The natural gas industry employs a wide range of professionals and offers a variety of career options. The industry provides high-salaried positions and practical experience that can be beneficial for your career. Natural gas professionals work in a wide range of environments, from office jobs to field work, so it’s possible to find a career working in your preferred setting.

In this article, we explore a list of 35 high-paying jobs in the natural gas distribution industry.

35 high-paying jobs in natural gas distribution

The natural gas distribution industry employs many types of professionals, including engineers, chemists, and accountants. You can find the most recent Indeed salaries for these positions by clicking on the links below:

1. Distribution specialist

National average salary: $48,159 per year

Primary duties:

As a distribution specialist, you will work with transportation networks to deliver products. You will be responsible for loading and unloading vehicles, operating machinery and communicating with suppliers. In the natural gas industry, you will work with construction teams to help source the materials and equipment needed to complete a job. You may also be responsible for delivering equipment to a facility that’s harvesting the gas.

2. Gas technician

National average salary: $49,849 per year

Primary duties:

Gas technicians work with the piping, faucets, and appliances that use natural gas. They install and repair the machinery and equipment used by homes and businesses. They may also supervise the proper connection of pipelines at facilities that harvest natural gas.

3. Designer

National average salary: $56,826 per year

Primary duties:

Designers work in a variety of fields with the focus on planning creative solutions and systems. In the natural gas industry, designers work with drilling and construction teams to create timelines and delivery systems. They may work on creating pipeline systems that allow natural gas to be distributed from its source to the destination facility. Designers also play an important role by analyzing the production team’s workflow and offering suggestions on how to improve efficiency.

4. Driller

National average salary: $59,271 per year

Primary duties:

Drillers are construction professionals who operate heavy drilling machinery. They follow safety protocols for equipment operation. Drillers may determine what tools to use, depending on the material they’re drilling into. In the natural gas industry, drillers connect pipelines to pockets of underground natural gas.

5. Construction supervisor

National average salary: $62,727 per year

Primary duties:

Construction supervisors are the managers of construction sites. They work closely with their construction team to ensure that a client’s design specifications are being met. They also work closely with architects and engineers to ensure that the building is up to code and without fault. In the natural gas industry, they work on the sites that harvest gas, helping construct systems to gather it with speed and efficiency.

6. Distribution center supervisor

National average salary: $63,727 per year

Primary duties:

As a distribution center supervisor, you will be responsible for overseeing a facility that distributes goods. In the natural gas industry, you will need to coordinate logistics with the construction company and utility facilities to ensure that all equipment is delivered on schedule. You will also work with your team to get products through your facility and into the right hands.

7. Project accountant

National average salary: $64,668 per year

Primary duties:

Project accountants are financial professionals who manage a project’s budget and finances while it is operational. They communicate with project managers and engineers to ensure that each stage of the project is completed under budget. Project accountants occasionally perform audits to clear up any discrepancies in the account. In the natural gas industry, project accountants often manage the finances of pipeline construction.

8. Transportation manager

National average salary: $66,227 per year

Primary duties:

Transportation managers are responsible for supervising a team of transportation professionals to ensure efficient goods and materials transportation. This team typically includes drivers and operators. In the natural gas industry, transportation managers work with their team to obtain the materials required by a construction team to build pipelines. Transportation managers may also coordinate the transportation of personnel to and from the job site.

9. Distribution manager

National average salary: $66,915 per year

Primary duties:

Distribution managers supervise teams that work in distribution factories, ensuring quality control by conducting tests and repairs on outgoing goods. They collaborate with construction teams to provide materials for building pipelines and distributing gas to consumers. Additionally, they develop relationships with vendors and source materials competitively.

10. Operations manager

National average salary: $67,158 per year

Primary duties:

As an operations manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that all teams involved in the production of a product or service are coordinated effectively. This includes setting and achieving development goals within set timeframe and budget constraints. In the natural gas industry, you will be required to communicate often with the teams responsible for gas pipelines, in order to ensure they have adequate resources. You may also be responsible for coordinating with local officials to plan the most efficient route for the pipeline.

11. Geologist

National average salary: $67,894 per year

Primary duties:

Geologists are scientists who study the earth’s composition and history, conducting field research at sites of geological interest such as volcanoes, mountains and other landforms. They also may work in a lab, studying samples and writing papers. In the natural gas industry, geologists assist in the identification and extraction of natural gas, using their knowledge to predict areas where it may be found. They also provide expertise to the teams who break ground to remove it.

12. Geographer

National average salary: $69,885 per year

Primary duties:

Geographers are scientists who map global positions and explore uncharted territories, searching for points of interest such as raw material deposits and rare animal species. In the natural gas industry, many geographers help search for natural gas deposits, using complex imaging equipment such as ground-penetrating radar to detect these rare deposits. Once a discovery has been made, geographers help companies plan noninvasive routes for harvesting the gas.

13. Project manager

National average salary: $77,158 per year

Primary duties:

As a project manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project from start to finish. This includes coordinating logistics with the pipeline team, distribution team and utility facilities. You will also be responsible for meeting with clients and providing continual updates on a project’s progression.

14. Environmental health officer

National average salary: $71,984 per year

Primary duties:

As an environmental health officer, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety codes. This will involve inspecting facilities and job sites to make sure employees are not at risk from unsafe practices. You will need to be knowledgeable about local and federal building codes in order to determine if a facility is safe to occupy. When working with natural gas professionals, you will need to ensure the safe distancing of natural gas from incendiary devices and the safe condition of local water supplies.

15. Construction manager

National average salary: $76,916 per year

Primary duties:

As a construction manager, you will be responsible for supervising construction sites and keeping teams organized. You will delegate responsibilities and create work schedules for employees, as well as train employees in the proper operation of heavy machinery and equipment necessary for construction projects. In the natural gas industry, you will primarily work with drilling equipment and various tools necessary to create pipelines.

16. Engineering program manager

National average salary: $78,289 per year

Primary duties:

As an engineering program manager, you will be responsible for designing strategies that promote the development of business objectives. You will often work for large companies and supervise a variety of engineering teams. It will be your responsibility to ensure the coordination of all engineering teams through effective communication and leadership.

17. Design engineer

National average salary: $78,787 per year

Primary duties:

Design engineers are responsible for creating blueprints and plans for completing complex construction jobs. They meet with clients, vendors and construction teams to gather the information required for their calculations. They consider a variety of factors when designing construction equipment and operations. When working with natural gas, design engineers often create systems that capture the gas and deliver it to customers with minimal losses, while following all relevant safety protocols.

18. Chemical engineer

National average salary: $81,092 per year

Primary duties:

Chemical engineers have expertise in various raw materials and chemical reactions. They work with design teams to create complex materials, such as plastics and alloys that are used to produce intricate equipment and designs. Chemical engineers work with natural gas distribution teams when they need to create long expanses of pipes that can withstand local weather and storm conditions. They may also be involved in a scouting process, as they can identify usable natural gas.

19. Project engineer

National average salary: $81,895 per year

Primary duties:

Project engineers are responsible for the engineering and technical aspects of project development, including calculating what materials are needed, researching construction sites, and developing cost-effective solutions. Project engineers typically work on-site rather than in an office environment so they can communicate with their team more effectively. In the natural gas industry, project engineers inspect natural gas sites to determine the best places to drill and what equipment to use.

20. Petroleum engineer

National average salary: $81,935 per year

Primary duties:

Petroleum engineers design methods for extracting raw materials, such as natural gas and oil, from beneath the ground. These engineers often work on-site to determine the tools and equipment needed for a successful project. Petroleum engineers meet frequently with production managers and the construction team to develop extraction strategies that minimize losses. Petroleum engineers regularly work overtime while an extraction site is being set up so they can assist the team when necessary.

21. Drilling contractor

National average salary: $99,630 per year

Primary duties:

Drilling contractors specialize in operating drilling equipment. As contractors, they are typically responsible for providing and maintaining their own equipment. In the natural gas distribution industry, drilling contractors drill into the ground to find pockets of natural gas and may also use their equipment to help in its distribution.

22. Drilling Supervisor

Drilling Supervisors

Drilling Managers are responsible for the entire drilling operation, ensuring that the project is completed on time. They also manage onsite operations safely and efficiently while delivering well objectives.

How to Become a Drilling Supervisor:

Drilling supervisors typically have several years of experience in the field, though some employers may prefer or require a degree in drilling technology or mechanical engineering.

Average Yearly Salary: $186,000

23. Reservoir Engineer

Reservoir Engineers focus on optimizing the flow of petroleum oil and gas through reservoirs. They are responsible for identifying and evaluating each oil and gas reserve using special tools and equipment while continuously monitoring and optimizing the reserve during the drilling process.

How to Become a Reservoir Engineer:

Reservoir engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in geology, engineering, petroleum engineering, or a related field, and have at least two years of experience in the oil and gas industry.

Average Yearly Salary: $172,000

24. Drilling Engineer

A Drilling Engineer  They work with the team to develop a drilling plan, and are responsible for maintaining records of the project’s progress. They liaise with the client to ensure that their needs are being met and that the project is proceeding according to schedule.

How to Become a Drilling Engineer:

To be eligible for the role of Drilling Engineer, you will need to possess a Bachelor’s degree at minimum. Prior experience working as a field or production engineer will be helpful in this role.

Average Yearly Salary: $162,000

25. Natural Gas Engineer

Natural gas engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and experience working with natural gas production.

How to Become a Natural Gas Engineer: Mechanical engineering is a broad engineering field with a Bachelor’s degree being the minimum requirement.

Average Yearly Salary: $154,000

26. HSE Manager

The HSE (Health, Safety and Environmental) Manager

Maintains safety, occupational health and environmental performance of natural gas operations at onshore and offshore production sites.

Developing safety management policies, coordinating training programs, and investigating workplace incidents are also part of their responsibilities.

How to Become an HSE Manager: 

One can become an HSE Manager with a high school diploma (or equivalent), though many in the field hold a Bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, experience in a role such as safety manager or safety supervisor is beneficial.

Average Yearly Salary: $158,000

27. Production Engineer

Production engineers typically hold a petroleum engineering degree and are responsible for designing and choosing well equipment for the post-drilling production stage. They also monitor the efficiency of the well and ensure commercial viability.

How to Become a Production Engineer: 

It is helpful if you have an advanced degree or post-secondary degree, but it is not necessary. Alternatively, you may be able to get this position with previous career experience.

Average Yearly Salary: $110,000

28. Contractor for drilling

Salary: $54,833 per annum

Drilling contractors are typically accountable for the maintenance and supply of the equipment they own.

29. The supervisor of the distribution center

Salary: $58,771 per annum

The professionals who oversee warehouses and distribution centers act as supervisors of distribution centers. They work with construction companies and utilities to oversee logistics and ensure that the equipment used in the natural gas sector is moved at the right time to its proper location.

As a director of a distribution center, you will work with your team to ensure that products are distributed efficiently and effectively. This is a highly lucrative position in the field of natural gas distribution.

30. Health officer for the environment

Salary: $76,036 per annum

They also check workplaces to make sure that workers are not in danger from unsafe methods.

31. Drilling Contractors

This position is not a traditional job, but rather one completed under contract. Drilling contractors are highly sought-after within the natural gas industry for their expertise in managing and operating drilling equipment. These contractors help businesses find new pockets of gas by offering drilling services.

In the natural gas distribution industry, drilling is used to enable the installation of pipelines for distribution.

As contractors, those in the field are responsible for providing their own equipment. So, they own or rent the equipment to get to their job. Consequently, they are also responsible for the wear and tear and replacement of this equipment.

When looking to build a career as a drilling contractor, it is important to consider the upfront cost of equipment and the learning costs that come with it. It is also essential to be able to network and market services in order to reach clients. With the required skills, the average annual income for drilling contractors is $99,600.

32. Project Engineer

These skilled engineers typically work at the top tier of their respective companies and are responsible for working on-site. Unlike drilling contractors, product engineers are a regular part of the organization.

In the petroleum and natural gas industry, their task is to research the site and develop adequate strategies for drilling. When it comes to the distribution end of the natural gas industry, they make suggestions on the installation of drilling equipment based on the site, its structure, and distances from the consumers.

They also have the responsibility of making sure that the equipment being used is appropriate for the project and site.

To work in the natural gas distribution industry as a project engineer, you must have a degree in engineering with minors in project management or business. Plus, you should get on-job training to understand the ins and outs of this job. A project engineer earns an annual salary of $82,000 on average.

33. Chemical Engineer

They are also in charge of developing the ways to get these gasses out of the ground in a cost and time-efficient way.

Chemical engineers may be best known for their involvement in the consumer non-durables industry, where they are often responsible for ensuring products are safe and comply with regulations. However, they also play an important role in other industries, such as the petroleum and natural gas industries. In natural gas development and extraction companies, chemical engineers determine the composition of the fossil fuel, which is used to determine its value. They are also responsible for developing ways to extract these gasses from the ground in a cost- and time-efficient manner.

For the distribution side of this industry, these engineers help with the design of the distribution system by suggesting the effect of the weather on fossil fuel consumption.

They earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually.

34. Engineering Program Managers

These are the strategic-level personnel who oversee a load of engineering tasks within the company. These managers have a wealth of experience and they are employed by large corporations with multiple engineering projects in the pipeline.

Engineers with the right skills and experience in the natural gas distribution industry can have successful careers in this field. With the right credentials, engineers can find positions as strategic-level engineering managers and earn an annual salary of $78,000 on average.

35. Project Manager

The distribution companies’ largest input is the installation and maintenance of pipelines. These tasks recur periodically when a new source is developed or a new customer needs a dedicated pipeline.

Project managers coordinate and oversee all the aspects of these jobs from start to finish. They supervise the design, procurement, management of human resources and teams, construction, and ongoing matters of these tasks.

The average salary of these managers ranges between$77,000 and $140,000.