The oil and gas production industry can be defined as the process whereby oil and natural gas are manufactured from wells. Then, Petroleum products are finalized so that they can be used by consumers, although energy costs are increasing.
Oil and natural gas are major industries, and they heavily influence the global economy due to being the world’s primary fuel source. However, the production and distribution of oil and gas have complexity, and they require the latest state-of-the-art technology and high capital.
Is Oil And Gas Production A Good Career Path?
It is certainly a good career path in the oil and gas industry. The salary expectations are reasonable, and many job opportunities are available worldwide. A career in this career field has a secure future with stability. The nuclear sector professes to be one of the safest and most secure in the country, as safety is the top priority.
Requirements And Skills To Work In Oil & Gas Production
Communication
Communication skills are pivotal in every industry, although in this career, there is a requirement to have constant communication. Industry leaders can analyze the information so that the workplace is always positive and efficient. Therefore, communication is essential to success in the industry.
Adaptability
To succeed in the oil and gas production industry, it is best to be adaptable to meet the needs of all concerned, as rapid changes can occur in technology and the new challenges associated with it. In addition, there are likely to be unexpected events and changes due to geopolitics. Workers are often expected to work away at oil rigs and be prepared to do this in line with the expectations of the role.
Conflict Management
Disputes can be commonplace, so employers should recruit those who are able to cope with conflicts assertively while maintaining the best interests of all concerned.
Critical Thinking
People who can think critically are an asset to the industry as they are able to resolve problems quickly and bring about solutions quickly. People with critical thinking skills are highly regarded in this respect as they have a deep understanding.
Leadership
With employee growth at the forefront, there is a drive to promote more research into how employees can best be retained by successful leadership.
Team Player
Being a team player requires collaboration and sharing responsibilities, including communicating about different challenges and problems. Overcoming these as a team is also crucial to the company’s success.
Time Management And Project Management Skills
Prioritizing tasks is a highly regarded skill in this industry. Time is money critical, and every stage counts. Therefore, it is important to be able to reach deadlines and secure several projects simultaneously due to efficient time management skills.
In addition, project management skills should be well developed to maintain a strong relationship with stakeholders who seek to increase returns on their investment, minimize the expense and risk of exposure as well as be buoyant in times of uncertainty following a downturn of economic conditions, which are less favorable to the industry.
Globalized Industry
Being aware of the oil and gas industry on a global level is welcome; this is where the industry can be diversified and strengthened by collaboration.
13 Best Paying Jobs In Oil & Gas Production
1. Chemical Engineer
Educational Requirements
You should have attended high school courses in science and mathematics. It would also be useful to study calculus. In addition, classes in science such as biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics are certainly beneficial.
It is worth researching the college admission requirements and meeting these by studying trigonometry and algebra. In addition, research-based courses or extra-curricular activities in science, mathematics, or technology would also be beneficial to research and embark on.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering is beneficial.
This degree is a requirement, and you will also need to attend a program accredited and meet the quality standards of the profession by the ABET, which is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The degree usually takes approximately 4 years of full-time study to complete.
Admission requirements are a minimum GPA of 3-3.5 and a recommended study time of 4 years of science, including one year of chemistry and one year of physics. It also includes the successful completion of the college-level calculus course.
A master’s degree is more desirable for a career in chemical engineering as it can provide more advanced training in research methods and chemistry. A minimum GPA score of 3.0 is required.
Average Salary
The average salary of a chemical engineer is $94,763 per year in the US.
2. Electrical Engineer
Educational Requirements
An electrical engineer must have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. It would also be beneficial for this course to be accredited per the ABET, a subgroup of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). A student may also be eligible for work in this field if they have completed a degree in a similar field.
Studying for an undergraduate degree can take approximately 4 years to complete. In terms of a graduate degree, it can take 1-7 years, depending on the specific course. A professional license is also required, which can take four or more years to obtain, and the professional exams can take longer.
Average Salary
The average salary of an electrical engineer is $94,000 per year in the US.
3. Project Engineer
Educational Requirements
Project engineers usually have varied education, although they primarily hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management. In addition, the courses offered for the engineering management programs usually include a remit of technical communication and manufacturing.
A master’s degree in engineering also benefits those seeking leadership roles in management positions.
It can take 3-4 years to be a project engineer, as an engineering role requires experience. In addition, gaining work experience in a specialty field such as electrical engineering helps build credibility.
Average Salary
The average salary of a project engineer is $78,813 per year in the US.
Environmental, Health & Safety Engineering Jobs
Educational Requirements
An environmental Health & Safety engineer is required to have a bachelor’s degree. The degree can be in chemical engineering, environmental sciences, or civil engineering.
If working as an Environment Safety Health Engineer, a 4-year bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or similar is required, and you should have experience in environmental management. Certification from the National Environment Health Association is also required.
Average Salary
The average salary for an Environmental Health & Safety engineer is $79,440 annually in the US.
4. Mechanical Engineer
Educational Requirements
A mechanical engineer usually has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from college. However, some students may choose to major in mechanical engineering technology if this option is available instead.
A master’s degree can benefit those who wish to work in research and development in higher education. A five-year program in engineering is offered in many colleges and universities so that the bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be combined in one program.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Mechanical engineer is $85,451 per year in the US.
5. Petroleum Engineer
Educational Requirements
A petroleum engineer should have attended an accredited course approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which qualifies as a degree in petroleum engineering. To be accepted into the undergraduate engineering program, good mathematics and science grades are required.
The degree can take approximately 4-5 years to complete, and further options can be pursued in specialties such as geology. A graduate degree can also be pursued for research-based roles in the field, although it is not a prerequisite for petroleum engineers.
A petroleum engineer and their equivalent position are responsible for analyzing the reservoirs to see if they can be utilized by the company and profited from. Then, an extraction plan would be developed to establish whether it is beneficial to proceed with the plan and put in the relevant resources.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Petroleum engineer is $137,330 annually in the US.
6. Technical Writer
Educational Requirements
To be a technical writer, you need to have a good command of the English language. The most common degree to have as a technical writer is a bachelor’s degree in English, first and foremost. However, an acceptable degree could include journalism or communication studies.
Not only are there educational requirements for this type of role, but a technical writer will also need to have proven experience in the field.
An alternative to being a technical writer is to work as an editor or writer, as the requirements are the same for requiring a bachelor’s degree. Technical writers need strong writing skills and the ability to write for their audience.
Average Salary
The average salary for a technical writer is $63,270 per year in the US.
7. Oceanographer
Educational Requirements
The minimum educational requirement for becoming a professional oceanographer is to have a specific degree in oceanography or sciences. However, it would be beneficial to consider an advanced degree in this subject area.
There are 4 types of oceanographers, which include chemical oceanography, geological oceanography, physical oceanography, and biological oceanography. These are specific areas where Mathematics, physics, biology, and geology are applied, and the different disciplines are linked.
Average Salary
The average salary for an Oceanographer is $63,270 per year in the US.
8. Geophysicist
Educational Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in geophysics or a geoscience-related field of study is often required, and a knowledge of the geological system.
The bachelor’s degree should major in Geography, and all universities should offer this with environmental management or scientific studies. The entry requirement is a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Physics or Geophysics, preferably.
The educational requirements for a senior geophysicist are higher, with a requirement for a master’s degree of a Ph.D. in geophysics or a similar field of study. A working knowledge of geophysics and experience is also preferable.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Geophysicist is $128,950 per year in the US.
9. Sales Representative
Educational Requirements
A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement to become a sales representative. However, in a competitive industry, having an undergraduate degree in business or marketing would be beneficial for job applications, although it depends on individual and organizational requirements.
A sales representative from another industry may have the transferrable skills to move into the oil and gas industry, although they may require further training. It would very much depend on the employer’s requirements.
The degree field depends on the field of products being sold. Therefore, it is beneficial to hold a voluntary certification which is available from the Manufacturers’ Representatives Education Research Foundation.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Sales Representative is $72,098 per year in the US.
10. Subsea Engineer
Educational Requirements
Most employers prefer that a subsea engineer has a graduate degree with at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering. In addition, specific degrees are desirable in oceanic studies, petroleum, or mechanical engineering.
In order to become a professional engineer, a license may be required. Experience of 4-10 years in engineering would be beneficial, and strong organizational skills and problem-solving abilities are required. Also, some familiarity with Computer Assisted drafting (CAD) is a valuable tool.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Subsea Engineer is $117,317 per year in the US.
11. Reservoir Engineer
Educational Requirements
To become a reservoir engineer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field of study with two years of experience in the oil and gas industry, preferably with some working knowledge and training in reservoir engineering. You must also use analytical skills and have adequate ability to communicate at work and handle stressful working environments.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Reservoir Engineer is $124,390 per year in the US.
12. Petroleum Geologist
Educational Requirements
A petroleum geologist would have a Ph.D. as it is necessary for most higher education research and teaching positions in college. However, other degrees are accepted, such as chemistry, mathematics, or engineering.
Petroleum geologists require mathematical qualifications along with physics, Chemistry, and Biology. A state license may also be necessary, and after many years you could progress to more senior positions as a project geologist or senior hydrogeologist, or analyst.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Petroleum Geologist is $235,921 annually in the US.
13. Rig Welder
Educational Requirements
To be employed on any oil rig, a rig welder requires the following:
A high school diploma or equivalent, physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance, and mental alertness to cope with and perform the duties of an oil rig welder.
The ability to handle different materials and work in an open environment subject to weather conditions. Having basic Mathematics skills, communication skills, and being effective at following instructions. A 2-year technical training program can be embarked on for preventive measures to be able to apply for work in the industry.
Pursuing a career as a rig welder requires dedication and perseverance. A rig welder can have the opportunity to work on many different projects in various industries and experience other techniques used in the industry. A solid set of basic welding skills are required, and the requirements to read and interpret technical drawings and communicate effectively in a team.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Rig Welder is $77,686 per year in the US.
Is A Career In Oil & Gas Production Worth It?
Working in the oil and gas industry is a good career path as the oil industry is generally stable, and the industry’s future can be relied upon. In addition, the necessary qualifications, experience, or certification will undoubtedly put you in an excellent position to apply for job opportunities worldwide.
This is an enjoyable industry to work in for those who are more practical and like to explore their capabilities as an engineer or scientists in this field in an oil or gas company. In addition, cleaner energy sources can be researched for the future. The gas industry is doing well, and the oil industry will likely continue to boost production in oil production.
The average annual salaries are generally higher than the average for other jobs, and there is a demand for workers in this sector. However, if you enjoy training, there are many options to explore this in the workplace and apply transferable skills previously gained.
There are many career opportunities to explore in the oil and gas industry. One of the leading suggestions for this career is for the Master of Business Administration Training which allows for more career options for roles such as an engineering geologist, mining engineer, hydrographic surveyor, petroleum engineer, or similar.
An engineering geologist can undertake a scientific analysis of the ground to decipher what construction developments might impact the sites involved. In contrast, a mining engineer would be more technical in terms of the surrounding environment and the technical aspect of the impact of mining. Hydrographic surveyors are research-based on marine research and the effects of climate change on the marine environment and other factors.
Oil and gas companies offer a variety of opportunities within the realms of an educational standard and the professionalism of the skills and knowledge required to pursue such a career.
There are different aspects of a job that need to be considered. However, due to the number of employment opportunities, this is a career path to think about and pursue due to the many benefits on offer, such as pay.
Other incentives include bonuses that can be offered to workers working remotely so that it can be more attractive for workers.
This is an industry whereby technological advances can be kept up to date, and training can be regular and fulfilling with optimized skills. Learning and development are part of the evolving workplace, and professional development is encouraged in this type of role. The development of skills and training in the workplace can also enhance specialisms.
One of the significant benefits of this industry is the ability to travel due to the global demand for these types of services, and skilled professionals can certainly have job opportunities to work abroad in different countries.
Pros And Cons Of Oil And Gas Production Careers
Jobs in oil and gas production have reliability for employment due to the nature of the industry being relied upon and secure. As a result, the energy sector is likely to see an increase in expansion, although it will be slightly increased due to the current economic state and high energy prices. In addition, renewable energy sources for renewable energy and natural gas production are on the rise.
There are many career paths to choose from, although some of the best-paying jobs are in the oil and gas industry. The median wage for workers in the United States is approximately $54,132 per year, so this industry offers well above that figure.
A production engineer is another role with many responsibilities whereby they need to ensure that the engineering teams are being supported correctly, that the safety protocols have been drafted, that issues have been documented and reported to management, and that the best-placed strategies are implemented to ensure that the workplace is efficient.
Project managers in the oil and gas industry can have entry-level positions that fetch salaries of $77,500 per year. As they can take on more responsibilities, this will increase dramatically to offer more high-paying jobs. Good-paying jobs like these also require many responsibilities, although the right person can handle these well.
Working in this industry can certainly be lucrative for someone with the right skills, experience, and educational background. Instead of obtaining a degree in engineering, it is worth considering how to best get into the energy industry.
There may be some uncertainty for the future in terms of energy sources. However, there are more negative factors to consider, such as working long hours, often away from home, working in remote locations, inhaling harmful chemicals all day, and a dirty working environment.
The gas production process has many hazards, although standards and enforcement are upheld to make it as safe as humanly possible. For example, a drilling engineer can have hazards to their health due to the risks involved in drilling operations at drilling sites.
Therefore, operatives in the drilling team should work closely together to ensure that all the safety guidelines are met for the drilling operations scheduled to take place and for gas production workers. Communication and teamwork are essential to establish strong working relationships, solving problems together, and being supportive.
Safety issues can arise as a lack of safety measures and construction projects, or an entire project could be compromised over a lack of safety guidelines. On-the-job training can minimize the risks involved.
Control boards are helpful in controlling everything for refining the oil and gas that is needed for commercial, consumer (domestic production), and industrial usage. Some locations are hazardous while some are not, and these controls can help to identify them for safe operations.
There are many safety precautions that need special care and attention, particularly concerning the hazardous location and how there should be an avoidance of the auto-ignition temperature, which could cause a problem when outside of a specified range due to the volatility of the gas.
Gas deposits or gas from deposits can be formed at higher temperatures and at higher pressure, so it is imperative to deal with it professionally and in accordance with the safety guidelines. These need to be followed cautiously.
Some of the largest oil companies are in the US as the world’s biggest oil producer, with Saudi Arabia and Russia following suit.
The barrels per day of oil production is up, and it has surpassed the record highs in previous years, so the industry is undoubtedly showing stabilization and some job security for these types of jobs.
Some of the largest oil companies are in the US as the world’s biggest oil producer, with Saudi Arabia and Russia following suit.
In Conclusion
Therefore, there are many considerations to be made when considering work in this specific industry, although there are also many options. There are work opportunities available that no other industry can offer whereby you can become more of a specialist and enhance your job prospects long-term with ongoing work and training, which the employer often supports.
It is worth noting that it requires some years of training, but the employment is likely to be reliable, and this is a career worth exploring. The oil and gas industry can provide some vast opportunities long term.