About The Oil & Gas Industry

The Oil & Gas industry is a global powerhouse employing hundreds of thousands of workers worldwide as well as generating hundreds of billions of dollars globally each year.

From the Battlefield to the Oilfield®

About Careers in the Oil & Gas Industry

Why should one start a career in the Oil & Gas industry?

The Oil & Gas industry presents an exciting and challenging opportunity for the right candidate. It is fast-paced, can be dangerous, full of adventure, and in many respects one should expect experiences that parallel those of the military.

Careers and jobs in the Oil & Gas industry vary, depending on the sector. Some positions, such as Field Service, require 12-hour shifts for 10 or 12 days, with a week off to return home. Others are based closer to your home, supporting a smaller region, or working in a refinery. The salary reflects the level of commitment, and Field Service jobs are compensated very well.

Those who do well in a career in the Oil & Gas industry are reliable, self-disciplined, hard working, and take the initiative on projects. If you do not want to work in an office and are not afraid to handle a tough environment, you will be successful in this industry. Military veterans are well received in this industry.

What are the highest paying Oil & Gas jobs?

There are also many benefits to a career in the Oil & Gas industry. Compensation is historically higher than most other industries, with entry level Operator positions earning $70K-$80K+ in the first year, and Engineers earning well over $100K. There are also many opportunities for promotion across the industry, with the option to move around all over the U.S. and internationally, if you desire.

While the Oil & Gas industry is always changing, a career in the industry is steady, since the need for oil is always present across a variety of industries. Oil is not just used in automobiles and airplanes, but in everyday items, such as plastic, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, and even clothing and cosmetics contain oil compounds.

The Oil & Gas industry is comprised of three major sectors: upstream, midstream, and downstream.

Upstream
Upstream
The Upstream sector centers on exploration and production of oil and natural gas, including searching for underground or underwater crude oil and natural gas, drilling wells, and drilling and operating wells that recover and bring crude oil or natural gas to the surface.
Midstream
Midstream
Midstream involves the transportation, storage, and wholesale marketing of crude or refined petroleum products. Pipelines, which are used to move oil from production sites to refineries, which in turn are delivered to distributors, are a major component in this sector.
Downstream
Downstream
Downstream focuses on refining crude oil, processing and purifying natural gas, and marketing and distributing products derived from the crude oil and natural gas.

From the Battlefield to the Oilfield®

Skilled Professional Jobs

Military candidates have proven to be an ideal fit for a wide range of positions including Field Service, Operators, Maintenance Technicians, Project Managers, and Engineers.

Steve Casey, Vice President at Orion, joins the show to discuss what military job seekers should know about the oil and gas industry.