Yes, integrated oil companies offer a great career path. This is a large, well-funded industry with plenty of opportunities.
Whether or not you pursue a higher degree, you can find high-paying jobs in this field.
Integrated oil companies manage every step of the petroleum process—they locate oil deposits, extract them, refine the oil, transport it, and sell it.
This creates many career options with diverse responsibilities across the industry.
In this article, we will:
- Define what an integrated oil company is
- Discuss whether working for integrated oil companies is a good career choice
- Share 20 job options you might consider in this field.
Grab a chilled glass of water as I walk you through Integrated Oil Companies Career Path.
What is integrated oil industry?
An integrated oil and gas company is a business involved in all stages of the oil and gas process—including exploration, production, refining, and distribution.
This differs from companies that focus on only one part of the process.
High-Paying Jobs at Integrated Oil and Gas Companies
Explore high-paying career paths in the oil and gas industry, with many roles exceeding the average salary of a petroleum supply specialist, which is $41,633 per year.
Here are some top positions and their primary responsibilities:
1. Driller
- National average salary: $59,828 per year
- Primary duties: Oversees drilling operations to extract oil, supervises rig crew, and enforces safety policies.
2. Geologist
- National average salary: $66,796 per year
- Primary duties: Analyzes sediment and geographical data to identify oil-rich locations and create maps to guide drilling.
3. Rigger
- National average salary: $48,850 per year
- Primary duties: Operates heavy equipment on oil rigs, maintains machinery, and ensures proper equipment function.
4. Operations Manager
- National average salary: $71,166 per year
- Primary duties: Manages exploration and production processes, performs risk assessments, and develops response plans.
5. Distribution Manager
- National average salary: $77,376 per year
- Primary duties: Coordinates transportation, oversees inventory, and ensures health and safety compliance.
6. Process Engineer
- National average salary: $88,975 per year
- Primary duties: Optimizes production processes and equipment layout, ensuring efficiency and safety in drilling and refinery operations.
7. Landperson
- National average salary: $88,155 per year
- Primary duties: Negotiates land leases for drilling, prepares agreements, and ensures regulatory compliance.
8. Project Manager
- National average salary: $84,531 per year
- Primary duties: Manages petroleum projects from start to finish, coordinating teams and ensuring project alignment.
9. Environmental Health Officer
- National average salary: $87,989 per year
- Primary duties: Conducts safety audits, investigates site hazards, and educates crew on reducing risks.
10. Pipeline Integrity Engineer
- National average salary: $116,245 per year
- Primary duties: Inspects and analyzes pipelines for safety, compliance, and recommends improvements.
11. Petroleum Engineer
- National average salary: $96,592 per year
- Primary duties: Designs extraction equipment, collaborates on drilling plans, and supervises equipment safety.
ALSO READ: Is Package Goods/cosmetics A Good Career Path 2025
Entry-Level Jobs at Integrated Oil and Gas Companies
Here are some entry-level positions in integrated oil and gas, perfect for starting a career in the industry:
1. Logistics Coordinator
- National average salary: $48,918 per year
- Primary duties: Supports delivery management, tracks shipments, and liaises with transport teams.
2. Pumper
- National average salary: $60,533 per year
- Primary duties: Operates oil pumps, maintains pump speed, and repairs equipment as needed.
3. Welder
- National average salary: $57,766 per year
- Primary duties: Maintains rig machinery, repairs metal equipment, and conducts high-pressure welding.
4. Process Technician
- National average salary: $56,915 per year
- Primary duties: Oversees chemical processes, installs and monitors drilling tools, and maintains records.
5. Derrickhand
- National average salary: $105,648 per year
- Primary duties: Manages drill pipes, prepares fluids, and monitors gauges at the top of an oil rig.
6. Floorhand
- National average salary: $72,853 per year
- Primary duties: Provides rig support, prepares equipment, and ensures work area safety.
7. Field Technician
- National average salary: $48,994 per year
- Primary duties: Monitors drilling equipment, cleans debris, and conducts on-site repairs.
8. Roustabout
- National average salary: $80,139 per year
- Primary duties: Assists with rig maintenance, moves tools, and maintains a clean work site.
9. Tanker Driver
- National average salary: $84,461 per year
- Primary duties: Transports fuel, loads tanks, and follows safety protocols.
Why Consider a Career in Integrated Oil Companies?
Integrated oil companies are part of a wealthy, expansive industry with many job opportunities.
While the demand for gasoline may fluctuate, other petroleum products will continue to be essential, and skills gained here are transferable to other fields.
This is a demanding and high-risk industry—ideal for those who are comfortable with physical work, occasional field assignments, and managing risks.
Many roles involve hands-on tasks near heavy machinery and require the ability to work in large organizations with unique cultures.
For those suited to the challenges, integrated oil companies offer high-paying opportunities, often without needing a college degree. If these traits resonate with you, it may be a career path worth considering.
Is the oil field a good career?
Yes, a career in the oil field can be a good choice. The highest-paying jobs in oil and gas often require technical skills, specialized knowledge, and experience.
These roles provide high salaries and advancement opportunities but can also be demanding, often involving work in remote locations or under challenging conditions.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, integrated oil companies can be a great career path in 2025 for those seeking high-paying jobs and opportunities for advancement.
While the industry demands technical skills and can involve challenging working conditions, the potential for growth and learning is significant.
If you have a strong work ethic and are comfortable in dynamic environments, pursuing a career in this field may lead to a rewarding future.
