21 High-Paying Jobs in the Natural Gas Distribution Industry

The natural gas industry employs a wide range of professionals and offers a variety of career options. Working in this industry can be a beneficial career choice not only because of the high-salaried positions available but also because of the practical experience you can gain in these positions. Natural gas professionals work in a wide range of environments, from office jobs to field work, so it's possible you can find a career working in your preferred setting.

In this article, we explore a list of 21 high-paying jobs in the natural gas distribution industry.

21 high-paying jobs in natural gas distribution

The natural gas distribution industry employs many types of professionals, from engineers to chemists and accountants. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, click on the links below:

1. Distribution specialist

National average salary: $48,159 per year

Primary duties: Distribution specialists work with transportation networks to deliver products. They load and unload vehicles, operate machinery and communicate with suppliers. In the natural gas industry, distribution specialists work with construction teams to help source the materials and equipment needed to complete a job. They may deliver 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. These technicians 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 and are typically responsible for 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 may also assist by analyzing the production team's workflow and offering insight into 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 learn and adhere to 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: Distribution center supervisors are professionals who oversee facilities that distribute goods. In the natural gas industry, they coordinate logistics with the construction company and utility facilities to ensure that all equipment is delivered on schedule. Distribution center supervisors work with their team to get products through their facility and into the right hands.

7. Project accountant

National average salary: $64,668 per year

Primary duties: Project accountants are the financial professionals who manage a project's budget and finances while it's operational. They communicate with project managers and engineers to ensure that each stage of the project is completed under budget. Project accountants occasionally may 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 supervise a team of transportation professionals to ensure that goods and materials are being transported efficiently. This team usually includes drivers and operators. In the natural gas industry, transportation managers work with their team to get 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 are professionals who supervise teams that work in distribution factories. They conduct tests and perform repairs on goods leaving their facility to ensure quality control. Distribution managers work with construction teams to provide any materials needed to build pipelines and distribute gas to consumers. They also create relationships with vendors and work to source materials at competitive pricing.

10. Operations manager

National average salary: $67,158 per year

Primary duties: Operations managers are professionals who coordinate the various teams involved in producing a product or service. They ensure that development goals are reached on schedule and within the budget. In the natural gas industry, operations managers communicate with the teams that create gas pipelines to ensure they have the necessary equipment and materials. They may also coordinate with local officials to plan the ideal route for the pipeline.

Related: Learn About Being an Operations Manager

11. Geologist

National average salary: $67,894 per year

Primary duties: Geologists are scientists who study the earth's composition and history. Geologists conduct 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. Geologists use their insight to predict areas where natural gas may be found and 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. They search 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. They use 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: Project managers supervise all aspects of a project from start to finish. When working with natural gas distribution, project managers coordinate logistics with the pipeline team, distribution team and utility facilities. They meet with clients and provide continual updates on a project's progression from start to finish.

Related: Learn About Being a Project Manager

14. Environmental health officer

National average salary: $71,984 per year

Primary duties: Environmental health officers ensure compliance with health and safety codes. They inspect facilities and job sites to make sure employees are not at risk from unsafe practices. Environmental health officers are knowledgeable about local and federal building codes and can determine if a facility is safe to occupy. When working with natural gas professionals, these officers 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: Construction managers supervise construction sites and keep their teams organized. They're responsible for delegating responsibilities and creating work schedules for their employees. Construction managers are experts in construction practices and can train employees in the proper operation of the heavy machinery and equipment necessary for their construction projects. In the natural gas industry, they work primarily with drilling equipment and the various tools necessary to create pipelines.

Related: Learn About Being a Construction Manager

16. Engineering program manager

National average salary: $78,289 per year

Primary duties: Engineering program managers design strategies that promote the development of business objectives. They often work for large companies and supervise a variety of engineering teams. The engineering program manager ensures 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 professionals who create 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.

Related: Learn About Being a Design Engineer

18. Chemical engineer

National average salary: $81,092 per year

Primary duties: Chemical engineers are professionals with 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.

Related: Learn About Being a Chemical Engineer

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. They calculate what materials are needed, do research on construction sites and develop 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.

Related: Learn About Being a Project Engineer

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 frequently work overtime while an extraction site is being set up so they can assist the team when necessary.

Related: Learn About Being a Petroleum Engineer

21. Drilling contractor

National average salary: $99,630 per year

Primary duties: Drilling contractors are a type of contractor who specializes in operating drilling equipment. Because they work as a contractor rather than as part of a large construction company, drilling contractors are usually 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.