The highest-paying oil field jobs in Texas include petroleum engineer ($130K–$200K), drilling consultant ($150K–$250K), completion engineer ($120K–$190K), rig manager ($100K–$180K), and geophysicist ($110K–$180K). Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and employer.
The growth of upstream oil and gas jobs in Texas is adding jobs and salaries, and boosting the economic impact of the oil and gas industry in local communities.
Oil and Gas in Texas
The oil and gas industry in Texas is the backbone of the state’s economy, with a history of production going back to the early 20th century. This industry is a giant, generating billions of dollars in revenue every year and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in Texas.
Texas’s oil and gas industry is diverse, from exploration and production to refining and transportation of oil and gas. It’s also diverse in the energy sector, where many companies are producing electricity and other forms of energy, making it a big player in the state’s energy landscape.
Regulation is a big part of the industry, with many laws and regulations in place to protect the environment, safety, and fair taxation. Advanced technology like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling is used to extract oil and gas from shale formations, showing the industry’s commitment to innovation.
The economic impact of the oil and gas industry in Texas is big, contributing to the state’s GDP. It’s also a big part of the state’s tax base, generating billions in tax revenue every year. And it’s a major employer, offering high paying jobs in engineering, geology, and operations.
Finally, the oil and gas industry in Texas helps shape the state’s energy policy, with many companies involved in planning and implementing the state’s energy future. This sector is critical to the overall health of Texas’s economy and energy security.
Top Oil Field Jobs in Texas
1. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods to extract oil and gas efficiently. They manage drilling projects, evaluate oil reservoirs and maximize production. Employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering and industry certifications. Petroleum engineers often work with consulting and professional services to address environmental issues.
- Salary: $130,000 – $200,000
- Key Responsibilities:
- Manage drilling operations
- Analyze production data to optimize extraction
- Implement new drilling technology
- Top Companies: ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips
- Required Skills: Reservoir analysis, drilling optimization, production engineering
2. Drilling Consultant
Drilling consultants manage oil well drilling projects. They work with oil companies and contractors to verify safety, efficiency and compliance to industry regulations. These professionals often work on a contract basis and earn high daily rates.
- Salary: $150,000 – $250,000
- Key Responsibilities:
- Manage drilling operations
- Verify safety protocols
- Optimize drilling efficiency
- Top Companies: Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes
- Required Skills: Well control, project management, risk assessment
3. Completion Engineer
Completion engineers specialize in completing and optimizing oil well completions to maximize output. They design and implement hydraulic fracturing and other stimulation techniques to improve well productivity.
- Salary: $120,000 – $190,000
- Key Responsibilities:
- Design well completion strategy
- Implement fracking and stimulation
- Optimize oil and gas production
- Top Companies: BP, Apache Corporation, Marathon Oil
- Required Skills: Well stimulation, hydraulic fracturing, production enhancement
4. Rig Manager (Toolpusher)
Rig managers, or toolpushers, manage drilling crews and ensure safety and efficiency on oil rigs. They manage schedules, maintain drilling equipment and coordinate with office staff to ensure a smooth connection between field activities and administrative tasks.
- Salary: $100,000 – $180,000
- Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise drilling operations
- Verify safety regulations
- Maintain drilling equipment and supplies
- Top Companies: Nabors Industries, Transocean, Patterson-UTI
- Required Skills: Leadership, equipment maintenance, safety enforcement
5. Geophysicist
Geophysicists analyze underground formations to locate oil and gas reserves. They use seismic data and advanced imaging technology to guide drilling teams and review geological data to ensure accurate interpretations.
- Salary: $110,000 – $180,000
- Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct seismic surveys
- Interpret geological data
- Assist in oil exploration projects
- Top Companies: BP, Shell, Chevron
- Required Skills: Seismic analysis, geological modeling, subsurface mapping
Requirements for Oil Field Jobs in Texas
To get a job in the Texas oil fields you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, though some positions may require a college degree or specialized training. A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are usually required, along with the ability to pass a background check and drug test.
Given the physical nature of oil field work, candidates must pass a physical fitness test and meet specific medical requirements to be in good health. Specialized training or certifications, especially in safety, first aid or equipment operation, are also common.
Oil field workers must be able to work in fast paced environments and be able to respond quickly to changing situations. Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces or other challenging environments is essential as is proficiency with specialized equipment and tools.
Teamwork and communication is key in the oil fields as workers must work closely with colleagues and supervisors. The job often requires long hours, nights, weekends and holidays and workers must be on call to respond to emergencies.
Safety protocols and procedures are non-negotiable, workers must identify and report hazards and near-misses. Many positions require familiarity with specialized software and technology related to drilling, production or maintenance.
By meeting these requirements you can pursue a rewarding and high paying career in the Texas oil fields and contribute to one of the state’s largest industries.
Table Of Texas oil field jobs with salaries in USD:
| Job Title | Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Lease Purchase Operator | $144,202 |
| Director of Safety | $115,607 |
| Drilling Engineer | $96,592 |
| Director of Operations | $96,334 |
| Chemical Engineer | $93,265 |
| Petroleum Geologist | $66,796 |
| Well Tester | $77,211 |
| Crude Oil Driver | $94,512 |
| Gas Plant Operator | $54,342 |
| Oilfield Technology Specialist | $81,360 |
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How do oil industry cycles affect job security?
The oil and gas industry goes through boom and bust cycles, job security is affected. During downturns companies stop hiring and lay off workers. Professionals should diversify skills and save money to ride out market fluctuations and proceed with caution in uncertain times.
What are the long term health risks in high paying oil jobs?
Exposure to chemicals, noise and extreme conditions can cause respiratory issues, hearing loss and musculoskeletal problems. Employers must ensure safety compliance, provide personal protective equipment and conduct health screenings to ensure human safety.
How does the shift to renewable energy impact oil field careers?
The move to clean energy affects long term oil job stability. Some oil field skills like drilling technology and project management can transfer to renewable energy sectors like geothermal drilling and wind power.
What are the ethical challenges in high paying oil field jobs?
Professionals must balance profit with environmental responsibility. Oil drilling affects wildlife, water resources and local communities. Companies have sustainability initiatives to address these issues.
How do Texas oil field salaries compare internationally?
Texas oil jobs offer some of the highest salaries in the world but tax rates, cost of living and safety standards vary by country. Middle Eastern and North Sea oil fields also offer competitive pay but working conditions are different.
Final Notes
Texas has some of the highest paying oil jobs in the US, drilling consultant, petroleum engineer and completion engineer jobs are six figure salaries. These roles require specialized skills, certifications and experience. The oil and gas industry is evolving, skill development is key to long term career success.
Want to join the oil industry? Employers in Texas are hiring now. Browse job opportunities and start your career in one of the highest paying fields.
