CAREER

OPPORTUNITIES
I N T H E N AT U R A L G A S A N D O I L I N D U S T RY

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Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .1

CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
I N T H E N AT U R A L G A S A N D O I L I N D U S T RY
The natural gas and oil industry already is and will continue Careers in the natural gas and oil industry offer good benefits,
to be a major source of job opportunities. In fact, the high pay, and the opportunity to make a difference. This
industry currently supports more than 10.3 million U.S. jobs, booklet provides a sample of the career opportunities that
and an IHS report projects 1.9 million direct job opportunities are available in the industry, grouped by Career Family, along
will be available through 2035. Nearly one million of those with the typical education required and the median annual
jobs can be characterized as semi-skilled and skilled craft salary. The salaries presented here are median annual salaries
trades positions. across all industries; they are not industry specific. Based on
average annual wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
This means that there is a vast opportunity for the industry the average pay in the natural gas and oil industry is nearly
to attract, retain, and develop life long careers for individuals. $50,000 higher than the U.S. average.
From attorneys to welders to architects, truck drivers, and
accountants, natural gas and oil industry jobs include a wide Many people don’t realize what a high-tech, sophisticated
range of both blue and white collar jobs at every education industry natural gas and oil is, driving innovation and touching
level. As one woman put it, “You don’t have to be a land man nearly every field and aspect of life that we care about. From
or a petroleum engineer. There are other things you can do your cell phone to your makeup, to medical devices, credit
in the oil and gas industry.” Many of these opportunities are cards, contact lenses, and even the football you toss around
classified by the Department of Labor as having a Bright outside with friends, natural gas and oil are the building blocks
Outlook, which describe occupations that are expected to grow of the things we need and love every single day. Enclosed you
rapidly in the next several years, have large numbers of job will find just a sample of the careers that make it all happen.
openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

For more information on the natural gas and oil industry, to see career videos,
and to search for open jobs in the industry, please visit us at:

www.powerpastimpossible.org www.oilgasworkforce.org
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE................................................................5
BUSINESS OPERATIONS......................................................6
COMMODITY MARKETING...................................................7
CONSTRUCTION...................................................................8
DRILLING OPERATIONS.......................................................9
ENGINEER..........................................................................10
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY...........................12
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR.....................................................12
FACILITY OPERATIONS......................................................13
FINANCE/ACCOUNTING.....................................................14
GEOLOGY...........................................................................15
HUMAN RESOURCES.........................................................16
LAND LEASE OPERATIONS................................................17
LEGAL................................................................................18
MECHANIC.........................................................................19
PUBLIC OUTREACH............................................................19
SALES................................................................................19
SCIENCE............................................................................19
TECHNICIAN......................................................................20
TRADES.............................................................................21
TRUCK DRIVER..................................................................22

LEGEND

Career Video

Bright Outlook
 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Administrative Administrative Perform routine clerical and administrative functions such as High School Diploma/GED
Assistant drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing or higher
and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing
information to callers. $34,820

Administrative Executive Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, High School Diploma/ GED;
Administrative preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, and Associate’s Degree
Assistant performing clerical functions such as preparing correspondence,
receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling $55,860
meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical
staff. Perform routine clerical and administrative functions
such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments,
organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files or providing
information to callers.

Administrative Manager of Office Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and High School Diploma/ GED;
and Administrative administrative support workers. Some College; Bachelor’s
Workers; Office Degree
Coordinator (First-
Line Supervisors $54,340
of Office and
Administrative
Support Workers)

Administrative Office Clerk Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any High School Diploma/ GED;
specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of Bachelor’s Degree
office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned
in accordance with the office procedures of individual $30,580
establishments and may include a combination of answering
telephones, bookkeeping, word processing, stenography, office
machine operation, and filing.

Administrative Records Analyst Improve document management and storage systems. Maintain Bachelor’s Degree
and update record databases and storage, online and physical.
Review, assess, and analyze records. Respond to requests $45,497
for documents or clarification.

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .5

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Business Architect (Except Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Operations Landscape and buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property. *Also
Naval) fits in the Facility Operations Career Family. $76,930

Business Architectural and Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features Associate’s Degree
Operations Civil Drafter of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used
in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and $51,640
public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering
practices, and mathematics to complete drawings. *Also fits in
the Facility Operations Career Family.

Business Business Analyst Provide financial and economic analysis services to a particular Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Operations business unit to help them better understand and manage
business performance. $59,307

Business Business Assist with evaluation of potential targets for acquisition Bachelor’s Degree
Operations Development or disposition. May also solicit third- party businesses for
Representative operations or pipelines. $45,703

Business Data Analyst Collect, analyze, and report data to meet customer needs.
Operations Identify new sources of data and methods to improve
data collection, analysis, and reporting. Collect customer $57,793
requirements, determine technical issues, and design reports to
meet data analysis needs.

Business General and Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector Associate’s or Bachelor’s
Operations Operations Manager organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating Degree
policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use
of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and $99,310
general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of
management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing,
or administrative services.

6. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Business Logistics Analysts Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify Bachelor’s Degree
Operations or recommend changes. May manage route activity including
invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing. $74,170

Business Market Research Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas, Bachelor’s Degree
Operations Analyst and or gather information to determine potential sales of a product or
Marketing Specialist service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information $62,560
on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and
distribution.

Business Procurement Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing Bachelor’s Degree
Operations Manager (Purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials,
Manager) products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade $111,590
merchandising managers and procurement managers.

Business Risk Management Analyze and manage risk management issues by identifying, Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Operations Specialist measuring, and making decisions on operational or enterprise
risks for an organization. $69,470

Business Supply Chain Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, Bachelor’s Degree
Operations Manager distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to
limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. $104,970
Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining
activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the
movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

Commodity Natural Gas Nominate, allocate, confirm and balance gas flow volumes with Bachelor’s Degree
Marketing Controller/Scheduler purchasers, pipeline and well owners. Administer the sales by
ensuring the gas flows as nominated. Manage gathering and $70,375
transportation contracts, ensuring that no penalties are incurred.

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .7

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Commodity Natural Gas Trader Derive optimal transaction prices for clients and execute Bachelor’s Degree
Marketing (Commodities Trader) accordingly. Create, maintain, and expand relationships with
suppliers and clients. Research and monitor target companies $76,257
and investment channels while applying the appropriate
strategies for futures, commodities, and trading. Evaluate market
movements and communicate their importance with clients and
coworkers. *Also fits in the Finance/Accounting Career Family.

Construction Construction Determine needs for construction of well sites or gathering High School Diploma/ GED;
Coordinator facilities (roads, power supply, water management, right-of way, Associate’s Degree
etc.) and supervise contract crews engaged in those tasks.
$51,543

Construction Construction Laborer Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May High School Diploma/ GED
operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth
tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying $33,430
and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment
and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set
braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and
clean up rubble, debris and other waste materials.

Construction Construction Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate Bachelor’s Degree
Manager supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction
and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. $89,300
Participate in the conceptual development of a construction
project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and
implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction
fields such as carpentry or plumbing.

Construction Fence Erector Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and High School Diploma/ GED
power tools. or Less

$33,150

8. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Construction Freight, Stock, and Manually move freight, stock, or other materials or perform High School Diploma/
Material Mover other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not GED
elsewhere classified.
$25,980

Construction Manager of Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or High School Diploma/ GED;
Construction Trades extraction workers. *Also fits in the Drilling Operations Career Family. Some College
and Extraction
Workers (First-Line $62,980
Supervisors of
Construction Trades
and Extraction
Workers)

Drilling Derrick Operator, Oil Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud High School Diploma/ GED
Operations and Gas through drill hole. or Less

$48,130

Drilling Directional Driller Steer the drill bit, sometimes horizontally, sometimes through Associate’s Degree or
Operations multiple reservoirs to maximize the potential of a single well. Higher
*Also fits in the Equipment Operator Career Family.
$61,174

Drilling Extraction Worker Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters High School Diploma/ GED
Operations Helpers and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine
operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include $35,790
supplying equipment or cleaning work area.

Drilling Extraction Workers All oil and natural gas extraction workers not listed separately. High School Diploma/ GED
Operations
$48,750

Drilling Floorhand Part of a 3-5 person workover rig crew that perform service on High School Diploma/ GED
Operations crude oil and natural gas wells. Assist in rigging up and down,
pulling/ laying down rods, tubing and casing, etc. $43,409

Drilling Petroleum and Work with engineers to find the safest and most efficient Associate’s Degree or
Operations Gas Engineering ways of obtaining natural gas and crude oil, and/or to devise Higher
Technician the best ways to refine gas and petroleum into functional and
usable products. *Also fits in the Technician and Engineer $61,320
Career Families.

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .9

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Drilling Production Worker Help production workers by performing duties requiring less High School Diploma or
Operations Helpers skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and GED
cleaning work area and equipment.
$24,830

Drilling Rotary Drill Operator, Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil High School Diploma/ GED
Operations Oil and Gas and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas or Less
exploration. *Also fits in the Equipment Operator Career Family.
$54,430

Drilling Roustabout, Oil Assemble or repair oil field equipment using hand and power High School Diploma/ GED
Operations and Gas tools. Perform other tasks as needed. or Less

$37,340

Drilling Wellhead Pumper Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow High School Diploma/ GED
Operations of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
$49,610

Engineer Chemical Engineer Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for Bachelor’s Degree
manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline,
synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, $98,340
by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics,
and engineering.

Engineer Civil Engineer Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures,
and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, $83,540
channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and
water and sewage systems.

Engineer Drilling Engineer Determine the optimal method for drilling a well and supervise Bachelor’s Degree
actual drilling of wells by third- party companies. *Also fits in the
Drilling Operations Career Family. $103,584

Engineer Electrical Engineer Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing Bachelor’s Degree
and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems
for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. $94,210

10. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Engineer Engineer, All Other Miscellaneous engineers not listed separately in the Bachelor’s Degree
occupational classification.
$97,300

Engineer Engineering Manager Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields such as Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
(Architectural architecture and engineering or research and development in
and Engineering these fields. $134,730
Managers)

Engineer Engineering All engineering technicians, except drafters, not listed separately. Associate’s Degree or
Technician, All Other *Also fits in the Technician Career Family. Higher

$62,330

Engineer Facility Engineer Design pipelines, compression and/or gas processing facilities. Bachelor’s Degree
Supervise contractors engaged in the same type of work. *Also
fits in the Facility Operations Career Family. $74,904

Engineer Field Engineer Help plan and prepare for well site operations. Apply Associate’s Degree
appropriate procedures for the operation of wireline equipment,
tools and techniques related to production logging, perforating $61,610
and explosive handling. *Also fits in the Drilling Operations
Career Family.

Engineer Mechanical Engineer Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning
equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and $84,190
repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and
steam systems.

Engineer Mud Engineer Supply crude oil and natural gas companies and their drillers Bachelor’s Degree
with careful calibrated drilling fluid (mud) to lubricate the drill bit
and minimize damage to the reservoir and other stratigraphic $78,565
layers as they drill to the goal depth. *Also fits in the Drilling
Operations Career Family.

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .11

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Engineer Petroleum Engineer Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production Bachelor’s Degree
and determine the need for new or modified tool designs.
Oversee drilling and offer technical advice. *Also fits in the $128,230
Drilling Operations Career Family.

Engineer Reservoir Engineer Analyze characteristics of reservoirs to identify and optimize Bachelor’s Degree
exploration techniques. Develop reservoir estimates and future
production schedules. *Also fits in the Drilling Operations $113,730
Career Family.

Environmental Occupational Health Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design Bachelor’s Degree
Health and and Safety Specialist programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent
Safety disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological $70,920
agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and
enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health
and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or
private sector. Includes environmental protection officers.

Equipment Crane and Tower Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable Post-Secondary Certificate
Operator Operator equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in
many directions. *Also fits in the Construction Career Family. $52,170

Equipment Excavating and Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or High School Diploma/ GED
Operator Loading Machine buckets, to excavate and load loose materials. *Also fits in the
and Dragline Construction Career Family. $41,030
Operator

Equipment Heavy Equipment Specifically tasked with the safe and efficient operations of High School Diploma/GED;
Operator Operator heavy machinery, such as loaders, dump trucks, backhoes, Post-Secondary Certificate
and graders. The heavy equipment operator ensures that the
machinery he or she is about to use is in good working order, $46,291
and then follows all relevant procedures and protocols while
using it.

Equipment Operating Operate one or several types of power construction High School Diploma/ GED
Operator Engineer and equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers,
Other Construction compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end $45,890
Equipment Operators loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures,
or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair
and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

12. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Equipment Paving, Surfacing, Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other High School Diploma/ GED
Operator and Tamping materials to road beds, or equipment used for tamping gravel,
Equipment Operator dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving $38,970
machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators,
and stone spreader operators.

Facility Automation Install, maintain and troubleshoot equipment used to control High School Diploma/ GED;
Operations Technician and monitor wells, pipelines, compressors, etc. *Also fits in the Associate’s Degree
Technician Career Family.
$58,846

Facility Field Operations Manage operational segment for a particular field area Bachelor’s Degree
Operations Leader (production, gathering, pipeline, etc.).
$62,882

Facility Gas Plant Operator Start-up and shutdown plant equipment. Operate plant Bachelor’s Degree
Operations equipment and systems. Adjust controls to operate equipment
in the recommended or prescribed operating ranges. Operate $64,665
natural gas plant and pipeline equipment including amine
treating plants, chilled water gas conditioning skids, and more.
Inspect equipment and controls at periodic intervals to detect
malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment or lubrication.

Facility Inspector, Tester, Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw High School Diploma/ GED
Operations Sorter, Sampler, materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled
and Weigher parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from $36,780
specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and
complex test equipment.

Facility Petroleum Pump Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. High School Diploma/ GED
Operations System Operator, May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems,
Refinery Operator, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of $67,400
and Gauger oil into pipelines.

Facility Production First-line supervisor of production operations (lease operations). High School Diploma/GED;
Operations Coordinator (First- Bachelor’s Degree
Line Supervisors
of Production and $57,780
Operating Workers)

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .13

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Facility Pump Operator Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable High School Diploma/ GED
Operations (Except Wellhead pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other
Pumpers) liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various $42,470
vessels and processes.

Facility Service Unit Operator, Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells High School Diploma/ GED
Operations Oil and Gas or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions
from drilling wells. May also perform similar services in mining $48,610
exploration operations. Includes fishing-tool technicians. *Also
fits in the Drilling Operations Career Family.

Finance/ Accountant/Auditor Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Accounting financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate
statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of $68,150
recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

Finance/ Bookkeeping, Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial High School Diploma/ GED;
Accounting Accounting, and records complete. Perform any combination of routine Some College; Bachelor’s
Auditing Clerk calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary Degree
financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also
check the accuracy of financial calculations, and postings pertaining $38,390
to business transactions recorded by other workers.

Finance/ Business Unit Vice- Has overall responsibility for financial and operational Master’s Degree
Accounting President; Chief performance of a defined segment of the company. Responsible
Financial Officer for profit/loss budget, short and long term strategic planning, $127,623
drilling programs, production, EHS performance, etc.

Finance/ Cost Estimator Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction Bachelor’s Degree
Accounting projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or
determining price of product or service. May specialize according $61,790
to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

14. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Finance/ Financial Analyst Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment Bachelor’s Degree
Accounting programs of public or private institutions.
$81,760

Finance/ Revenue Accountant Perform accounting services relating to revenue resulting from Bachelor’s Degree
Accounting exploration and production or gathering business. Ensure that
royalties, production taxes, and amounts due to joint-interest $58,833
owners are properly paid and the volumes and prices received
are accurate and reported.

Finance/ Treasurer & Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Accounting Controller investments for all or part of an organization.
$121,750

Geology Geological and Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or Associate’s Degree
Petroleum Technician nuclear measuring instruments in both laboratory and production
activities to obtain data indicating potential resources such $56,470
as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze
mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other
characteristics of wells or bore holes. Investigate and collect
information leading to the possible discovery of new metallic
ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum deposits. *Also fits in the
Technician Career Family.

Geology Geological Sample Test or analyze geological samples, crude oil, or minerals to Associate’s Degree
Test Technician detect presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits indicating
potential for exploration or production or to determine physical $56,470
or chemical properties to ensure that products meet quality
standards. *Also fits in the Technician Career Family.

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .15

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Geology Geologist (Mining Conduct sub-surface surveys to identify the characteristics Bachelor’s Degree
and Geological of potential land or mining development sites. May specify
Engineers, Including the ground support systems, processes and equipment for $93,720
Mining Safety safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or
Engineers) underground construction activities. May inspect areas for
unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions.
May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

Geology Geophysicist Evaluate geophysical data (seismic, gravity, magnetic, etc.) Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
in order to identify exploration prospects, or assist with the
development of existing plays. $92,875

Geology Geoscientist, Except Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Hydrologist and of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics
Geographer knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground $89,780
water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other
environmental problems. May study the Earth’s internal
composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic,
electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists,
crystallographers, palaeontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists,
and seismologists.

Human Human Resources Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of Bachelor’s Degree
Resources Manager an organization.
$106,910

Human Human Resources Perform activities in the human resource area. Includes Bachelor’s Degree
Resources Specialist employment specialists who screen, recruit, interview, and
place workers. $59,180

Human Training and Design and conduct training and development programs to Bachelor’s Degree
Resources Development improve individual and organizational performance. May analyze
Specialist training needs. $59,020

16. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Land Lease Division Order Analyze lease ownership and prepare division orders dictating High School Diploma/ GED
Operations Analyst how royalty payments are to be disbursed based on ownership. or Higher
Request disbursements based on production reports, well
expenses and contracts. May work directly with royalty owners to $67,171
resolve issues.

Land Lease Landman Acquire and maintain access to the rights to use land for natural Bachelor’s Degree
Operations (Lease Negotiator) resource extraction, including negotiating for mineral rights and
securing access to the sites acquired (right of way). $80,899

Land Lease Mapping Technician Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw Bachelor’s Degree
Operations and verify accuracy of topographical maps. *Also fits in the
Technician Career Family. $42,450

Land Lease Property, Real Estate, Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or Bachelor’s Degree
Operations and Community governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential
Association Managers real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and $57,040
condominium associations, rented or leased housing units,
buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).

Land Lease Surveying Technician Adjust and operate surveying instruments, such as the theodolite High School Diploma/ GED;
Operations and electronic distance-measuring equipment, and compile Associate’s Degree
notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.
$42,450

Land Lease Surveyor Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Associate’s Degree;
Operations Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, Bachelor’s Degree
elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near
the earth’s surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land $59,390
evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .17

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Land Lease Title Examiners, Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize High School Diploma/ GED
Operations Abstractors, and pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety or higher
Searchers of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and
other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and $45,800
private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title
insurance companies.

Land Lease Lease Analyst Set up new leases upon direction from Land Negotiators. Establish Bachelor’s Degree
Operations lease payment schedules and ensure that rental payments are
made in a timely manner. Maintain records of well location, $56,177
contracts, lease expiration dates and operation conditions.

Legal Attorney Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal Law Degree
proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise
clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or $118,160
may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Legal Government Affairs Manage all aspects of government affairs for an organization. Bachelor’s Degree
Manager Handle government communication efforts, create detailed
reports based on current government positions, and coordinate $71,401
and schedule government events and activities. Be internal expert
for compliance, regulations and requirements, including advising
other departments. Lobby on behalf of the organization. Monitor
legal environment and propose legislative activities to encourage
business objectives. Reach out to and develop relationships with
local government, business, and regulatory bodies. Manage and
monitor regulatory activities, applications, proceedings, and filings.
*Also fits in the Government Affairs Career Family.

Legal Regulatory Affairs Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as Bachelor’s Degree
Specialist internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations.
May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory $66,540
agencies. *Also fits in the Government Affairs Career Family.

18. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Mechanic Diesel Mechanic Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain High School Diploma/GED;
(Bus and Truck and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working Post-Secondary Certificate
Mechanics and primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Diesel Engine $45,170
Specialists)

Mechanic Industrial Machinery Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and High School Diploma/GED;
Mechanic processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. Post-Secondary Certificate

$50,040

Mechanic Mobile Heavy Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, Post-Secondary Certificate
Equipment Mechanic hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes,
(Except Engines) bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, $49,370
logging, and surface mining.

Public Community Relations Evaluate needs of general public and community groups. Bachelor’s Degree
Outreach Coordinator Represent organization in a variety of public settings to
increase awareness. Develop community outreach activities $43,227
and programs.

Public Public Relations Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for Bachelor’s Degree
Outreach Specialist individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material
for release to various communications media. $58,020

Sales Sales Representative, Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical Bachelor’s Degree
Wholesale and or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology,
Manufacturing, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from $78,980
Technical and at least 2 years of post-secondary education.
Scientific Products

Sales Sales Representatives, Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or Bachelor’s Degree
Wholesale and groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of
Manufacturing, items sold. $57,140
Except Technical and
Scientific Products

Science Chemist Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or Bachelor’s Degree
experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to
develop new products or knowledge. $73,740

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .19

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Science Weather Forecaster Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological Bachelor’s Degree
(Atmospheric and data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to
Space Scientists) prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes $92,460
weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the
detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Technician Electronics Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify Associate’s Degree
Engineering developmental and production electronic components, parts,
Technician equipment, and systems, such as computer equipment, missile $62,190
control instrumentation, electron tubes, test equipment,
and machine tool numerical controls, applying principles
and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering
mathematics, electronic and electrical testing, and physics.
Usually work under direction of engineering staff. *Also fits in
the Engineer Career Family.

Technician Instrument and Install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical/ electronic Associate’s Degree
Electrical Technician equipment used in oil and gas production processing
and/or transportation. $66,144

Technician Process Technician Work to plan, analyze and control the quality of manufacturing High School Diploma/GED;
processes. Provide training to team members on relevant Associate’s Degree
industry processes and equipment operations safety. Continuously
monitor all operations and processes to prevent and correct $49,617
equipment malfunctions. Monitor equipment and take action in
the event of problems.

Technician Production Monitor and adjust production processes or equipment for High School Diploma/GED
Technician quality and productivity. Inspect finished products for quality
and adherence to customer specifications. Set up and operate $43,220
production equipment and perform basic maintenance on
machine. Responsible for machine operation and crew in an
industrial setting.

20. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Technician; Civil Engineering Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, Associate’s Degree
Trades; Technician designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of
Truck Driver structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff $49,980
or physical scientists. *Also fits in the Engineer Career Family.

Trades Carpenter Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures Apprenticeship Program
made of wood, such as concrete forms; building frameworks,
including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood $43,600
stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.
Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices in
underground passageways.

Trades Cement Mason and Smooth and financial surfaces of poured concrete, such as Apprenticeship Program
Concrete Finisher floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand
and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; $39,180
patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.

Trades Electrician Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, Post-Secondary Certificate
and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant
codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or $52,720
electrical control systems.

Trades Maintenance and Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or High School Diploma/GED;
Repair Worker craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or Post-Secondary Certificate
the structure of an establishment in repair. Duties may involve
pipe fitting; boiler making; insulating; welding; machining; 36,940
carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment;
installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing
buildings, floors or stairs.

Trades Plumber, Pipefitter, Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems Apprenticeship Program
and Steamfitter that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install
heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. $51,450
Includes sprinkler fitters.

Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .21

 TYPICAL
CAREER
CAREER TITLE CAREER DESCRIPTION E D U C AT I O N
FA M I LY
A N D M E D I A N S A L A RY

Trades Welder, Cutter, Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand soldering, or brazing Apprenticeship Program
Solderer, and Brazer equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes,
indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products. $39,390

Truck Driver Truck Driver, Heavy Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of High School Diploma/GED
and Tractor-Trailer at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be
required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers’ license. $41,340

Sources: Data on education level, salary, and job description come from one of three sources: The Department of Labor’s O*Net site; the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP); and Payscal.
com, an online salary, benefits, and compensation information company.

22. Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry

ENERGY AND STEM
TOGETHER
CULTIVATE
OPPORTUNITY

In the coming decades, the natural gas and oil industry could create nearly two million job opportunities.
Of these opportunities, 40 percent will be held by women, African Americans and Hispanics, while
Millennials will account for 41 percent of the workforce. Many of these well-paying jobs require a background
in one or more of the STEM disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. Our industry is
committed to engaging generations in order to secure our future for tomorrow.

Text ENERGY to 73075 to learn more

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Career Opportunities in the Natural Gas and Oil Industry .23

 OIL TAPS
POTENTIAL

Text ENERGY to 73075 to learn more Text ENERGY to 73075 to learn more
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NOTE: Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for more info, STOP to opt-out.
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NOTE: Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for more info, STOP to opt-out.

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