If there’s one thing recent rising fuel and energy prices have taught us, it’s that there’s plenty of money to be made in oil & gas production. For decades, those working in these fields have secured six-figure salaries fairly early on in their careers. But what are the best paying jobs in oil & gas production?

If you want to find out what jobs are out there right now, you can find plenty of jobs in oil & gas production on ZipRecruiter, but if you want to know what job titles and roles pay best, keep reading. 

8 Best Paying Jobs in Oil & Gas Production 

The best paying jobs in oil & gas production aren’t hard to find. In fact, you can apply to thousands of them right from ZipRecruiter. When you create a profile, ZipRecruiter’s AI matching technology will scan your qualifications and suggest jobs for you. In addition, it will tell you how well you meet the employer’s requirements. So, you won’t waste time applying to positions you’re unlikely to get!

You can also browse open positions on your own and apply from the website with 1 simple click!

1. Production Engineer – $125,000 

Production engineers design and select and monitor equipment for wells and ensure sites are still commercially viable. Most production engineers have a petroleum engineering degree or similar. 

2. Mechanical Engineer – $127,000 

Mechanical engineers ensure that all essential equipment runs optimally. Some mechanical engineers develop new equipment, focusing on creating safer, more long-lasting products.

So, if you’re looking for the best paying jobs in oil & gas production but also want to get into development, this role is great for you.

3. Petroleum Geologist – $135,000 

Geologists study the earth to find potential sites where more oil & gas can be found. This usually requires a geology degree or something similar. These professionals help companies decide what sites are worth investing in, which aren’t, and the safety of each. 

Working as a petroleum geologist often leads to excellent compensation, making it one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production.

4. Project Manager – $160,000 

Project managers keep all projects on track and within budget, ensuring safety and quality. They are the key person responsible for reporting to higher-ups about their progress and any setbacks. Most project managers will have worked their way up. This is because they need to have a good understanding of all aspects of oil and/or gas production. 

5. Health and Safety Manager – $127,000 

Oil & gas production can be dangerous for those involved. As such, the environment around oil & gas sites is crucial. To keep everything running in the best manner, sites hire health and safety managers. In this role, people inspect, develop, and implement safety protocols. Most of these professionals have a degree in occupational health, environmental science, or safety management. 

6. Consultant – $200,000 

While becoming a consultant isn’t a role you can get into early in your career, many people set this as a long-term goal. In fact, those who have found success in their career go on to become self-employed consultants when they retire. If you get a role like this, you’ll work on contracted projects to help them run more efficiently.

Because this is such a crucial position, it is one of the best paying jobs in oil & gas production.

7. Lease Purchase Operator – $115,000 

A lease purchase operator is responsible for making sure oil & gas get transported to where they need to be. Equipment and transportation must be inspected often to ensure there are no leaks, as oil & gas leaks can be harmful to the environment. In addition, these incidents are costly for the company and usually damage a business’s reputation.

8. Excavating Engineer – $150,000 

An excavating engineer manages oil rig staff, assesses wells, and ensures they are maintained appropriately. Further, these professionals are often responsible for the technical aspects of drilling for gas, especially in remote areas. 

Get a Job You Want

Landing a position in gas and oil production can be challenging, but ZipRecruiter makes it easier. Make sure you compare the best-paying jobs in oil & gas production to see which one best suits your financial needs. If you decide that a job in oil & gas production isn’t for you, we’ve got you covered with our lists of best-paying jobs in other industries. Find the best paying jobs in tech here, the best paying jobs in finance here, and high-paying trade jobs here.