OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION CAREER PATH: 4 THINGS TO CONSIDER
Job-seekers looking for a first-time job and more experienced workers looking to level up in a new and exciting career path are both asking versions of the same question: Is oil and gas production still a good career path? Oil and gas production companies are reportedly facing an increasingly uncertain future. You may be wondering if now is the right time to consider oil field jobs or oil rig jobs.
If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about the future of the oil and gas industry. And advise you on the wisdom of moving your career in this direction.
Oil and Gas Production Jobs
Energy solutions are constantly evolving and our planet’s dependence on fossil fuels is decreasing with time. Oil and gas still fuel the engine of the world.
At present, crude oil constitutes around 33% of global energy needs. Coal and is around 30% and natural gas comes in third place at around 24%. That totals around 87% of human global energy needs. (Interesting Engineering)
Since global energy needs are high, the need for competent workers in oil and gas production jobs is likewise high. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment figures related to oil and gas extraction show that the industry employs hundreds of thousands of men and women every year. Including the positions in the following general sectors:
Though that list isn’t all-inclusive, it gives you an idea of the types of jobs open every year within the industry as a whole. And the good news is that the number of open oil and gas production jobs should only continue to rise.
Employers are looking to fill openings in the following categories:
- Entry-level labor
- Skilled positions
- Management
- Administration
- Sales and marketing
In short, if you’re looking for a place to get started in oil and gas production, there are plenty of open positions and lots of different places to get your start.
Looking Ahead: 4 Key Considerations Related to Oil and Gas Production
If you’re considering a future in the oil and gas industry, here are a few things to consider as you move forward.
1. The full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry are still unknown.
The good news is that there’s light at the end of the tunnel as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing effects on the world. The bad news is that health concerns aside, no one is completely sure how this once-in-a-lifetime event will impact specific job sectors.
In fact, there’s not a single industry that has gone unaffected by the coronavirus pandemic. Oil and gas production jobs are no exception. While both medium and long-term outlooks are somewhat less certain due to ongoing challenges related to the pandemic. There’s absolutely no reason to suspect that the industry won’t be able to recover. At this time, however, we’re unable to speak with much authority as to the how’s and the when’s.
2. Oil and gas production jobs can lead to some very large paychecks.
While not every position in the oil and gas industry is equally lucrative, there is some serious money to be made in this field. The U.S. crude oil, natural gas, and chemicals industry employs millions every year and rewards them handsomely for their labor with “large paychecks and lucrative jobs in offshore software development companies.” Thanks to high crude oil prices and wide profit margins.
If you’re able to land a solid oil and gas production job, this is good news in itself. Looking forward, however, if you are able to work hard and leverage your skills, know that your initial opportunity could lead to bigger and better chances down the road.
There’s a lot of money to be made in oil and gas production jobs. And you could be one of the people making it.
3. The industry as a whole is increasingly committed to workplace safety.
Though on-the-job safety hasn’t always been assured for those working in oil and gas production jobs. In recent years a high level of commitment to industry best practices and new protocols have led to employees of the natural gas and oil industry experiencing injuries and illnesses at a rate substantially below the U.S. private sector. Overall, the industry’s incidence rate has decreased by 41 percent since 2008; and the private sector’s rate has decreased by 28 percent since 2008.
While no career path is entirely devoid of risk, this is a movement in the right direction and one that should cheer anyone considering a future in the oil and gas industry.
4. The oil and gas industry is still growing.
According to the American Petroleum Institute, though trends in global energy consumption are changing, the process is incremental. As a result, the oil and natural gas industry is slated to continue both supporting and creating jobs well into the near future.
Industry supports 9.8 million jobs or 5.6 percent of total U.S. employment… In 2012, the unconventional oil and natural gas value chain and energy-related chemicals activity together supported more than 2.1 million jobs, according to IHS – a number that’s projected to reach 3.9 million by 2025. (API)
Whether you’re seeking entry-level labor, upper-level management, or an administrative position, given these statistics, there is likely something open and available for you.
The Future of Oil and Gas Production Jobs
For those wondering about the future of oil and gas production jobs, you can rest assured: the future is bright. If you pursue a career in this field, all things being equal, you will find ample room to settle in and build a long and strong career in oil and gas production.
Check Out Lensa’s Job Search
Finally, if you’re ready to start searching for oil and gas production jobs, visit Lensa’s job portal today. Check out all the available job openings we have to offer.
