$110,000 Oil, Gas, and Energy Careers in the USA with Visa Sponsorship

December 22, 2025
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The oil, gas, and energy sector in the United States remains one of the most lucrative and dynamic industries, offering numerous high-paying career opportunities that often exceed $110,000 annually for skilled professionals. With average salaries for roles like petroleum engineers reaching up to $139,000 or more per year, and senior positions in exploration and production climbing even higher to $150,000 or beyond, this field attracts talent from around the globe. Many positions in this sector come with the added benefit of visa sponsorship, particularly H-1B visas, allowing international experts to contribute their specialized skills to major U.S. companies. As of 2025, the demand for experienced professionals in drilling, geosciences, and renewable energy integration continues to create pathways for foreign workers, with companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Halliburton, and Schlumberger frequently sponsoring visas for roles that require advanced degrees and expertise.

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In an industry projected to support millions of jobs while adapting to energy transitions, securing a position with visa sponsorship can lead to salaries starting from $110,000 for mid-level roles and soaring past $200,000 for executives and specialized engineers. These careers not only provide substantial financial rewards but also offer stability, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for advancement in states rich with energy resources. For international applicants, targeting employers with a history of H-1B sponsorship increases the chances of relocation and long-term success in the USA. This guide explores the high-earning potential of these roles, detailing salaries often ranging from $110,000 to $158,000 or higher, while providing practical insights into visa-sponsored opportunities in one of America’s highest-paying sectors.

The allure of $110,000-plus salaries draws thousands to oil, gas, and energy careers, where petroleum engineers alone command median pay of around $135,000 to $148,000 annually, according to recent data. Visa sponsorship makes these attainable for global talent, especially in a market where companies seek specialists in subsea engineering, land management, and sustainable energy practices. With the U.S. leading global oil production, roles offering $110,000 starting salaries are abundant in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations, often including bonuses that push total compensation well over $150,000. Understanding the landscape of visa-friendly employers and high-CPC keyword-targeted paths like “oil gas jobs USA visa sponsorship” can unlock doors to these rewarding positions.

Overview of the Oil, Gas, and Energy Industry in the USA

The U.S. oil, gas, and energy industry stands as a powerhouse, contributing trillions to the economy and supporting high-wage jobs that frequently offer salaries exceeding $110,000 per year. In 2025, despite fluctuations in global markets, the sector continues to thrive with record production levels, creating demand for professionals who can earn $120,000 to $160,000 in roles involving advanced technology and efficiency improvements. Major players invest heavily in talent, often providing visa sponsorship to fill specialized positions where domestic supply falls short, leading to opportunities with base pay starting at $110,000 and including substantial benefits packages.

Employment in extraction and related fields has evolved, with efficiencies allowing fewer workers to achieve higher outputs, yet salaries remain elevated, averaging over $125,000 in core operations. States like Texas lead with hundreds of thousands of direct jobs paying upwards of $110,000, while companies sponsor visas for engineers earning $130,000 or more. The integration of renewable energy elements has further boosted roles in hybrid systems, where professionals command $140,000-plus compensation. This industry’s resilience ensures that visa-sponsored hires enjoy competitive $110,000 to $150,000 salary ranges, supported by bonuses and overtime in high-demand areas.

As energy demands grow, the sector’s focus on innovation drives salaries to $110,000 and beyond for entry-to-mid-level experts with sponsorship. With projections for sustained activity, careers here offer not just high earnings but pathways to $200,000-plus for seniors, making it a top choice for international professionals seeking visa-supported roles in the USA.

High-Paying Careers in Oil, Gas, and Energy Exceeding $110,000

The oil, gas, and energy sector offers numerous high-paying roles for professionals with technical expertise, experience, and often advanced degrees. Many of these positions provide visa sponsorship, comprehensive benefits, and performance-based bonuses, pushing total compensation well above $110,000. Below is a detailed list of some of the top careers:

1. Petroleum Engineer

  • Salary: $115,000–$148,000 (top performers $160,000+)

  • Role: Design and optimize methods for extracting oil and gas efficiently and safely.

  • Highlights: Positions often include visa sponsorship, relocation packages, and bonuses that can bring total earnings above $150,000. Strong demand exists in exploration, production, and offshore operations.

2. Senior Landman

  • Salary: $110,000–$158,000

  • Role: Negotiate land leases and mineral rights, manage contracts, and ensure compliance with regulations.

  • Highlights: These positions are critical for securing drilling rights and revenue streams, with opportunities for international hires in high-demand regions.

3. Subsea Engineer

  • Salary: $120,000–$158,000

  • Role: Design, install, and maintain underwater equipment and pipelines for offshore oil and gas production.

  • Highlights: Technical expertise is essential; international specialists are often sponsored due to the high skill requirement.

4. Geoscientist / Geologist

  • Salary: Around $161,000 in high-production areas

  • Role: Analyze geological data to locate hydrocarbon deposits and optimize extraction strategies.

  • Highlights: Roles in exploration and production hubs offer visa sponsorship and large bonus potential.

5. Drilling Consultant

  • Salary: Up to $305,000 in peak markets

  • Role: Provide expert advice on drilling techniques, equipment, and safety measures for complex projects.

  • Highlights: High responsibility and specialized expertise lead to extremely lucrative compensation packages.

6. Chemical Engineer (Refining/Processing)

  • Salary: $130,000+

  • Role: Oversee refining processes, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

  • Highlights: Key positions in refineries often sponsor international talent due to technical complexity.

7. Completions Engineer

  • Salary: $125,000–$140,000

  • Role: Manage the completion phase of wells, ensuring optimal production and equipment reliability.

  • Highlights: Leadership roles can push compensation higher, especially with offshore and unconventional resource projects.

8. Operations Supervisor / Manager

  • Salary: $125,000–$140,000+

  • Role: Oversee field operations, production schedules, and team management across facilities or drilling sites.

  • Highlights: Management experience plus technical knowledge is rewarded with high salaries and bonuses.

9. Data Scientist (Energy Sector)

  • Salary: $120,000–$150,000

  • Role: Analyze production and operational data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and forecast trends.

  • Highlights: Increasingly critical role; companies often sponsor visas for skilled data professionals.

10. Environmental Compliance Specialist

  • Salary: $120,000–$150,000

  • Role: Ensure company operations meet environmental regulations, manage reporting, and implement sustainability practices.

  • Highlights: Growing importance in ESG initiatives leads to high-paying, visa-sponsored roles in international talent pools.

Top Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship for Energy Roles

Leading companies in the oil, gas, and energy sector actively sponsor visas, targeting professionals for roles paying $110,000 and above. ExxonMobil, a global giant, frequently sponsors H-1B visas for engineers and scientists earning $130,000 or more in exploration and production. Chevron and BP also prioritize international talent, offering sponsorship for chemical engineers and renewable experts with salaries starting at $120,000.

Halliburton and Schlumberger, key service providers, file numerous H-1B applications annually, supporting positions like field technicians and data analysts at $110,000-plus levels. ConocoPhillips and Hilcorp Energy are known for high-paying sponsored roles exceeding $140,000. These firms value diverse expertise, providing pathways to $150,000 compensation with comprehensive benefits.

Smaller operators and tech-integrated companies increasingly sponsor visas for niche skills, ensuring competitive $110,000 salaries. Targeting these employers via specialized databases maximizes chances for sponsorship in lucrative energy careers.

Best States for $110,000+ Oil and Gas Jobs

Texas dominates as the premier state for oil and gas careers, with over 400,000 direct jobs paying averages above $110,000, concentrated in the Permian Basin where engineers earn $135,000-plus. Visa-sponsored opportunities abound in Houston and Midland, offering $120,000 starting pay.

New Mexico follows with rapid growth, salaries around $125,000, and increasing sponsorship in the Permian region. North Dakota’s Bakken Shale provides $130,000 roles, while Louisiana’s offshore and refining sectors offer $110,000-plus with Gulf Coast advantages. Colorado rounds out the top, blending traditional and sustainable energy for $120,000 opportunities.

These states feature robust markets where visa holders secure high-earning positions exceeding $110,000 annually.

How to Secure Visa-Sponsored Positions in the Energy Sector

Securing visa-sponsored jobs requires targeting H-1B-friendly companies and highlighting specialized skills that justify $110,000-plus salaries. Use databases like MyVisaJobs to identify sponsors in oil and gas, applying directly for roles like petroleum engineering at $135,000.

Network on LinkedIn, tailor resumes to emphasize experience warranting sponsorship, and prepare for interviews focusing on unique contributions. Many secure offers leading to $120,000 compensation through persistent applications on Rigzone and Indeed.

With demand for expertise, international professionals often land sponsored positions offering $110,000 and upward mobility.

READ ALSO: $150K+ Engineering Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship for International Candidates

FAQs

What are the average salaries for petroleum engineers in the USA with visa sponsorship?

Petroleum engineers in visa-sponsored roles often earn between $115,000 and $148,000 annually, with many positions offering $135,000 median pay plus bonuses.

Which companies sponsor the most H-1B visas in oil and gas?

Schlumberger, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, and Chevron lead in H-1B sponsorships, supporting roles paying $110,000 to $160,000.

Is visa sponsorship common for entry-level energy jobs?

Visa sponsorship is rarer for entry-level but available for specialized roles starting at $110,000 with relevant experience.

What qualifications are needed for $110,000+ oil and gas careers?

A bachelor’s or master’s in engineering, geosciences, or related fields, plus experience, qualifies for $110,000-plus sponsored positions.

How can international applicants find visa-sponsored jobs?

Search on Rigzone, Indeed, and H-1B databases for openings offering $120,000 salaries with sponsorship.

Which states offer the highest pay in energy sector?

Texas leads with $135,000 averages, followed by New Mexico and North Dakota for $125,000-plus roles.

Are there opportunities in renewable energy with visa sponsorship?

Yes, hybrid roles in companies like BP offer $120,000 salaries with sponsorship.

What is the job outlook for 2025 in oil and gas?

Stable with efficiencies, but high-skill roles maintain $110,000-plus demand.

Do oil companies cover relocation for sponsored visas?

Many provide relocation packages for $110,000 positions.

Can experienced professionals get green cards through energy jobs?

Yes, via EB pathways after H-1B, leading to permanent $150,000 careers.

What visa types are used for oil and gas jobs?

Primarily H-1B for specialized occupations paying $110,000+.

How competitive is visa sponsorship in the sector?

Competitive but feasible for skilled candidates targeting $130,000 roles.