Is natural gas distribution a good career path? If you have been asking this question, then you are not alone. The natural gas industry is old but has provided a diverse range of job opportunities and career options for years.
Working in the industry can come with lots of opportunities. Apart from the high salary-paying positions, you can also gain experience in these positions. Workers in the industry work in a wide range of environments, from office jobs to fieldwork. That means you can easily choose a career path that best suits your setting.
However, people may still question if is natural gas distribution a good career path for graduates as I love them working in vicinities where they might be exposed to some kind of gasses. Hence, know that there are some kind of safety measures and precautions to take when working in such an environment. Plus health checks have been carried out on these gasses to know their effects on human health.
In this article, we will learn about the natural distribution career, its salary range, educational requirement and other fantastic things about it.
What is Natural Gas Distribution?
Natural Gas Distribution refers to the distribution pipelines and equipment at metering-regulating stations that a Local Distribution Company operates within a single state.
The process is governed as an independent operating firm by a public utility commission or a separate municipal distribution system.
Is Natural Gas Distribution A Good Career Path?
The natural gas distribution industry is excellent for picking a career path. There are enough jobs, and the demand for workers is very high.
Although jobs there can sometimes be very tasking as you will need to work under harsh conditions and take long shifts, you can be sure the jobs are gratifying.
Most jobs there pay well, and there is security for your job. Oil and gas are not going anywhere, so if you love the sector, it’s time to get your boots ready because you will soon be getting your feet dirty in the oil while making money for yourself.
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What Does a Gas Distribution Engineer Do?
There are different positions in the Natural gas distribution industry, with various duties attached.
Mainly, a natural gas distributor transfers oil to gas, a significant role in today’s world. They also protect the environment, maintain safety, and maximize profit margins.
What Are The Benefits Of Working In The Natural Gas Distribution Industry?
Good Pay
The pay in this Natural gas industry is high, and the jobs are reliable.
Job Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labour, over 90,000 people were employed in the natural gas distribution industry in 2019.
Jobs in the natural gas distribution industry are widely spread across various positions, from entry-level to management-level roles. In recent years, these jobs are expected to grow.
Work-life Balance
The distribution of natural gas is a labor-intensive business. The sector has controlled each worker’s working hours to allow time for family and friends.
Career Advancement Opportunities
The natural gas distribution industry offers her worker career growth possibilities. Workers with higher diploma certificates are usually allowed to work their way to the top.
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What Are The Pros and Cons of a Career in Natural Gas Distribution?
PROS
- It is widely used and contributes 21% of the world’s energy production.
- Delivery infrastructure exists
- End-use devices are widespread
- Used vastly for power generation
- It is immaculate
- Burns fairly efficiently
- It can be used to make plastics, chemicals, fertilizers and hydrogen
- The natural gas industry employs over 1.2 million people yearly.
CONS
- It emits carbon dioxide when burned
- Contains 80-95% methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG)
- It is flammable and potentially harmful
- Concentrated sources require long-distance transmission and transportation
- Energy damages at every stage of production and distribution
- It requires comprehensive pipelines to transport over land
- Reserved and circulated under high pressure
- Requires turbine-generators to create electricity
How to Get Started in a Career in Natural Gas Distribution
A career in the gas distribution sector can be gratifying, personally and professionally. Continual developments mean it is growing at a rapid pace, and because of this, you should keep an eye on the latest trends emerging.
Due to the sheer scale of the industry, there are multiple disciplines to choose from. Be sure to thoroughly research what roles are available and fit your interests and qualifications.
Many companies organize networking events, which are an excellent way for students and graduates to meet with professionals in the field, and establish valuable contacts with which to move forward.
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What are the Skills Required To Succeed In Natural Gas Distribution?
Knowing the skills in this industry also answers the question Is natural gas distribution a good career path? Because you need to know the skills required to scale in the gas distribution industry.
Here are the skills:
- Communication skills
- Creative Thinking
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- Information technology (IT) skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Project Management skills
- Multitasking
- Ability to work with a team
- Flexibility
What Are The Education And Training Requirements For A Career In Natural Gas Distribution?
You will need training or a technical degree to work in the natural gas distribution industry. Also, knowledge of safety procedures is required because it is an essential aspect of the industry.
Some colleges offer certificates in natural gas distribution, gas metering, and other specialized degrees.
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What are the Salary And Job Outlook of a career in Natural Gas Distribution?
From 2007 – 2012, total U.S. private sector employment increased by more than one million jobs, about 1%.
Over the same period, the natural gas industry increased by more than 162,000 jobs, a 40% increase.
How Much Can You Make From Natural Gas Distribution?
The average annual pay for a Natural Gas Distribution in the United States is $96,441; there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased revenue based on skill level, location, and years of experience.
Best Paying Jobs In Natural Gas Distribution
Is natural gas distribution a good career path? We have answered this question with enough proof that venturing into this industry is good. Going further, we want to talk about the best-paying jobs in this industry to make it worthwhile for you.
Here are the best paying jobs in the natural gas industry:
1. Project Manager
Average Annual Salary: $197,000
The project manager oversees projects and ensures they go according to specifications.
In overseeing projects, he ensures the project is on track and works with the budget while being conscious of safety
2. Drilling Supervisor
Average Annual Salary: $186,000
A drilling supervisor handles the drill operation. Thus, he ensures that his teammates complete the project on time.
3. Reservoir Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $172,000
They are also referred to as Pipeline or Petroleum Engineer. Moreover, this set of people optimizes the movement of crude oil extracts.
4. Drilling Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $162,000
The drilling engineer is in charge of rig employees. Also, he assesses and maintains the wells and ensures employees follow safety rules.
5. Natural Gas Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $154,000
These people are responsible for developing, installing, and maintaining the equipment needed to process the oil and gas.
6. HSE Manager
Average Annual Salary: $158,000
HSE Managers plan organizational safety policies, inquire into work environment incidents, and coordinate training schedules.
7. Project Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $114,000
These employees ensure that procedures such as design, construction, and everything are done safely.
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Top Natural Gas Distribution Companies In The World
Here are the top gas distribution companies:
- China National Petroleum/PetroChina
- Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco)
- ExxonMobil
- Royal Dutch Shell
- Total
- Chevron
- Rosneft Oil Co.
- Lukoil
- Gazprom
What Are the Top Producing Natural Gas States in the U.S.?
The top five natural gas-producing states in 2019 were Texas (23.9%), Pennsylvania (20.0%), Louisiana (9.3%), Oklahoma (8.5%), and Ohio (7.7%), which all summed 69.4% of U.S. natural gas production.
FAQs On Is Natural Gas Distribution A Good Career Path
Is natural gas distribution a good career?
The natural gas distribution industry is excellent for picking a career path. There are enough jobs, and the demand for workers is very high.
What is natural gas distribution?
What are the career opportunities in natural gas?
Who owns the most natural gas pipelines?
1. China National Petroleum/PetroChina
2. Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco)
3. ExxonMobil
4. Royal Dutch Shell
5. Total
6. Chevron
7. Rosneft Oil Co.
8. Lukoil
9. Gazprom
Conclusion
Choosing a career in natural gas distribution depends on your skills, education and experience. There are enough jobs available in this industry, and the demand for workers is very high.
Also, the answer to the question ”Is natural gas distribution a good career path?” is Yes; this article has given reasons you should choose this career. Read from start to end and make your decision!
References
- ziprecruiter.com– Natural Gas Distribution Salary
- schoolandtravel.com– Is Natural Gas Distribution A Good Career Path
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