If you’re looking for a job in the gas and oil industry, the timing couldn’t be better, says Rigzone, an online clearing house of job and industry information.
A recent Rigzone survey showed a perfect storm of factors that is pushing companies to seek skilled professionals. Multiple industries are looking for employees with skill sets similar to those in the oil and gas industry, and new projects requiring highly-skilled engineers are coming on board. In addition, many higher level engineers are leaving companies at “above average rates,” according to Rigzone, which surveyed nearly 200 oil and gas-focused hiring managers to name their most difficult-to-fill positions.
Many of the Top 8 positions showed up on the most-wanted jobs posted in the first quarter of 2014.
The top positions are: engineers (drilling, petroleum, reservoir, mechanical and process) followed by mechanics, field service techs and other professionals.
Although professional positions are always on the list, Paul Caplan, Rigzone president, says trade jobs are now in demand.
“Some of those are reflective of job growth in the U.S,” he says. “We’re seeing a lot more production jobs created. A lot of people are reaching retirement age, and there aren’t a lot of people going into technical and trade schools anymore.”
Engineers Wanted
Higher drilling activity and a rise in technologies have made it more difficult to find available engineers. Reservoir engineers appear on hiring managers’ wish lists as companies look for talent to support conventional and unconventional exploration activity.
“We are reaching a critical point to keep production levels where they are,” says Caplan. “We’re close to record production levels; we’re way ahead of where we were a couple of years ago.”
Mechanical engineers also top the list. Although the number of mechanical engineering bachelor’s degrees rose 7 percent from 2011-2012, Rigzone says a large supply/demand gap exists for energy companies.
Petroleum engineers are next on the list, sought for not only their technical knowledge but also for their strong communication, project management and leadership skills. A self-starter with a sensitivity to deadlines doesn’t hurt. One services firm even advertised it's looking for a professional who can “hit the ground running.”
Skilled geologists were also on the list, but although they could work for the government or in the mining sector, oil and gas remains a competing industry. According to government statistics, geoscientist salaries average $90,890 across all industries, but those in oil and gas earn more than $113,000 on average, according to Rigzone data.
Electrical engineers in oil and gas earn $94,025 annually, according to Rigzone statistics. But the number of electrical engineers earning bachelor degrees has declined 7 percent from 10 years ago.
Next on the list of most in-demand jobs is a tie between process engineers and health and safety managers. Companies are seeking advisors to provide guidance and instruction on policies, procedures and processes.
Caplan says recruiters often say they can’t find enough mechanics to fill open roles. According to government statistics, the average pay for a mechanic in the U.S. is $36,610 per year. That number is almost double in the oil and gas industry, including bonus, danger pay and other benefits.
Field service technicians and welders landed at No. 6 and 7 on the list, respectively. Reliability, willingness to be on call and strong interpersonal skills are a must as hiring managers look for field service techs who will serve as the face of the company when they visit customers.
Compensation for these mobile repair or assessment professionals rose 4 percent from last year to more than $86,000 annually. And welders who choose oil and gas can find opportunities in Texas, Colorado or Louisiana or elsewhere from Canada to Australia and nations in between.
What’s the Downside?
Although pay might be better in the oil and gas industry, Caplan believes the industry “needs to work on its image.”
With high-profile events such as the BP oil spill and the controversies of fracking, some millennials might feel the industry has a bad reputation.
But Caplan notes, “Energy is a major issue no matter where you are located in the world. We can’t just flip the switch and become non-dependent on carbon-based energy.”
“[Companies] have been trying to show they are sensitive to the environment. Those things are important to the millennial society.”
