Oil and gas jobs
Are you passionate about oil and gas? You can explore our oil and gas job vacancies, gain insights into oil and gas career paths, and discover the required qualifications and salary ranges in the oil and industry. Still have questions? Check out our FAQs to get your answers.
All Oil and gas jobs
A career in oil and gas
As a crucial contributor to worldwide economic expansion, opportunities for oil and gas jobs from exploration and drilling to refining and distribution. Geoscientists and engineers are responsible for driving exploration and discovering new reserves, while technicians optimize extraction processes. Refining is the process of transforming raw materials into valuable products, which is managed by professionals who ensure efficiency and sustainability.
The industry’s impact extends to logistics and transportation, involving a network of professionals in supply chain management. Furthermore, this industry is a hub for technological innovation, providing various oil and gas vacancies and opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
The oil and gas sector
Key Components of the oil and gas sector
Key Benefits of oil and gas
It is the raw material for various products: Petroleum is used in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, synthetic fragrances, and plastics.
Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel: Compared with other fossil fuels, natural gas emits less carbon. When used to generate electricity, it can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 60 percent compared to coal.
The drilling of gas reduces surface footprint: Concentrated drilling through horizontal and directional methods minimizes operational surface impact. This consolidation onto small pad sites can result in up to a 90% reduction in overall surface presence, reducing the need for additional access roads and pipelines.
Industry growth
The oil and gas industry are undergoing transformative changes, as the IEA report highlights, reflecting a period of change with both opportunities and challenges for job seekers and professionals. Although global oil demand is forecast to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2028, reaching 105.7 million barrels per day, the slowdown in annual demand growth, particularly after 2026, signals a shift in industry dynamics. Click here to enter text.For job seekers, this means a changing job market, with a potential slowdown in demand for traditional roles related to oil production and refining, while opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and technology may become more prominent.
The landmark agreement at COP28 to reduce global fossil fuel consumption marks a decisive shift away from the oil era, in line with global sustainability goals. Professionals entering the industry should be prepared for a shift towards cleaner energy technologies, with implications for job requirements and skill sets. The challenges posed by potential refining overcapacity underscore the need for professionals to adapt to evolving market conditions, potentially leading to a focus on refinery optimization and sustainability initiatives.
Types of jobs in the oil and gas sector
Discover diverse opportunities. Here we provide a list of common oil and gas jobs and provide an insight into a range of roles. This is not an exclusive list but highlights the wide range of career opportunities in the sector.
Oil and gas entry level jobs
Common oil and gas entry-level jobs include Field Technicians, who support operational activities at drilling sites, and Junior Drilling Engineers, who help plan and coordinate drilling operations. In the midstream sector, logistics coordinators manage transport and distribution logistics, while pipeline technicians help maintain infrastructures. In the downstream sector, individuals can start as Refinery Operator Trainees, gaining hands-on experience of refining processes.
Oil and gas technical jobs
In exploration and extraction, Petroleum Engineers play a pivotal role in designing and overseeing drilling processes, ensuring optimal production. Geoscientists contribute their expertise in studying the Earth’s subsurface to identify and evaluate potential reserves. Offshore ROV Technicians and Supervisors manage complex subsea search and recovery systems. These roles form a comprehensive technical workforce that contributes to the efficiency and safety of oil and gas operations in a variety of areas.
Oil and gas operations jobs
Operation roles to ensure the smooth execution of oil and gas operations, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Equipment Operators drive, operate and maintain field equipment in compliance with safety standards. Rig Operators handle power construction equipment for earth excavation and structural work. Floor Hands manages drill floor maintenance, while Derrick Hands monitors daily well servicing rig operations. Oilfield Service Operators install and troubleshoot rig automation controls and equipment.
Health, safety, and environment (HSE) jobs
HSE ensures the well-being of workers, safeguarding the environment, and promoting safety practices. In this category, managers assume a leadership role by guiding business objectives, implementing safety policies, and promoting environmental compliance. Safety Coordinators provide training and enforce safety protocols. HSE Inspectors conduct routine inspections to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. Emergency Response Coordinators develop and manage response plans for potential incidents, ensuring preparedness and swift action.
Skills and qualifications in the oil and gas sector
In the oil and gas sector, the possession of a range of specific skills and qualifications is essential for success in a wide variety of roles within the industry. To get an oil and gas job, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as engineering (petroleum, drilling, mechanical), Geosciences, logistics, or a related field.
- Knowledge of electrical and instrumentation installation, pipeline engineer, or related field
- wind resource assessment, turbine design or operation, and project management
- Relevant working experiences in petroleum projects
- Certifications and training in HSE. E.g. ISO Certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001), OSHA Courses
Oil and gas job salary ranges
The salary ranges for oil and gas jobs depend on the specific job role, level of experience, education, and geographic location. Here we provide a general overview for your reference:
North America: Entry level positions start at $50,700 per year while most experienced workers make up to $138,717 per year.
Europe: In Europe, the salary range for oil and gas energy jobs depends on the level of experience and specific job responsibilities. Take Germany for example. An entry level petroleum engineer (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of 83.907 €, a senior level petroleum engineer (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of 151.603 €.
Middle East: AED 60,000-144,000 per year ($16,336-$39207), depending on experience and job responsibilities.
Asia-Pacific: Varies by country, but can range from $40,000-$200,000 per year, depending on the
specific job and level of experience.
Frequently asked questions about oil and gas jobs
There are many different roles in the oil and gas energy sector. To start, become familiar with the industry, its segments (upstream, midstream, downstream), and the specific roles that interest you. Obtain a relevant degree in engineering, geosciences, or a related field. Seek internships or co-op programs with oil and gas companies. This hands-on experience is invaluable and can lead to potential full-time opportunities after graduation.
Applying for entry-level positions in the oil and gas sector like Field Technician, Junior Engineer, or similar roles. Stay updated on industry developments and pursue additional certifications or training programs to enhance your skills.
The most common oil and gas energy jobs include drilling engineer, LNG engineer, and HSE expert. For more information, you can check the types of jobs in the oil and gas energy sector.
Many professionals start with entry-level positions, gaining hands-on experience in roles such as field operators, technicians, or junior engineers.
As professionals gain expertise, they often move into specialized roles like drilling engineers, geoscientists, or environmental specialists, focusing on specific aspects of the industry.
Experienced individuals may transition into project management, overseeing entire projects from conception to completion, managing budgets, timelines, and resources. And professionals with significant experience and leadership qualities can advance to executive and managerial positions, where they guide strategic initiatives, make key decisions, and lead teams.
Industry often provides opportunities for international assignments, allowing professionals to work on projects in different countries and experience diverse cultures.
Most oil and gas jobs are typically concentrated in regions with significant reserves and active exploration and production activities. Major hubs include the Middle East, North America (particularly the United States and Canada), Europe, Russia, and parts of Asia. Additionally, offshore drilling activities (the North Sea) contribute to job opportunities in coastal areas and regions with extensive offshore reserves.
