Nestled between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi is a Southeastern region of the United States.

The oil and gas industry has become a cornerstone of Mississippi’s economy with hundreds of drill sites and companies continuing to explore its oil resources.

Are you interested in finding an oil and gas job in Mississippi? Keep reading to learn more about Mississippi’s oil and gas industry as well as available jobs and where to find them:

The History of Mississippi’s Oil and Gas Industry

Mississippi’s potential as a petroleum-producing state was first realized in 1860 but oil was not drilled until 1903. However, the early attempts were unsuccessful until 1926 when the Carter No.1 well near Amory started producing gas - and did so until 1938.

This discovery prompted major oil and gas companies to gravitate to Mississippi and begin exploring the landscape. Most of Mississippi’s oil and gas fields were discovered during the WWII era with oil production eventually topping out at 65.1 million barrels in 1970.

In 2011, Mississippi was ranked 13th in the nation for oil production by the U.S. Department of Energy. High market prices have continued to drive exploration of Mississippi’s oil resources and technological developments have introduced horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.

What Oilfield Jobs are Available in Mississippi?

With over 130 active oil producers currently operating around the state of Mississippi, there is no shortage of work in the oil and gas industry. 

All throughout the supply chain, many individuals are needed in a variety of positions to ensure the safe and efficient acquisition, processing and transportation of oil and gas products.

However, to give you an idea of what is available for work in the Mississippi oilfields, here are the top jobs employers are looking to fill:

CDL-A Driver

Having a CDL-A license allows you to operate semi-trailers or trailers with two or more axles. In the oil and gas industry, CDL-A drivers also operate vacuum trucks, swab rigs, water trucks, frac water heater trucks and hot oil trucks.

Your chances of landing a CDL-A trucking job are good even if you are fresh out of trucking school - although some employers prefer 1-2 years of experience.

CDL-A truckers can make an average of $45,000 per year.

Petroleum Service Technician

Petroleum Service Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment as well as servicing and installing petroleum equipment. 

To work as a Petroleum Service Technician, a college diploma is usually required in an electronics or mechanical discipline. However, you can also obtain this position with equivalent work experience.

Petroleum Service Technicians can expect to make around $47,000 annually.

Environmental Analyst

In the oil and gas industry, Environmental Analysts are responsible for developing and implementing required processes to ensure that companies are compliant with environmental laws and regulations.

This is not an entry-level job and often requires a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field. Again, however, relevant and equivalent work experience may be considered.

The average yearly salary for an Environmental Analyst is $61,000.

Oilfield Worker

When you have no education or experience related to the oil and gas industry, you can always seek an entry-level job as an Oilfield Worker. Work may include workover rig as well as roustabout work on wells.

Typically, you can become an Oilfield Worker with a high school diploma or equivalent along with minimal experience in construction.

Entry-level positions such as this one usually start at around $33,000 per year but there are many advancement opportunities and potential to increase your earnings.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operators drive or control large pieces of equipment used to assist in the construction projects such as gas and oil pipelines. Equipment may include bulldozers, backhoes, cranes and front-end loaders.

Depending on the equipment involved, it’s possible to become a Heavy Equipment Operator with only a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some equipment, such as cranes, requires certification.

Heavy Equipment Operators can make between $27,000 to $64,000 per year.

The Major Players in the Mississippi Oil and Gas Industry

With hundreds of oil and gas companies operating in Mississippi, there’s no shortage of places to find work.

To give you an idea of what companies to keep an eye on, here are the top players in the Mississippi oil and gas industry:

  • Tiger Production Company
  • Southern Energy Operating
  • Petro Harvester Operating Company
  • Australis TMS
  • Mosbacher Energy Company
  • Venture Oil & Gas

Looking for More?

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Feel free to browse current job opportunities located in the state of Mississippi.