What are oil field jobs?
Jobs in an oil field include any position involved in the location, collection, refinement, transportation or sale of crude oil, petroleum or natural gas. Individuals in this field typically have an interest in mechanics, engineering, natural science, chemistry or business administration.
High-paying oil field jobs
Understanding the highest-paid positions within the oil industry can help you decide which career path in this field is right for you. Below is a list of some of the highest-paying oil field jobs with their primary duties and salary information:
1. Gas plant operator
National average salary:Â $51,925 per year
Primary duties: Gas plant operators process and distribute gas for utility companies through compressors that maintain the pressure of pipelines. They may also distribute gas to industrial plants using control boards and semiautomatic equipment. Typical education requirements for this position include a high school diploma or GED and on-the-job training.
2. Well testers
National average salary:Â $34,780 per year
Primary duties:Â Well-testers perform evaluations and assessments of oil pipelines during the development phase to predict stability and risk levels. They use a combination of surface and subsurface tools and data to perform these tests. Typical education requirements for well testers include a high school diploma or GED and onsite training.
3. Chemical engineer
National average salary:Â $81,068 per year
Primary duties:Â Chemical engineers conduct a series of tests and evaluations to ensure companies use the correct chemicals to turn crude oil and petroleum into usable material. They often work closely with other engineers and scientists in the field to ensure the safe storage and transformation of raw materials into gasoline and fuel. Typical education requirements for chemical engineers include a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field.
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4. Sales representative
National average salary:Â $73,599 per year
Primary duties:Â Petroleum and oil sales representatives sell finished goods for wholesalers and manufacturers to businesses and retailers. These individuals often have a bachelor’s degree in sales, business, or a related field and extensive knowledge of oil industry trends.
5. Petroleum geologist
National average salary:Â $67,939 per year
Primary duties:Â Petroleum geologists search for and discover best paying jobs in oil & gas production deposits within the earth. They use geological information to analyze which sites companies should drill for oil and recommend the best drilling methods depending on the geological makeup of the area. They use a variety of drilling equipment, machinery and specialized instruments to collect surface and subsurface data. Typical education requirements for petroleum geologists include a bachelor’s degree in geosciences for entry-level positions.
6. Vessel manager
National average salary:Â $71,645 per year
Primary duties: These individuals oversee and ensure the safe operations of offshore drilling on oil and petroleum vessels. They train crew members, supervise drilling expeditions and work closely with safety inspectors and drilling engineers to safely execute offshore drilling expeditions. Typical education requirements for vessel managers include a bachelor’s degree in nautical science or a related field and fleet management training courses.
7. HR adviser
National average salary:Â $66,007 per year
Primary duties: HR advisers improve relations between management and employees by overseeing grievance procedures, employee investigations and conflict resolutions. They can also review and update job descriptions, conduct performance evaluations and update company policies and procedures. Education requirements for HR advisers often include a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field.
8. Drilling Engineer
National average salary:Â $82,020 per year
Primary duties: Drilling engineers operate and execute drilling operations for natural gas and crude oil. They manage and execute in the entire drilling process from initial design to testing and supervising drill operations. The general education requirements for this profession include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a state-issued certification.
Read more:Â Learn About Being a Petroleum Engineer
9. Crude oil driver
National average salary:Â $56,111 per year
Primary duties: Crude oil drivers safely transport raw oil materials and finished goods to gas stations, retailers and customers with semi-trucks and tractor/trailer vehicles. Education requirements for crude oil drivers include a high school diploma or GED and previous experience as a commercial truck driver.
10. Executive account manager
National average salary:Â $76,580 per year
Primary duties:Â Executive account managers plan, organize, and direct account management operations. In the oil industry, executive account managers develop and buy target best paying jobs in oil & gas production accounts and maintain oil companies’ client relationships. Executive account managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business management, accounting, sales or a related field.
11. Director of Safety
National average salary:Â $84,233 per year
Primary duties: Directors of safety implement and develop safety procedures through programs and standards as outlined by their employer or state. They focus on reducing the potential for risk of injury or accidents and supervise operations to ensure compliance with occupational safety standards. The education requirements for safety directors often include a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
12. Director of operations
National average salary:Â $85,910 per year
Primary duties:Â A director of operations manages all essential functions of a company or business, including budgeting, sales, marketing, negotiations, and purchasing. They develop long-term operational strategies to meet company objectives. Typical educational requirements for a director of operations include a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
13. Technical director
National average salary:Â $72,101 per year
Primary duties:Â Technical directors support and supervise drilling team leads, consultants, project managers and engineers by providing strategic direction and operational recommendations. Educational requirements for technical directors typically include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
14. Lease purchase operator
National average salary:Â $113,426 per year
Primary duties:Â Lease operators ensure that the best paying jobs in oil & gas production transported to and from drilling sites, processing plants, and gas stations make the trip safely and without damage. They inspect delivery vehicles for cracks, damage, separations, loose fittings, or any other fault that could result in the damage or loss of product. They may also monitor the equipment used in the drilling and refining of crude oil, petroleum, and natural gas. Typical education requirements for this profession include a high school diploma, GED or bachelor’s degree in a related field, and advanced training in mechanical systems. See more articles chetakresult
