The Top Ten Highest-Paying Oilfield Jobs

Top Paying Oilfield Jobs

  • What oilfield job pays the most?
  • What type of drilling pays the most?
  • Which oil company pays the highest salary?
  • Which fields have the highest salary?
  • Highest paying oil and gas companies in the world
  • Highest paying oil rig jobs no experience
  • Highest paying oil field jobs in Texas 

The Top Ten Highest-Paying Oilfield Jobs

It's no secret that the oil and gas industries around the world offer very good returns.

Even during economic downturns, the oil and gas sector has been impacted, yet remains one of the most resilient industries in the world. This means that oil industry workers are highly sought after, and companies are offering good compensation to employees that doesn't necessarily require extensive training or experience.

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But what are the best salaries offered by elite oil companies? What can oil workers aspire to?

The question is, how much do oil rig workers earn?

Continuing, we analyzed the employees who were among the top 10 oil companies in the world (we believe these are global promotions and offer a variety of salaries; your experience may vary!).

Gas Plant Operators

Gas plant operators earn an average of $72,000 per year, with only annual training and the necessary safety certifications. These operators load the equipment needed for the natural gas conversion process in user-friendly ways.

 Gas Plant Operators Duties and Responsibilities

  • The operator operates natural gas distribution equipment for power plants or industrial plants, regulating flow and pressure through control panels and semi-automated systems.
  • He monitors the transportation and storage of flammable materials, inspects production equipment, and checks temperature, pressure, and flow readings.
  • He controls compressors and refrigeration equipment to liquefy or compress the gas, starting and shutting down equipment as needed.
  • He records operational data and performs gas tests to determine purity and detect leaks.
  • He also repairs equipment or requests maintenance when needed, works with colleagues to troubleshoot issues, and supervises crews during operations and gas system installations.

Drilling Operators

Drilling operators are charged with operating drills that increase the flow of gasoline from the bottom. They can earn a bonus of $98,000 annually.

 Drilling Operators Duties and Responsibilities

  • Install and operate drilling machines to drill into mineral blocks and other materials.
  • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using measuring tools.
  • Select drills and other accessories appropriate for the job.
  • Ensure that machines are set up and operated correctly within specified parameters.
  • Supervise the drilling process and make necessary adjustments.
  • Keep records of each operation and prepare periodic maintenance reports.
  • Inspect finished products to ensure they meet required standards.

Well Testers

Well testing experts must travel to another site to inspect production levels and equipment. If you don't require formal academic training, you will require strong knowledge of Excel and other computer programs. Professionals will receive a salary of $102,000 annually and work on an oil platform.

 Well testers Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform well-testing operations and ensure they are executed safely and efficiently.
  • Analyze and interpret well-testing data to determine reservoir characteristics and potential.
  • Collaborate with other team members to develop and implement well-testing plans and strategies.
  • Operate and maintain testing equipment and tools, including surface and downhole tools.
  • Prepare reports and communicate results to management and stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and company policies and procedures.
  • Train and mentor junior staff on well-testing techniques and best practices.
  • Participate in technical presentations and conferences to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and developments

Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineers must conduct investigations, establish processes, and design equipment. If you require a college degree, you can earn a salary of $104,000 annually.

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Geologists

Geologists can earn a salary of $110,000 in the oil and gas industry. They study the actual geographic profile and use this information to identify potential locations and drilling scenarios. A license is required for these opportunities.

Geologists Duties and Responsibilities

  • Planning geological projects (e.g., oil extraction, water pipelines) and field sampling activities.
  • Surveying sites and creating records (e.g., well drilling) and maps using GIS.
  • Collecting and analyzing geological data.
  • Coordinating research programs.
  • Inspecting the composition of samples and specimens.
  • Measuring and testing fossils, rocks, soils, ores, and other materials using appropriate tools (e.g., X-rays).
  • Writing reports on results.
  • Performing quality control to ensure the suitability of materials (e.g., metals for construction purposes) and inspecting projects.
  • Studying development sites, formations, hazards, and their composition.
  • Investigating and evaluating natural resource deposits (e.g., oil).
  • Advising on various geology-related issues, such as waste management, resource management, gas extraction techniques, and more.
  • Ensuring compliance with environmental and other regulations in construction and production projects (e.g., oil wells).

Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers work to create more efficient and effective methods for producing gasoline and gas. You can earn a salary of $111,000 per year, not including bonuses.

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Platform Managers

Platform managers supervise on-site personnel and the work they perform. They don't require a college degree, as these positions are reserved for people who have started on the team and have worked their way up. You can earn a salary of $126,000 per year.

Completion Drilling Engineers

This can generally require an engineering degree. Completion drillers perform maintenance and install infrastructure for hydraulic fracturing operations. You can earn a salary of $150,000 per year.

The Top Ten Highest-Paying Oilfield Jobs

Completion Drilling Engineers Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Planned, designed, and supervised the installation of completion systems for oil and gas wells.
  • Cooperate with multidisciplinary teams, including drilling, operations, and production, to ensure project objectives are met.
  • Conduct technical reviews of well-completion equipment and recommend necessary improvements to increase efficiency.
  • Guide field personnel in the installation, operation, and maintenance of completion systems.
  • Assess and manage risks associated with completion operations to ensure safe and efficient execution.
  • Establish and maintain completion procedures, guidelines, and best practices.
  • Provide technical support to other departments and customers as needed.
  • Keep abreast of the latest industry trends and developments to continually improve processes and procedures.

Supervisors

This position can be filled by someone with extensive experience in the field. Supervisors receive a salary of $180,000 per year. The responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, clarifying requirements, security, and coordinating contractors.

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Drilling Consultants

This position should be filled by someone who is experienced in all aspects of perforation. Obtaining an engineering license or higher requires numerous trips to various locations. Drilling consultants can earn a salary of $230,000 per year!

Drilling Consultants Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Managing and supervising drilling projects, including coordinating with drilling teams and equipment suppliers.
  • Conducting training courses for drilling personnel on new equipment, technologies, and safety procedures.
  • Participating in business development activities, including delivering client presentations and writing proposals.

Which well-paying job is right for you?

As you can see, there are many well-paying jobs in the oil and gas industry; some require extensive training, while others simply require hard work and dedication.