As the U.S. energy sector continues to evolve, certain states stand out for their robust oilfield job markets in 2025. Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to the industry, these states offer promising opportunities.
1. Texas
Texas remains the epicenter of the U.S. oil and gas industry. The Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, and Haynesville Shale are key regions driving employment. In Q3 2024, the state’s oil and natural gas industry employed over 498,000 individuals, with average annual wages around $128,000 . The industry added 2,500 upstream jobs in January 2025 alone .
2. New Mexico
Sharing the Permian Basin with Texas, New Mexico has seen significant growth in its oil and gas sector. In 2024, the state produced approximately 737 million barrels of oil, ranking second nationally . Employment in the sector has risen by 20% since 2020, with competitive salaries averaging around $110,000 for production engineers .
3. North Dakota
The Bakken Shale formation continues to be a major contributor to North Dakota’s economy. The state produced about 436 million barrels of oil in 2024 . Employment in the oil and gas sector grew by 15% from 2019 to 2023, with drillers earning between $90,000 and $110,000 annually, often with additional benefits .
4. Louisiana
Louisiana’s offshore drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico have rebounded, contributing to a 10% increase in oil and gas jobs in 2023 . The state had an oil and gas payroll of $10 billion in 2024, ranking third nationally . Offshore roles, such as subsea engineers, can earn over $150,000 annually.
5. Colorado
Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin has become a hub for natural gas production. The state’s oil and gas sector grew by about 8% over the past two years . With a focus on environmentally conscious practices, roles like environmental compliance officers are in demand, earning around $95,000 annually.
Conclusion
These states offer diverse opportunities in the oil and gas industry, from traditional drilling roles to positions focusing on environmental compliance. As the industry adapts to new technologies and environmental considerations, professionals can find rewarding careers in these dynamic regions.