Do you aspire to pursue a career in natural gas distribution and you need answers to questions like “is natural gas distribution a good career path?” If yes, ensure you read this article to the end.
In this article, we will be looking into everything you need to know about the natural gas career path.
What is the natural gas distribution industry?
The natural gas distribution industry is responsible for the transporting, storing, and distributing natural gas which is made up of companies and other entities. This involves tasks including operating and maintaining pipelines, marketing and trading natural gas, and providing storage and transportation services.
Is Natural Gas Distribution A Good Career Path?
No, this is because there are a lot of risks attached to this career path. One of them is the risk to chemical exposures. And another is health related risks.
In the subsequent paragraphs, we’ll be looking into the disadvantages of this career path.
Disadvantages of the Natural Gas Distribution Career Path
1. Physical Demands:
Natural gas distribution careers often involve working outdoors in all weather conditions, performing manual labor, and working in confined spaces. This can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous.
2. Hazardous Working Conditions:
Just as I mentioned earlier, natural gas is highly flammable and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Distribution workers must follow strict safety procedures to avoid accidents and minimize risks.
3. Shift Work And on-call Requirements:
Many natural gas distribution positions require working odd hours, rotating shifts, or being on call for emergency situations. This can make it difficult to maintain a consistent work-life balance.
4. Technological changes:
The natural gas industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies being developed and implemented. Distribution workers must stay up to date with these changes, which can be challenging and require ongoing training.
5. Job security:
The natural gas industry is subject to fluctuations in demand and price, which can lead to job uncertainty and layoffs. Additionally, increased focus on renewable energy sources may lead to decreased demand for natural gas over time.
6. Regulatory Compliance:
Natural gas distribution companies must adhere to a complex array of regulations and safety standards, both at the state and federal levels. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines, legal penalties, and damage to the company’s reputation. Keeping up with the constantly changing regulatory landscape can be time-consuming and challenging.
Best Paying Jobs In The Natural Gas Distribution Career Path
1. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineering is one of the highest paying jobs in the natural gas distribution industry.
A petroleum engineer collaborates with a group of experts to identify the locations of natural reservoirs for petroleum reserves and to create the most economical, effective ways to extract petroleum and other natural gasses.
The petroleum engineer maximizes the effectiveness and environmental safety of petroleum extraction by applying ideas from chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and geology.
Every year, the average annual salary for petroleum engineers was $130,850.
2. Stationary Engineer
Stationary engineers are responsible for the control and maintenance of turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. Their primary duty is to start up, control, maintain, and shut down the machinery.
In the US, a Stationary Engineer can expect to make $64,587 per year on average.
3. Natural Gas technician
Natural gas technicians are responsible for installing, fixing, and maintaining gas appliances, regulators, meters, and lines. they are also in charge of detecting gas leaks working on hydronic heating systems, gas fireplaces, gas ovens, gas boilers, and so forth.
In addition, Natural gas technicians make an average salary of $66,010 in the US.
4. Drilling Engineer
A drilling engineer designs, schedules, budgets, and oversees the procedures required to drill oil and gas wells. They participate in the entire well-design process, including testing, completion, and abandonment.
A drilling engineer makes an average yearly salary of $94,770.
Conclusion
Here you have it. We have successfully answered the question “is natural gas distribution a good career path?” in this article.
