If you are the type of person that loves to one day work in the energy market sector, then you might want to pick up a career in the oil and gas industry. But when that thought keeps coming, you might be tempted to ask, ‘is oil and gas production a good career path?’ well, you are not asking the wrong question.
If you will be picking a career path in any industry, you need to have a good understanding of the industry. Your career choice is very important because it determines how well you live in the future. But fortunately, the oil and gas industry is a good place to consider choosing a career. Jobs here are highly rewarding and satisfying. Although jobs in the industry require hard work, in many cases, they all pay well and give you access to a plethora of perks and opportunities.
If you are willing to have an answer to the question, ‘is oil and gas production a good career path,’ then you should keep reading this post. Here, we will show you some interesting things you should know about the industry. That way, you can make informed decisions about whether to choose a career path there or not.
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Is Oil and Gas Production a Good Career Path: a Quick Answer!
The short answer is yes, especially if have a love for the energy market sector. Choosing a career path in the industry can be extremely rewarding – both professionally and personally. The industry has experienced several developments over the years. And that means it is a growing industry and so there are diverse job roles available in the sector.
If pay is one of the reasons you are asking, ‘is oil and gas production a good career path,’ you will be glad to know that jobs in oil and gas pay pretty well. As an unskilled floorhand worker, you can earn up to $35,000 per annum. And this can go way higher if you have the necessary college degrees and certifications.
You don’t necessarily need a college degree to get a job in the oil and gas production sector. And there are several job positions open in the sector to job seekers looking to pick a career in the oil and gas production sector.
Is Oil and Gas Production a Good Career Path: Important Things to Consider
Every industry, no matter how seemingly good it seems, has its own downsides. While there are several advantages to working in the oil and gas sector, so also are some disadvantages. Therefore, if you are asking, ‘is oil and gas production a good career path,’ then there are some downsides you need to be aware of.
- Workplace safety: The first and the most important downside in the oil and gas production industry is the concern about the workplace. And it is one of the major things deterring people away from working in the industry. Jobs there are sometimes very dangerous and safety protocols for workers can be poor.
However, there have been some developments in that regard recently. There are now different safety protocols put in place in the industry to safeguard workers.
- Varying work conditions: This is another important thing you should know. While there are different job roles in the field, so also are various working conditions. You may either be working in an air-conditioned and comfortable office or working in extremely harsh conditions.
However, the working conditions you are exposed to in the industry depend on your job position. It’s good to know this, so you can prepare your mind ahead.
Is Oil and Gas Production a Good Career Path; Some Perks That Come with Working in the Industry
Job stability and long-term work
The demand for oil is always high, and since the demand is there and there is oil, there will always be jobs in the sector. That means you may never have to worry about losing your job in the future because demand is gone or that there is no longer oil. There is high stability in the industry because demand for oil is a global thing.
A college degree is not a requirement
If you are looking for a sector to work in even without a college degree, you are welcome in the oil and gas production sector. There, you don’t need a degree to start a career. With just a high school diploma, you can get an entry-level position that pays well. Interestingly, even if you start as an entry-level worker, you can gradually walk your way to the top. For instance, if you get employed as a floorhand in an oil rig, you can gradually work your way up to become an oil rig manager.
Pay is interesting
Workers in the oil and gas production industry earn well for their labor. In fact, the industry has one of the best pay scales for unskilled laborers. For an entry-level position, you can earn an average of $35,000 per annum. And if you have a college degree, you can earn far more than that. In the following section of the post, we will show you some job positions in the industry and how much they earn.
Amazing growth opportunities
As e earlier said, it is easy to work your way to the top in the sector. There are several growth opportunities that help you develop your skills and advance in your career. Attending training and seminars while you work can give you the chance to get to higher positions in your career path.
Travel opportunities
If you are looking for a job that allows you to travel outside the shores of your country, then you can consider the oil and gas production sector. In fact, traveling abroad is one of the reasons some people ask, ‘is oil and gas production a good career path.’ The answer is yes.
What Are Some Job Positions In the Oil And Gas Production Industry?
There are diverse career paths to choose from in the oil and gas production sector. That means you have many options to choose from. You can always go for one that best matches your interest and qualifications. Here are some common ones and how much they earn annually.
#1: Petroleum engineer
These professionals are required in every stage of oil and gas production, including field assessment and development. There are different career paths to choose from as a petroleum engineer too. That includes a geologist, reservoir engineer, etc. The average annual salary of a petroleum engineer is $96,000.
#2: Energy engineer
If you are interested in working in the production of energy through natural resources such as generating energy from renewable sources like hydro, solar power, wind, and biofuels, you should consider being an energy engineer. The average salary of an energy engineer is $80,000 per annum.
#3: Geologist
Whether a geophysicist, geochemist, sedimentologist, geologist, or hydrogeologist, a geoscientist is in charge of interpreting geochemical, geophysical, and geological data to enhance the production of oil. The average salary of a geologist is around $80,000 per year.
#4: Mining engineer
These professionals are in charge of building and developing mines and other surface and underground operations. They are required in every stage of the mining project. The average salary of a worker working as a mining engineer is around $70,000 per year.
#5: Mudlogger
If you work as a mudlogger, you will be monitoring drilling activity, especially recording information concerning the well status during the extraction of oil and gas. As a mudlogger, you are likely going to earn around $22,000 to $69,000 per annum.
#6: Hydrographic surveyor
This is a high-level professional position. Hydrographic surveyors work onboard survey ships and platforms and are in charge of mapping and measuring underwater surfaces. Their work also includes studying the morphology of the seabed and conducting necessary research for the success of a project. The average salary of a hydrographic surveyor is $49,500 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oil and gas production a good career path?
We believe you should know the answer to this question by now. Of course, oil and gas production is a good career path. Picking a career path in the industry comes with lots of perks and opportunities.
What is the highest-paying job in the oil and gas production industry?
We have highlighted some job positions above and the amount they earn annually. However, one of the highest-paying jobs in the industry is the Project Manager with an average salary of $158,000 per year.
What are the qualifications to get a job in the oil and gas production industry?
Requirements depend on the role you are applying for. But generally, some requirements needed as a worker in the oil and gas production industry are:
- Be 18 years and above
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- A bachelor’s degree for higher positions
- Years of experience – usually a year of experience
Apart from these requirements, there are also some skills that will increase your chance of getting a job in the sector. Such skills include:
- Problem-solving skills
- Leadership skills
- Team player
- Paying attention to details
Is oil and gas a dying field?
This is the last question we will treat under this topic, ‘is oil and gas production a good career path.’ The reason for this question most times the vague thought of some people about the industry. But the truth is that the oil and gas industry is not going anywhere soon. The industry has been booming since the early 2000s.
It has grown at an average rate of 6% per year and accounts for 5.6% of the country’s employment. That is to show you that the industry is still very much relevant. So, if you are desiring to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry, you have a green light to go for it.
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