Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Although formal education is not typically required to become an oil or gas worker, some employers require or prefer that candidates have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Oil and gas workers learn on the job. PayThe median annual wage for oil and gas workers was $51,650 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of oil and gas workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 9,900 openings for oil and gas workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for oil and gas workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of oil and gas workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about oil and gas workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for oil and gas workers was $51,650 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of oil and gas workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 9,900 openings for oil and gas workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for oil and gas workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of oil and gas workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about oil and gas workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of oil and gas workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 9,900 openings for oil and gas workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for oil and gas workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of oil and gas workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about oil and gas workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Oil and gas workers assemble, operate, and maintain equipment used for oil and gas exploration, extraction, and related activities.
Work Environment
Most oil and gas workers are full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules vary and may require workers to spend long periods away from home. Their jobs are often physically demanding and may require being outdoors in all weather conditions.
How to Become an Oil and Gas Worker
Although formal education is not typically required to become an oil or gas worker, some employers require or prefer that candidates have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Oil and gas workers learn on the job.
Pay
The median annual wage for oil and gas workers was $51,650 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of oil and gas workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 9,900 openings for oil and gas workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for oil and gas workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of oil and gas workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about oil and gas workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most oil and gas workers are full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules vary and may require workers to spend long periods away from home. Their jobs are often physically demanding and may require being outdoors in all weather conditions.
How to Become an Oil and Gas Worker
Although formal education is not typically required to become an oil or gas worker, some employers require or prefer that candidates have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Oil and gas workers learn on the job.
Pay
The median annual wage for oil and gas workers was $51,650 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of oil and gas workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 9,900 openings for oil and gas workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for oil and gas workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of oil and gas workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about oil and gas workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for oil and gas workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of oil and gas workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about oil and gas workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about oil and gas workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.