Oil and Gas Workers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$52,610
~$25/hr · ~$4,384/mo
US Jobs
116K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
3/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 3/10
The core of this occupation involves heavy physical labor, equipment maintenance, and manual operation in unpredictable outdoor environments, which provides a strong buffer against AI. However, the industry is increasingly adopting automated drilling technologies and remote monitoring systems that improve productivity, meaning fewer human workers may be required to achieve the same output.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KSBEST VALUE | $88,880 | Below avg (93.2) | $95,362 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $89,540 | Below avg (95.0) | $94,279 |
| Anchorage, AK | $98,920 | Above avg (106.8) | $92,647 |
| Billings, MT | $74,300 | Below avg (90.3) | $82,236 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $62,340 | Below avg (85.3) | $73,074 |
| Farmington, NM | $62,880 | Below avg (87.0) | $72,259 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $63,850 | Below avg (91.6) | $69,689 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | $60,700 | Below avg (88.9) | $68,243 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $61,060 | Below avg (91.4) | $66,772 |
| Tulsa, OK | $59,890 | Below avg (89.9) | $66,622 |
| Casper, WY | $60,960 | Below avg (92.5) | $65,876 |
| Jackson, MS | $58,370 | Below avg (89.8) | $64,973 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $59,490 | Below avg (91.7) | $64,865 |
| Charleston, WV | $56,780 | Below avg (89.1) | $63,756 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $58,770 | Below avg (94.7) | $62,055 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
No formal educational credential
10-Year Growth
+1% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$25/hr
Monthly Income
~$4,384/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)