8 Best Paying Jobs in Oil & Gas Production

What do you think when you hear the phrase “oil and gas production”? Maybe you think of high-paying, blue-collar jobs like operating heavy machinery. That is, except for oil and gas producers, who are among the lowest-paid workers in the industry with average wages of $3 per hour or less. For many people, this career path might seem closed off before they even begin exploring it. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Discovering an occupation with low pay does not mean it is closed off from you completely; it just means that other occupations offer more money for similar work. To determine which careers in oil and gas production company pay well, we consulted the latest salary data from Job Giga as well as job review websites such as Glassdoor and Careers by Industry to identify eight best paying jobs in oil & gas production that offer a high starting salary along with other benefits.

Drilling and Production Supervisor

What does a drilling and production supervisor do? The role involves managing a staff of engineers and skilled workers who work with chemicals and equipment to create a well as well as managing all operations at a drilling operation. In this field, an associate’s degree in business is critical, as are a few years of experience managing employees. The salary for this career is $64,000 per year, with an annual average of $77,000 for workers with 10 to 20 years of experience.

Geoscientist

Find out what a geoscientist does. A geoscientist applies and interprets the principles of science to answer questions about the natural world. You may be required to have a bachelor’s degree in geology, geography, or a closely related field to apply for jobs. The job duties for a geoscientist vary depending on the type of work you do, but you may be responsible for mapping geological details of land and mineral resources, analyzing geological hazards and predicting future events, and conducting research. The median salary for geoscientists is $75,000 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning $54,000 and the highest 10 percent earning $139,000 per year.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Specialist

A HVAC specialist, also known as a refrigeration technician, works with the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems of buildings. They install and maintain all components of the system and are responsible for ensuring that the building’s climate and other requirements are met. The job duties for this career vary depending on the employer, but you’re likely to spend a lot of time working outdoors. You’ll also spend a significant part of your time on your feet. The median salary for HVAC specialists is $60,000 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning $43,000 and the highest 10 percent earning $91,000 per year.

Hydrogeologist

What is a hydrogeologist? A hydrogeologist is a geologist who specializes in geological processes related to water and the environment. Hydrogeologists are often involved in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources. Depending on the type of work you do, you’ll likely be required to have a bachelor’s degree in geology, geophysics, or a closely related field. The median salary for a hydrogeologist is $72,000 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning $53,000 and the highest 10 percent earning $110,000 per year.

Mining Engineer

What is a mining engineer? A mining engineer is a geotechnical professional who specializes in geology and rock mechanics, which are the study of the properties of rocks and the engineering properties of soil and rock materials. In a mining operation, a mining engineer is responsible for planning the excavation of an area where ore is believed to be located. The median salary for mining engineers is $98,000 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning $56,000 and the highest 10 percent earning $160,000 per year.

Mechanical Engineer

What is a mechanical engineer? A mechanical engineer applies the principles of engineering, physics, and mechanics to design and oversee the construction of machines and systems for processing materials, like hydrocarbon resources. Depending on the type of work you do, mechanical engineers may be responsible for designing the equipment used in a refinery or petrochemical plant, or they may work on projects like highways, bridges, or other large infrastructure projects. The median salary for mechanical engineers is $111,000 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning $87,000 and the highest 10 percent earning $185,000 per year.

Petroleum Engineer

What is a petroleum engineer? A petroleum engineer applies scientific principles and engineering principles to the development and production of oil and natural gas. Depending on the type of work you do, you may be required to have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, a master’s degree in some cases, or a related field like geology, mining, or chemical engineering. The median salary for petroleum engineers is $123,000 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning $77,000 and the highest 10 percent earning $250,000 per year.

Production Operator

What is a production operator? A production operator is a line worker who oversees and manages the activities of employees in a specific area of the oil and gas production process. Depending on the type of work you do, you may be responsible for producing a certain product or for managing a particular job function. The median salary for production operators is $48,000 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning $35,000 and the highest 10 percent earning $78,000 per year.

Conclusion

Getting into best paying jobs in oil & gas production business is very competitive, and competitive wages are to be expected. While the best way to get a high-paying job in this field is to pursue a bachelor’s degree, a few key considerations can make it easier to earn a high salary. Consider the benefits of each career and what they have to offer your family, along with the pay and prospects for advancement, and decide which one is best for you. And when you are ready use Job Midas to search for your job.