Oil and gas companies locate where they need to – proximity to the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale or LNG hubs along the Gulf Coast for example. But where are their future employees looking to launch and grow their careers? Recent analysis from LearnToDrill.com, an online education and training resource for professionals in the oil and gas industry, offers insights into what its top five states with the fastest-growing career opportunities bring to the table as potential locations for workers.
1) TEXAS
- Texas provides over 400,000 direct jobs in the oil and gas industry, making up nearly 40% of all U.S. oil and gas employment (Texas Oil and Gas Association).
- The Permian Basin (West Texas), Eagle Ford Shale (South Texas) and Haynesville Shale (East Texas) are the major hotspots for employment.
- Popular Roles: Drilling Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Geologists, Field Technicians and Rig Operators.
- Salary Ranges: Texas offers some of the most competitive salaries in the industry, with roles like Petroleum Engineers earning around $140,000 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
2) NEW MEXICO
- As the third-largest oil-producing state in the U.S., New Mexico has experienced remarkable growth thanks to its location within the Permian Basin, which it shares with Texas.
- Employment in New Mexico’s oil and gas sector has risen by 20% since 2020 (New Mexico Oil & Gas Association). This growth is spurred by investments in drilling technology and the expansion of shale operations.
- Popular Roles: Production Engineers, Environmental Health & Safety Specialists, Equipment Operators and Land Analysts.
- Salary Ranges: Salaries in New Mexico are competitive, with Production Engineers earning around $110,000 annually on average.
3) NORTH DAKOTA
- North Dakota’s oil industry is centered around the Bakken Shale formation, which has transformed the state’s economy over the past two decades.
- Employment in the oil and gas sector grew by 15% from 2019 to 2023 (North Dakota Petroleum Council), with continued growth expected as infrastructure expands.
- Key Areas: The Bakken Formation, primarily located in the Williston Basin in the western part of the state.
- Popular Roles: Hydraulic Fracturing Technicians, Well Log Analysts, Drillers and Environmental Engineers.
- Salary Ranges: North Dakota offers high salaries due to the remote and challenging work environment. For example, Drillers can earn between $90,000 and $110,000 per year, often with additional housing and travel allowances.
4) LOUISIANA
- Known for its rich history in offshore oil drilling, Louisiana remains a vital contributor to the U.S. energy supply, especially with its operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Offshore drilling activity has rebounded, contributing to a 10% increase in oil and gas jobs in 2023 (Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association).
- Key Areas: Offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico and onshore drilling in areas like the Haynesville Shale.
- Popular Roles: Offshore Drilling Engineers, Subsea Engineers, Marine Operations Technicians and Safety Managers.
- Salary Ranges: Offshore roles often come with lucrative pay due to the challenging conditions. For example, Subsea Engineers can make over $150,000 annually, with additional bonuses for offshore rotations.
5) COLORADO
- Colorado has become a growing hub for natural gas production, particularly within the Denver-Julesburg Basin (DJ Basin). Its industry is increasingly focusing on environmentally conscious practices, making it attractive for professionals in sustainable energy.
- The oil and gas sector in Colorado has seen growth of about 8% in the last two years, bolstered by state support for environmentally friendly energy production.
- Key Areas: The DJ Basin near Denver and Weld County.
- Popular Roles: Environmental Compliance Officers, Operations Managers, Field Engineers and Data Analysts.
- Salary Ranges: Colorado offers competitive salaries with an environmental focus; Environmental Compliance Officers, for example, earn around $95,000 annually.
