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The oil and gas industry is constantly growing, attracting a large number of people willing to make a career in this area. Working on an offshore oil rig can get you a good income. There are several job categories and roles, each with its own set of responsibilities and tasks. One of the most lucrative of these jobs is the position of a drilling consultant. The first step it to get a understand of the location of those jobs and find out what are the top 10 paying oilfield jobs in the world.
In this post, we discuss all you need to know about drilling consultant jobs and the considerations to become a drilling consultant. This guide should help aspiring readers get an idea of what it takes to become successful in this job position and what they should expect while working as a drilling consultant.
Drilling Consultant Jobs – UPDATED 2020
One of the best-paid jobs in the country, a drilling consultant is responsible for keeping a watch on the daily operations of the oil rig. These professionals work on a contractual basis and ensure that all the drilling operations are executed in accordance with the program. They coordinate with the rig crews to make sure all the tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
Drilling consultants or drilling supervisors generally provide on-site supervision of the day-to-day activities and operations for the company. Operating companies often hire drilling consultants on a contract basis for specific projects. They work as an extension of the operator in the oil rig. They are largely responsible for ensuring the standards, safety and regulations along with the company policies.
A drilling consultant should possess the right knowledge and skills in the industry and extensive experience in the oil field. With the required experience and skills, it is easy to get a job with a hefty salary in the United States. According to 2019 reports, the salary of a drilling consultant ranges from $143,000 to up to $305,000 per year, making it one of the most rewarding jobs across the offshore platform
Drilling Consultant Jobs North Dakota
Owing to the oil boom period of rapidly increasing oil extraction from the discovery of oil fields in recent years in North Dakota, there are many jobs available in the oil field in this state. This boom has given this state a billion-dollar budget surplus. Some estimates even predict that North Dakota will have 48,000 new wells over the next 2-3 decades, resulting in a large number of new jobs in the field.
Finding a drilling consultant job in North Dakota is easy with the right experience and skills required for the position. Some companies demand as much as 20-30 years of experience in the oilfield though individuals with 10-15 years of experience also get a break with impressive salaries. The age range for this post is between 35 and 50 years. However, some people start their career as a drilling consultant in their 20s, particularly if they have an engineering background.
Drilling Consultant Jobs Texas
Texas is one of the hottest spots in the country for oil rigs with more than half of the nation's biggest active oil rigs operating in the state. According to reports, over 50 percent of the total drilling rigs, an estimated number of 830 across the United States, operate in Texas. This makes the state a great place to start a career in the offshore platform.
If you have a passion for this lucrative job and possess the knowledge and expertise a company would look for, you can acquire a high-paying role in one of the biggest companies in Texas. These professionals get attractive remuneration because their job not just exposes them to physical and mental challenges but also requires spending a lot of time away from home.
How To Become A Drilling Consultant?
While it is not difficult to become a drilling consultant, it has some important requirements to be met before entering this career. One of the first things you should consider is education. Most people entering this role have a bachelor's degree while some even possess a master's degree. It is possible to become a drilling consultant with just a high school degree or equivalent.
An important requirement to become a drilling consultant is experience. A working experience of at least ten years is desirable to get selected as a supervisor in the oilfield. The candidate is expected to have worked as a permanent employee as an engineer or drilling contractor in a reputed company. The experience requirements generally depend on the company. Bigger organizations are less interested in people with limited experience.
The type of project you will be hired for also decides the experience required. Some projects need more specific job experience, particularly if they are more dangerous or expensive. To become a drilling consultant, you should consider getting a bachelor's degree in geology, drilling, petroleum engineering or mechanical engineering. Any type of engineering degree is preferable.
To start working as an offshore drilling supervisor, one should also possess training and certification in safety and compliance. You should consider taking training in well controls, offshore survival and the required medical certificates for physical fitness. You should possess skills and knowledge related to drilling supervision, operations, well design, supply chain management, cost estimations, delivery planning and other aspects.
How Much Does A Drilling Consultant Make?
The offshore oil and gas industry is a complex field that employs a large number of skilled technical professionals. As these jobs pose the challenge of working remotely away from home, these professionals are often rewarded with lucrative benefits as they progress through their careers. One of the highest paying jobs in this industry is that of a drilling consultant who takes charge of daily rig operations.
The role of a drilling consultant can include supervision, contract awarding, contract management, drilling operations, cost estimation and coordination with the crew to ensure a smooth and safe operation as per the operator plans. These professionals are also responsible for ordering new equipment and supplies and maintaining the required workforce on the platform.
A drilling consultant can earn $75 per hour on an average which is 75% more than the national average of working Americans. These professionals make anywhere from $143,000 to $305,000 depending on the size of the company and the level of experience. The salary of drilling consultants also varies by location and nature of the project they are working on.
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