technical problem-solving, a high salary, and the potential for international travel.

5. Production Engineer

Another best paying job in the Oil and Gas career path is production engineer. Production engineers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of oil and gas wells.

Production engineers make sure that the equipment is working properly, troubleshoot any problems that arise, and oversee maintenance and repair activities. They’re the ones who keep the oil and gas flowing.

In other words, Production engineers oversee the day-to-day operations of oil and gas wells, ensuring that they are operating efficiently and safely.

Salary:

The median annual salary for production engineers was $107,570 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials required for the production engineer position:

Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field, as well as relevant experience in oil and gas production.

Advantages of this position:

The job offers opportunities for problem-solving and technical skills, high salary, and the potential for international travel.

6. Operations Manager

Operations managers oversee the entire oil and gas production process, from exploration to refining and distribution.

Salary:

The median annual salary for operations managers was $107,680 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials Required:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, as well as relevant experience in the oil and gas industry.

Advantages of this position:

The job offers opportunities for leadership and management skills, a high salary, and the potential for international travel.

7. Offshore Installation Manager

Another best-paying jobs in the Oil and Gas production industry is the Offshore Installation Manager.

Offshore installation managers are responsible for managing the operations of oil and gas platforms located in the ocean.

They oversee the day-to-day activities of the platform, make sure that everything is running smoothly, and troubleshoot any problems that arise. They’re responsible for ensuring the safety of the workers and the environment.

In other words, offshore installation managers are responsible for managing the operations of oil and gas platforms located in the ocean.

Salary of an Offshore Installation Manager:

The median annual salary for offshore installation managers was $124,540 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials required to become an Offshore Installation Manager:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Offshore Engineering, or a related field, as well as relevant experience in the oil and gas industry.

Advantage of this position:

The job offers opportunities for leadership and management skills, a high salary, and the potential for international travel. Offshore installation managers also work in a unique and challenging environment that requires specialized skills and knowledge.

8. Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Manager

HSE managers are responsible for making sure that oil and gas production operations are safe and compliant with industry regulations.

They oversee the health, safety, and environmental compliance of operations and ensure that best practices are being followed. They’re also responsible for protecting the well-being of workers and the environment.

In other words, HSE managers oversee the health, safety, and environmental compliance of oil and gas production operations, ensuring that they are in line with industry regulations and best practices.

Salary:

The median annual salary for HSE managers was $92,470 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials required to become an HSE manager:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field, as well as relevant experience in the oil and gas industry.

Advantages of this position:

The job offers opportunities for problem-solving and technical skills, a high salary, and the satisfaction of contributing to the safety and well-being of workers and the environment.

9. Pipeline Engineer

Pipeline engineer is another high paying job in the Oil & Gas career path. Pipeline engineers design and oversee the construction and maintenance of pipelines that transport oil and gas from production sites to refineries and distribution centers.

They make sure that the pipelines are built and maintained safely and efficiently, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise.

Pipeline engineers are responsible for ensuring that the oil and gas get to where they need to go.

Salary:

The median annual salary for pipeline engineers was $104,610 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials required to become a pipeline engineer:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, as well as relevant experience in pipeline design and construction.

Advantage of the pipeline engineer position:

The job offers opportunities for technical problem-solving, high salary, and the potential for international travel.

10. Refinery Manager

Another best paying job in the Oil and Gas career path is Refinery manager. These people oversee the operations of oil refineries, making sure that they produce high-quality products efficiently and safely.

Refinery Managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the refinery, troubleshooting any problems that arise, and ensuring that all operations are compliant with industry regulations.

They play a crucial role in the production of essential products that power the global economy.

Salary:

The median annual salary for refinery managers was $135,900 in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credentials required to become a refinery manager:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, as well as relevant experience in refinery operations.

Advantage of the refinery manager position:

The job offers opportunities for leadership and management skills, high salary, and the satisfaction of contributing to the production of essential products that power the global economy.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, oil and gas production can be a good career path for those who are interested in the energy sector and are willing to take on the challenges that come with it.

The industry offers attractive salaries, diverse job opportunities, and the potential for career growth and advancement.

However, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully before making a decision. By doing so, you can make an informed choice about whether a career in oil and gas production is right for you.