Oil & Gas

Published: Sep 08, 2022 | Updated at: Sep 08, 2022

The oil and gas industry is one of the 10 biggest industries in the world. As such, it should come as no surprise that it offers a bevy of high-paying jobs. 

Curious as to the best paying jobs in oil and gas? You're reading the right article. Here are the best jobs in the oil industry as they pertain to income earned. 

1. Reservoir Engineer

Reservoir engineers make an average salary of approximately $115,000 a year. Note, though, that they can make up to $180,000 and sometimes even more. 

These individuals are responsible for assessing underground oil deposits and determining how much oil can be recovered from them. They're also responsible for determining the best methods of oil recovery. 

Ultimately, the job of the reservoir engineer is to make the oil drilling process as cost-effective as possible. By choosing appropriate oil recovery methods and by drilling into the right reservoirs at the right time, they maximize profits for their respective companies. This, of course, brings a great deal of value to a company, which explains why reservoir engineers are paid so well. 

To become a reservoir engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in geology or engineering. You also need some experience working in the oil industry. 

This is one of the best jobs in the oil and gas industry, not just because it's well-paid but because it carries great value. Therefore, in becoming a reservoir engineer, you're likely to feel highly fulfilled in your career. 

Reservoir engineers utilize a great deal of software on a day-to-day basis, including databases and project management tools. So, if you're geared toward the technological realm, this would be a great career for you to pursue. 

2. Completions Engineer 

The average salary of a completions engineer is around $155,000 a year. That said, there is a great deal of variation from position to position. Whereas some completions engineers make as little as $90,000 a year, others make well over $300,000. 

Completions engineers have the responsibility of designing and supervising oil wells. Their goal, like the reservoir engineer, is to obtain oil in as cost-effective a manner as possible. They generally manage a team and are responsible for a variety of duties. 

To become a completions engineer, you'll need to earn a degree in some type of engineering. Petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering are your best bets. 

Just like reservoir engineers, completions engineers make use of a variety of software. They not only utilize database management systems but project management systems as well. 

3. Landman

The average salary of a landman is around $130,000 a year. Landmen tend to make between $100,000 and $180,000. 

What does a landman do? They handle the client side of oil and gas acquisition. In particular, they talk to landowners and make money offers as a means of leasing or buying their land and resources. 

Landmen generally lead a team of other employees, managing them with the goal of finding the most lucrative land deals in existence. To do this, they utilize a variety of software, from database management systems to customer relationship management systems and more. 

How do you become a landman? First, you must obtain a bachelor's degree in something, preferably business or a science-related field. Then, you must find employment with an oil or gas company. 

From there, you can work your way up the ranks. After proving yourself over time, you'll eventually be able to land a job as a landman. 

4. Drilling Consultant 

Drilling consultants make an average salary of approximately $115,000. The top earners make approximately $165,000 a year, while the bottom earners make approximately $78,000 a year. 

A drilling consultant's duty is to work with the drilling crew as a means of ensuring that all drilling tasks are carried out in a safe and efficient manner. They work from contract to contract and so are not typically tied down to any one company. 

To become a drilling consultant, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in geology, petroleum engineering, or mechanical engineering. You then must start a career in the oil industry. 

Once you've been employed for a while, and once you've gained a thorough understanding of drilling practices, you can strike out on your own and start your business as a consultant. Note, though, that in order to do this, you should have made a decent number of connections in the industry first. 

Drilling consultants utilize all sorts of tools when carrying out their work. These run the gamut from databases to customer relationship management tools and more. 

5. Drilling Fluid Engineer 

Drilling fluid engineers make around $165,000 a year on average. The lowest earners make around $70,000 a year. The highest earners make around $235,000 a year. 

These individuals mix and test the fluids used for drilling. They work among a group of engineers, all of whom are involved in the drilling and oil procurement processes. 

To become a drilling fluid engineer, you should obtain a degree in petroleum engineering. Once you have your degree, you should look for oil and gas jobs, secure employment, and then work your way up the totem pole. 

While working as a drilling fluid engineer, you're bound to use all sorts of electronic tools. These include everything from database management systems to project management systems and more. 

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