Which is best oil jobs in Texas?

That really depends on what you mean by "best." Up here in Canada, our oil patch is similar. For pure salary, it's hard to beat jobs like a Petroleum Engineer or a Drilling Consultant, but those require a degree and years of experience.

If you're looking for great pay without a four-year degree, skilled field positions can be very lucrative. Think MWD operators or experienced derrickhands. The work is demanding, though. For better work-life balance, corporate roles in Houston are a great bet—like an accountant or IT specialist within a major energy firm. It all depends on your skills.

That's a great question, as 'best' can mean different things to different people. From my perspective, having followed the energy sector, the best oil jobs in Texas aren't just about the highest pay cheque, though that is certainly a factor. It's about a combination of reward, stability, and opportunity.

For sheer earning potential, roles in the field like a Directional Driller or a Petroleum Engineer are hard to beat. These are highly technical positions critical to extracting oil efficiently. They command excellent salaries, often with significant bonuses tied to performance. However, these roles can involve long hours on a rig, often in remote locations, which is a lifestyle not everyone fancies.

If you're looking for a role with more stability and less time in the field, then Petroleum Landman is a standout choice. This job is central to the industry, focusing on negotiating leases, securing land rights, and dealing with the legalities of exploration. It's a role that demands strong negotiation skills and an understanding of law. It's typically based in an office and is less susceptible to the boom-and-bust cycles that affect field operations.

Another excellent path is as a Geoscientist. These are the people who analyse geological data to find new reserves. It's intellectually challenging, crucial for the company's future, and usually based in a major corporate hub like Houston. It offers a great blend of office work and technical application.

Ultimately, the 'best' job depends on your skills and what you value. For high pay and hands-on work, look to engineering and drilling roles. For a more corporate, stable career, landman or geoscientist positions are arguably the top tier. The Texas oil industry is vast, so there's a niche for almost every skill set.