The oil and gas industry is one of the largest contributors to Nigeria’s economy, creating employment opportunities for thousands of professionals.
From engineers and technicians to administrative personnel, this sector provides diverse roles with competitive salaries.
For anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field, understanding the types of jobs available and their earning potential is an important first step.
In this article, we will explore 20 different job roles in the oil and gas industry, along with their average salary ranges in Nigerian Naira (NGN).
How the Oil and Gas Industry Operates
The oil and gas industry involves extracting, refining, and distributing petroleum and natural gas products.
The sector is broadly divided into three main categories: upstream, midstream, and downstream.
- Upstream: This includes exploration and production activities, such as finding oil and gas reserves and drilling wells.
- Midstream: This phase focuses on transportation, storage, and wholesale marketing of crude oil and natural gas.
- Downstream: This involves refining crude oil into usable products like petrol, diesel, and other chemicals, as well as distributing them to consumers.
Each phase requires a wide range of professionals with different skills, making the industry dynamic and diverse.
20 Types of Jobs in the Oil and Gas Industry
1. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers are responsible for designing and developing methods to extract oil and gas from underground reserves.
Salary Range: ₦4,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 per year
2. Geologist
Geologists study the earth’s structure to locate oil and gas reserves. They work closely with engineers during the exploration phase.
Salary Range: ₦3,500,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year
3. Drilling Engineer
Drilling engineers oversee the drilling process, ensuring it is done efficiently and safely.
Salary Range: ₦4,500,000 – ₦11,000,000 per year
4. Reservoir Engineer
These professionals analyze reservoirs to determine the best methods for oil and gas extraction.
Salary Range: ₦5,000,000 – ₦13,000,000 per year
5. Health and Safety Officer
Health and safety officers ensure compliance with safety regulations to minimize risks in oil and gas operations.
Salary Range: ₦2,500,000 – ₦6,000,000 per year
6. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design and maintain equipment used in drilling, production, and refining.
Salary Range: ₦3,800,000 – ₦9,500,000 per year
7. Pipeline Engineer
Pipeline engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining pipelines for transporting oil and gas.
Salary Range: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year
8. Offshore Worker
Offshore workers handle operations on oil rigs, often in remote locations.
Salary Range: ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,500,000 per year
9. Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers work on refining crude oil into usable products, such as gasoline and plastics.
Salary Range: ₦4,500,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year
10. Environmental Specialist
Environmental specialists ensure compliance with environmental regulations and work to minimize the impact of oil and gas operations.
Salary Range: ₦3,000,000 – ₦7,500,000 per year
11. Rig Manager
Rig managers oversee the daily operations of drilling rigs, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Salary Range: ₦6,000,000 – ₦15,000,000 per year
12. Production Engineer
Production engineers focus on optimizing oil and gas production after drilling is complete.
Salary Range: ₦4,200,000 – ₦11,000,000 per year
13. Logistics Coordinator
Logistics coordinators manage the transportation of equipment and materials used in oil and gas operations.
Salary Range: ₦2,800,000 – ₦7,000,000 per year
14. Data Analyst
Data analysts in this sector process large amounts of data to improve exploration and production efficiency.
Salary Range: ₦3,000,000 – ₦7,500,000 per year
15. Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers handle the electrical systems that power oil rigs and other facilities.
Salary Range: ₦3,800,000 – ₦9,000,000 per year
16. Project Manager
Project managers oversee oil and gas projects from planning to completion, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
Salary Range: ₦6,500,000 – ₦18,000,000 per year
17. Refinery Operator
Refinery operators manage the equipment used to refine crude oil into finished products.
Salary Range: ₦2,500,000 – ₦6,000,000 per year
18. Mud Logger
Mud loggers monitor drilling fluids and provide real-time data during drilling operations.
Salary Range: ₦3,000,000 – ₦6,500,000 per year
19. Procurement Officer
Procurement officers handle the purchasing of equipment and materials needed for oil and gas projects.
Salary Range: ₦2,800,000 – ₦6,000,000 per year
20. Instrumentation Engineer
Instrumentation engineers design and maintain instruments used for monitoring and controlling oil and gas operations.
Salary Range: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year
Conclusion
The oil and gas industry offers diverse career opportunities with competitive salaries, making it an attractive field for professionals in Nigeria. While the roles vary in responsibility and expertise, they all contribute to the successful operation of this vital sector. By understanding these job types and their earning potential, aspiring professionals can better prepare themselves for a rewarding career in the industry.