Texas Oil and Gas Industry Adds 1,500 Jobs in March

Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Texas Workforce Commission indicated that upstream oil and natural gas employment in Texas saw growth in March, “with the sector adding 1,500 jobs”, the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) noted in an organization statement.

“Job growth in Texas’ oil and natural gas industry even amid turbulent economic times is a continued testament to the demand for the irreplaceable products that help power our modern lives,” said Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association. “Industry remains committed to enhancing national and energy security for our nation and our allies around the world.”

At 198,700 upstream jobs, compared to the same month in the prior year, January 2023 jobs were up by 20,000–or 11.2 percent–over March 2022, TXOGA noted. According to the organization, since the Covid-low point in September of 2020, months of increase in upstream oil and natural gas employment in Texas have outnumbered months of decrease by 26 to four.

The industry has added 41,700 Texas upstream jobs, averaging growth of 1,390 jobs a month, TXOGA said, adding that these jobs pay among the highest wages in Texas, “with employers in oil and natural gas paying an average salary of approximately $115,000 in 2022”.

Also, the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) stated that there were 14,491 active unique jobs postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry in March, including 6,193 new job postings added in the month by companies. March active unique job postings reflect a 21 percent increase compared to February, and a 35 percent increase in new job postings for the month, TIPRO said.

Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations led in the rankings for unique job listings in March with 4,027 postings, followed by Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores (2,002) and Crude Petroleum Extraction (1,548), TIPRO highlighted. The leading three cities by total unique oil and natural gas job postings were Houston (4,949), Midland (1,284), and Odessa (659), TIPRO said.

The leading three companies ranked by unique job postings in March were Love’s (833), John Wood Group (822), and Halliburton (589) while top posted industry occupations for March included maintenance and repair workers (469), heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers (428) and managers (402), TIPRO outlined. The top posted job titles for March included lease operators (96), field service technicians (96), and maintenance technicians (86), TIPRO highlighted.

TIPRO added that the Texas comptroller’s office showed strong levels of tax contributions paid by the Texas oil and natural gas industry. In March, Texas energy producers paid $427 million in oil production taxes and $267 million in natural gas production taxes.

To contact the author, email andreson.n.paul@gmail.com