So, is natural gas distribution a good career path? People are becoming more interested in pursuing professions in the natural gas distribution business as the importance of the sector continues to rise.
However, the occupations available in the natural gas distribution industry are not all the same — Some individuals are far more suitable for the work than others.
In this article, we will go over the many employment opportunities that are available in natural gas distribution, as well as the occupations that provide the highest salaries and the requirements that you need to fulfill to pursue a career in natural gas distribution.
Continue reading to get all of the information that you want about this fascinating field!
Is Natural Gas Distribution a Good Career Path?
Yes, it is.
If you want to join the market for natural gas distribution, several different entryways might be made available.
What do you plan to do each day? The degree of knowledge you already possess and the lengths to which you are willing to go to further your education are all factors that go into selecting which path is most suitable for you.
A bachelor’s degree is the bare minimum level of education required for employment in the engineering field.
However, this is not always the case, as certain occupations may not need a master’s degree at all.
After completing the necessary formal schooling, natural gas businesses often provide internships that, if successful, may lead to full-time employment opportunities.
Those who are interested in gaining additional practical experience might enroll in condensed versions of traditional college programs. In addition, there are a few occupations that don’t need any formal education beyond training on the job.
On the other hand, if you want to know what sort of work you may be able to see yourself performing in the future. The best way to accomplish this is to look at the requirements for various occupations.
There will be an increase in the employment available in natural gas distribution as more natural gas takes the place of less efficient fossil fuels like oil.
Over four million people now have employment that is directly related to natural gas. Therefore, the number of distribution channels must expand in tandem with the growth of output.
When there is a need to expand distribution, there will also be a need to increase occupations that are associated with distribution.
In addition to the significant need for workers in this industry, natural gas distribution jobs provide some of the most competitive pay rates with the level of education required.
The majority of natural gas firms provide incredibly competitive health care plans as well as advancement chances that are unequaled in the vast majority of other industries, which helps to make these professions even more popular.
And if you are someone who takes pleasure in traveling or is ready to do so, the number of chances available to you explodes.
What Are the Jobs Available in Natural Gas Distribution?
Here are some of the jobs available in the natural gas distribution industry:
Drilling Supervisor
Average Salary: $186,000 Per Year
At the site of oil extraction, there is a drilling supervisor in charge of overseeing all of the different projects.
In most cases, a drilling supervisor must supervise the whole of the drilling operations and make certain that the objectives carry out the project that Drilling Supervisor originally outlined.
In addition to that, it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure the safety of all activities taking place on the job site while they are working toward a goal. For example, it is common practice to provide drilling supervisors a salary of $186,000 per year as compensation.
Gas Technician
Average Salary: $53,682 Per Year
Ovens, water heaters, boilers, furnaces, and central heating systems are some of the appliances that a gas technician inspects and repairs. They also check for gas leaks and do safety inspections on other appliances.
When gas lines are required, certain specialists will also assist in installing them.
Natural gas powers the pipelines, faucets, and residential appliances that are the primary areas of concentration for the work of gas technicians.
The use of natural gas for certain power equipment is not uncommon in both commercial and residential settings. For example, installing and repairing the home, as mentioned above, appliances are two of the tasks that fall within the purview of a gas technician.
In addition to this, They join natural gas pipelines at gas-extraction operations. Gas technicians typically earn $53,682 per year on average.
Driller
Average Salary: $51,000 Per Year
On an oil rig, the person who operates the drilling controls and works on the floor of the rig is called a driller. Operating the various instruments used for drilling and hoisting is the primary responsibility of the driller.
These knowledgeable professionals are in charge of running the enormous drilling equipment.
As a result of their extensive training and experience, they know what kind of equipment to use at any given time based on what they’re drilling through.
This is one of the entry-level occupations that are now accessible in the sector, and the yearly income for it is often somewhere around $51,000.
Reservoir Engineer
Average Salary: $172,000 Per Year
Engineers who specialize in reservoirs make predictions about the quantity of oil or gas that they may retrieve from underground deposits known as reservoirs.
They investigate the characteristics of the reservoirs to determine which methods of extraction will produce the greatest quantity of oil or gas.
Reservoir engineers are the experts in optimizing the flow of gas and oil via reservoirs and are in charge of many vital tasks.
During the drilling process, they look for and assess potential regions that have gas deposits. For example, a reservoir engineer can expect to make a salary of around $172,000 per year on average.
Project Manager
Average Salary: $197,000 Per Year
People can find One of the best wages available in the workforce in the field of natural gas distribution, specifically in this profession.
The primary duty of a project manager is to keep an eye on the whole work. And make certain that it is finished within the specified limits of both time and money, as described in the criteria.
The average income for a project manager is estimated to be $197 000 per Year.
Transportation Manager
Average Salary: $73,449 Per Year
The people in charge of planning and supervising operations related to transportation inside a company are known as transportation managers.
It is the role of a transportation manager to organize and oversee a workforce constituted of transportation specialists to guarantee to do products and materials as efficiently as possible.
The majority of the time, both drivers and operators are included in this category. In addition to this, it is also their responsibility to transport staff employees to the sites where they would be working.
It is common practice to provide a transportation manager with a yearly salary of $73,449 as the acceptable minimum wage.
Distribution Specialist
Average Salary: $64,710 Per Year
Distribution experts operate in a factory or warehouse to receive, store and distribute the essential equipment for the firm.
They are often responsible for the loss of things in addition to their tasks related to inventory, and they are required to ensure that acceptable supply levels are maintained constantly.
In addition to this, they are in charge of running different pieces of equipment, liaising with a variety of suppliers, and loading and unloading vehicles. For example, a distribution expert earns a yearly income of $64,710 on average in the United States.
Accountant
Average Salary: $61,000 Per Year
When thinking about careers in the oil and gas business, the vast majority of individuals fail to recognize the significance of the service sector.
On the other hand, these kinds of occupations are necessary for the industry to run properly. For example, Accountants who work in the natural gas distribution business are responsible for keeping track of payroll and making sure to pay workers on time.
In addition to this, the necessity for accounting, which is critical to the success of enterprises, cannot be maintained without them.
Accountants who work in the natural gas business make $61,000 a year on average, making it one of the industries with the highest average salaries.
Drilling Contractor
Average Salary: $54,833 Per Year
The primary responsibilities of drilling contractors, a sort of contractor that specializes in operating drilling equipment, include the following: Since drilling contractors often operate as independent contractors rather than as employees of huge construction companies, it is the responsibility of the drilling contractor to provide and maintain their equipment. Drilling contractors work in the industry that distributes natural gas. They do exploratory drilling into the earth to locate pockets of natural gas. They may also utilize their equipment to aid with the distribution of the gas.
Distribution Center Supervisor
Average Salary: $58,771 Per Year
Distribution center supervisors are trained individuals that supervise the operations of facilities that are responsible for the distribution of commodities. In addition, They make sure that all of the equipment is delivered on time by managing the logistics between the building business and the utility facilities in the natural gas sector. In addition, distribution center managers collaborate with their teams to move items efficiently through their facilities and into the appropriate customers’ possessions.
Construction Supervisor
Average Salary: $60,549 Per Year
The primary responsibilities of construction supervisors are in charge of managing the various construction sites. They make sure that all of a client’s design requirements are satisfied by collaborating closely with the members of their construction team. They also collaborate closely with the building’s architects and engineers to guarantee that the structure is error-free and constructed according to current standards. Lastly, they help build the systems to collect natural gas in the most efficient and timely way possible at the sites to collect it.
Project Accountant
Average Salary: $61,016 Per Year
Project accountants are the financial specialists that are responsible for managing a project’s budget and finances while the project is active. Their main responsibilities include staying in touch with the engineers and project managers to ensure that each stage of the project must complete within the allocated budget. In addition, Project accountants may sometimes conduct audits to address any discrepancies they find in the account. For example, in the natural gas business, project accountants are often responsible for managing the finances associated with the building of pipelines.
Operations Manager
Average Salary: $63,595 Per Year
The principal responsibilities of operations managers are trained professionals who are responsible for coordinating the many teams that are engaged in the manufacturing of a product or service. They watch over things to make sure that development objectives are met on time and without exceeding the allotted funds. In the natural gas business, operations managers maintain communication with the crews who are responsible for the construction of gas pipes to ensure that they have all of the essential tools and supplies. In addition to this, they could work along with the authorities in the area to establish the most efficient path for the pipeline.
Environmental Health Officer
Average Salary: $76,036 Per Year
Environmental health officers’ primary responsibilities include policing for compliance with various health and safety regulations. They go over the facilities and work areas to make sure that personnel is not put in danger by any harmful activities. Environmental health officers are aware of both state and federal regulations governing construction. As a result, they can decide whether or not a facility is safe for occupants to use. The police, in collaboration with natural gas specialists. Make sure the nearby water sources are secure and that fire-starting equipment should store far away from natural gas.
How Many Jobs Are There in Natural Gas Distribution?
The natural gas industry employs over 109,780 individuals working in the United States, and there are thousands of job openings available in this sector. In addition, there is a wide variety of work available in natural gas distribution, from roustabouts to geologists to oil truck drivers, and it does not matter what your background is to qualify for one of these occupations.
What Skills Do You Need to Work in Natural Gas Distribution?
Suppose you are interested in pursuing a career in this sector. If that’s the case, you must know what skills you need for them. For example, before hiring new staff, employers in any given profession or business make sure prospective workers meet a specified set of criteria about their credentials and talents.
Suppose you are interested in pursuing a profession in the distribution of natural gas. In that case, you need to take into consideration the following skills:
- Communication skills
- Creative Thinking
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- Information technology (IT) skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Project Management skills
- Multitasking
- Ability to work with a team
- Flexibility
The acquisition of these abilities will, as a result, prepare you for the responsibilities that lie ahead.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Working in Natural Gas Distribution?
Pros
Good Pay
The distribution of natural gas is a dependable occupation that offers a decent chance of financial success. This industry has much potential for financial gain.
Job Opportunities
In the United States as a whole, a large number of people work in the natural gas distribution industry. For example, the natural gas distribution business employed more than 100,000 people in 2019, as estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There is a wide range of employment opportunities available within the natural gas distribution sector, starting with entry-level jobs and progressing up to managerial positions.
As the need for gas continues to grow over the next few years, these job opportunities are likely to increase.
Work-life Balance
The distribution of natural gas is a business that relies heavily on the use of human labor. The industry has regulated the number of hours that each worker is required to put in so that they may spend more time with their loved ones.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Opportunities for professional advancement are available to her employees in the field of natural gas distribution.
Workers that have higher educational certifications have the opportunity to make their way through the ranks.
The sector is willing to invest in you so long as you have the enthusiasm and dedication necessary for it.
A Stable Industry
Since its inception, the industry of natural gas distribution has maintained a high level of reliability. As a result, there has been no discernible shift in the level of demand for natural gas, and the infrastructure that is required to deliver natural gas is already substantially developed.
Natural gas is one of the most cost-effective kinds of energy, especially in comparison to other types. Because of its affordable cost, it contributes to the maintenance of consistent pricing.
Natural gas, in comparison to other kinds of energy, is a source of energy that creates a much lower amount of emissions, making it a more ecologically friendly alternative.
Switching to natural gas is one strategy that more people are considering as they become more conscious of the effects of climate change. Along with that, they search for methods to decrease the impact of their daily activities on the environment.
The sector has been able to expand because of this stability, which has drawn in new investors.
Cons
Dangerous Work Environment
Natural gas distribution is a dangerous industry, and there are many risks associated.
Final Words
The person’s interests, skills, and prior job experience help identify the best path to progress their career in the natural gas business. On the other hand, there are individuals in the field who believe that a career in natural gas distribution might be an excellent option for anybody who is looking to work in an area that is both fast-paced and difficult.
The oil and gas industry is an impressive employer in terms of salaries. So take a look at why oil and gas production is a good career path.
In a similar line, the best way to decide whether or not a position in natural gas distribution is right for you is to look into your alternatives and assess your options.
This article is for you if you are interested in the gas distribution sector in any way, whether it be to seek a career in the field or to learn more about it.
