Is A Career In The Oil And Gas Industry Lucrative?

Last Updated on September 1, 2024

The traditional energy and energy efficiency sectors employ around 6.8 million Americans or an estimated 4.6% of a 149 million workforce. In the fuels sector, over 1.1 million were hired in 2019, which is an increase of 26,100 or 1.9%. Oil and natural gas created the most new jobs, employing more than 18,000 additional people. The industry is predicted to sustain its growth in 2020, adding new jobs until the end of the year by 0.5% for oil and 3% for natural gas. If you are thinking of a career in the gas and oil industry as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist or Technician, here are the things that you must know to get started.

Qualifications And Duties

You will need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related scientific or technical field. Other qualifications include on-the-job training or a post high school education such as an associate’s certificate or degree. Specialists and technicians may work in offices, factories or plants, with the job involving significant fieldwork and travel.

One of the most important duties as a safety specialist in the oil and gas industry is to ensure that the pipelines are operational. In this regard, you will undertake regular pipe inspections, environment evaluation, and equipment testing. Borescopes are often used to monitor the safety of pipelines underground and to enforce safety recommendations. Federal rules apply, since the federal government is responsible for developing and enforcing pipeline regulations. Written reports are presented containing findings, and at the same time, you will evaluate existing workplace health and safety programs. It is also your duty to investigate incidents and accidents, identify the causes, and propose preventive measures.

Prospects For Safety Specialists And Technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians is expected to grow by 4%, which is as fast as the average. They will be needed in a wide range of industries, including the gas and oil sectors, to ensure that employers and companies comply with existing and new rules and regulations. Specialists earn a median annual pay of $70,480 per year or $33.88 per hour. On the other hand, the median annual wage for safety technicians is $51,550.

There are many jobs in the oil and natural gas industry that you can do. Becoming a health and safety specialist or technician is one occupation that pays a good wage, and the outlook for the future is upbeat, with a decent growth rate in the coming years.