One of the riskiest businesses to engage in is oil and gas production. Countless oil and gas employees are hurt or killed on the job ever year. However, this doesn’t stop people from pursuing careers in oil and gas production. Professionals with extensive training are increasingly needed in the industry. Upstream oil and gas production workers spend their days ensuring that companies can continue drilling for new reserves of crude oil.
From geologists to drillers, these men and women work as team members on an exploration team to unearth new sources of natural gas and crude oil. If you’re interested in a career as an upstream oil or natural gas producer, there are many opportunities for advancement with a bachelor’s degree.
If you’re looking to break into the oil and gas industry, you might wonder which jobs pay the best in this field, because that can make all the difference when deciding whether or not to pursue an opportunity within it. Although this list of the top ten best-paying jobs in oil and gas doesn’t include every job available in the field, these are some of the highest-paying jobs you can pursue as an oil and gas professional. They are listed from lowest to highest paid on average per hour, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Top 10 Best-Paying Jobs In Oil & Gas Production Industry
Here are some of the best-paying jobs in oil and gas production that can help you achieve your future career goals.
Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers play a big role in the upstream production industry. They may work with geologists and engineers to create chemicals or use chemicals to clean up contaminated water.For the process of producing oil and gas upstream, their labor is important. A chemical engineer who works in upstream oil and gas production can earn more than $120,000 per year. This position is well-paying in the upstream oil and gas industry area.
Geophysicists
Geophysicists use scientific methods to explore oil. They create images of the subsurface using seismic waves created by explosions or sound waves. Geophysicists use these images to determine the best places to drill for oil. Geophysicists are essential members of the exploration team. Geophysicists in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn around $117,000 per year.
Geologists
Geologists are scientists who study the earth’s crust and underlying lithosphere. They determine the best places to drill for oil and gas by studying the rock formations. Geologists help explorers find new sources of crude oil and natural gas. Geologists are critical members of the exploration team. Geologists in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn around $105,000 per year.
Environmental Scientists and Biologists
Environmental scientists and biologists study the environment and wildlife near oil and gas drilling sites. They are responsible for making sure that the drilling process doesn’t contaminate nearby ecosystems. Environmental scientists and biologists make sure that the drilling process is safe for both humans and animals. Environmental scientists and biologists in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn around $101,000 per year.
Chief Engineers
Chief engineers are in charge of all components of building and running industrial facilities. They ensure that production processes run smoothly at all times. In a manufacturing facility, the chief engineers are in charge of daily operation. They ensure that all safety regulations are observed as well as the fulfillment of manufacturing needs. Chief engineers in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn over $98,000 per year.
Helpers and laborers
Helpers and laborers are entry-level positions in the upstream oil production industry. They help experienced workers with construction, demolitions, and other manual labor. Helpers and laborers are responsible for unloading materials, driving construction equipment, and cleaning up spills caused by the drilling process. Laborers and helpers in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn around $79,000 per year.
Roustabouts
Roustabouts are responsible for ensuring that the equipment used on an oil rig functions properly. They maintain and repair hydraulic equipment, as well as other machinery used in the drilling process. They often work long hours and are exposed to dangerous substances during the drilling process. Roustabouts in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn around $76,000 per year.
Drilling Engineers
Drilling engineers are responsible for overseeing the operation of oil rigs. They make sure that the drilling process runs smoothly, while also ensuring that all safety regulations are met. Drilling engineers are responsible for monitoring wellheads, testing flow rates, and making sure that the site has enough natural gas and oil to meet production goals. Drilling engineers in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn over $89,000 per year.
An equipment repair technician
Equipment repair technicians are responsible for repairing and maintaining drilling equipment. They continuously check the functionality and condition of the drilling machinery. Equipment repair technicians in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn around $77,000 per year.
Reservoir Engineer
Reservoir engineers are responsible for designing and building oil and gas production facilities. They create plans for building new production facilities and improving existing production facilities. Reservoir engineers in the upstream oil production industry can expect to earn around $95,000 per year. The average reservoir engineer salary in the U.S. is $92,000 per year.
Conclusion
They ensure that all manufacturing criteria are met and that all safety laws are followed. If you’re interested in a career as an upstream oil or natural gas producer, you should earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Chemical engineers, geologists, environmental scientists and biologists, and drilling engineers can earn over $100,000 per year in the upstream oil production industry. They earn more than the average salaries for their respective positions.