$110,000 Oil, Gas, and Energy Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship: The United States remains one of the most powerful players in the global energy industry, generating hundreds of billions of dollars every year through oil, gas, and renewable energy production.
For skilled international professionals, the sector offers lucrative employment opportunities with salaries exceeding $110,000 per year, along with comprehensive visa sponsorship programs that open the door to long-term U.S. careers.
From offshore drilling operations in Texas to renewable energy projects in California, American companies are actively seeking global talent to fill critical roles.
Why the U.S. Energy Industry Is Booming
The U.S. energy industry contributes over $1.4 trillion annually to the economy, making it one of the largest and most influential sectors in the country. With expanding operations in Texas, Louisiana, Alaska, and North Dakota, the U.S. remains both a top producer and exporter of petroleum, natural gas, and renewable energy solutions.
The increasing global demand for clean energy, combined with America’s ongoing investments in oil exploration, LNG production, and renewable infrastructure, has created a massive demand for skilled professionals — from engineers to geoscientists.
Many of these companies offer six-figure salaries, performance bonuses, housing benefits, and most importantly, employer-sponsored visas for qualified foreign workers.
Average Salaries in the U.S. Oil, Gas, and Energy Sector
Energy industry salaries in the United States are among the highest in the world. Mid-level professionals can easily earn $90,000–$120,000 per year, while senior engineers and project managers frequently command $130,000 to $180,000 annually.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Top Visa Options |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineer | $120,000 – $160,000 | H-1B, EB-2, L-1 |
| Drilling Engineer | $100,000 – $140,000 | H-1B, L-1 |
| Energy Analyst | $90,000 – $120,000 | H-1B |
| Geophysicist | $110,000 – $150,000 | H-1B, EB-2 |
| Project Manager (Energy Sector) | $115,000 – $160,000 | L-1, EB-2 |
| Renewable Energy Engineer | $100,000 – $130,000 | H-1B, EB-3 |
Professionals with advanced technical degrees or significant project experience can easily surpass the $150,000 threshold, especially in leadership positions or with large multinational firms.
Visa Options for Foreign Professionals in the U.S. Energy Industry
Foreign professionals who want to work in the U.S. energy industry have several visa routes available. Employers in this sector frequently sponsor visas for skilled international candidates due to ongoing talent shortages.
1. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
The H-1B visa is the most common work visa for skilled professionals in engineering, science, and technology roles.
- Duration: 3 years (extendable to 6 years)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, geology, or related field
- Typical Salary: $100,000–$140,000 per year
- Top Sponsors: ExxonMobil, Chevron, Schlumberger, Halliburton, BP
2. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)
For multinational energy corporations, the L-1 visa allows employees from overseas offices to transfer to U.S. operations.
- Duration: 3 to 7 years
- Eligibility: Must have worked for the company abroad for at least one year
- Typical Salary: $110,000–$160,000
- Common Roles: Project Manager, Operations Lead, Technical Specialist
3. O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
Highly experienced professionals with recognized achievements in engineering, research, or innovation may qualify for the O-1 visa.
- Duration: 3 years (renewable)
- Salary Range: $130,000–$180,000
- Ideal for: Senior engineers, research scientists, and energy consultants
4. EB-2 / EB-3 Green Card (Permanent Residency)
Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional experience can apply for employment-based green cards. Many companies help their workers transition from temporary visas to EB-2 or EB-3 residency.
Top $110,000 Oil, Gas, and Energy Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Let’s look at the most rewarding and in-demand roles in the energy sector offering salaries above $110,000 per year and visa sponsorship opportunities.
1. Petroleum Engineer — $120,000 to $160,000 per year
Petroleum Engineers design methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They work with cutting-edge drilling technologies and simulation software.
Top Employers: ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, ConocoPhillips
Visa Options: H-1B, L-1, EB-2
Benefits: Salary packages exceeding $150,000, annual bonuses, housing assistance, and paid international travel.
This role is crucial to the nation’s energy supply and offers some of the highest-paying positions in the industry.
2. Drilling Engineer — $100,000 to $140,000 per year
Drilling Engineers oversee the design and execution of drilling operations to extract oil and gas efficiently.
Visa Sponsorship: H-1B
Employers: Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, and Chevron
Average Compensation: Base salary around $120,000, with potential bonuses up to $20,000 annually.
3. Energy Project Manager — $115,000 to $160,000 per year
Energy Project Managers coordinate large-scale oil, gas, and renewable projects — from exploration to production and sustainability.
Visa Options: L-1, EB-2
Top Employers: Siemens Energy, General Electric, Shell, Tesla Energy
Average Salary: Around $130,000, often exceeding $150,000 with project completion bonuses.
4. Geoscientist / Geophysicist — $110,000 to $150,000 per year
These professionals analyze geological data to locate and manage energy resources. Their work drives billion-dollar exploration projects worldwide.
Top Employers: BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, and Schlumberger
Visa Options: H-1B, O-1
Compensation: Salaries range between $120,000 and $140,000, plus $10,000–$25,000 performance incentives.
5. Renewable Energy Engineer — $100,000 to $130,000 per year
With the rise of clean energy initiatives, engineers skilled in solar, wind, or biofuel technologies are in high demand.
Employers: Tesla Energy, NextEra Energy, First Solar, Siemens Gamesa
Visa Options: H-1B, EB-3
Average Compensation: $110,000 annually, including relocation support and sustainability bonuses.
6. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager — $90,000 to $120,000 per year
HSE Managers ensure that operations comply with safety and environmental regulations. They manage teams that prevent costly workplace incidents.
Visa Options: H-1B, EB-3
Employers: Halliburton, Chevron, ConocoPhillips
Total Compensation: Around $115,000, with annual bonuses of $10,000 or more.
7. Energy Analyst — $90,000 to $120,000 per year
Energy Analysts evaluate energy markets, consumption data, and investment risks for companies and governments.
Employers: Deloitte Energy Consulting, McKinsey & Company, and energy startups
Visa Options: H-1B
Compensation: Average salary $105,000, with opportunities for advancement to $130,000+ positions.
Top U.S. States for $110,000 Oil, Gas, and Energy Jobs
| State | Average Salary | Key Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $120,000 – $160,000 | Houston, Midland, Dallas |
| Alaska | $115,000 – $150,000 | Anchorage, Prudhoe Bay |
| Louisiana | $100,000 – $130,000 | Baton Rouge, New Orleans |
| California | $110,000 – $140,000 | Los Angeles, San Diego |
| North Dakota | $100,000 – $130,000 | Bismarck, Williston |
Texas remains the energy capital of the United States, with Houston alone hosting over $200 billion worth of oil and gas infrastructure.
Benefits of Working in the U.S. Energy Sector
- High Salaries: Average earnings exceed $110,000, with many senior professionals earning over $150,000 annually.
- Bonuses & Profit-Sharing: Annual bonuses range between $10,000 and $40,000 depending on company profits.
- Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Packages: Many companies offer relocation assistance worth $10,000–$25,000.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and retirement contributions worth thousands of dollars annually.
- Global Career Opportunities: U.S. experience enhances your value worldwide, especially in multinational corporations.
How to Secure $110,000 Oil, Gas, and Energy Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
1. Obtain the Right Education
Most employers require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, geoscience, environmental science, or energy management.
2. Gain Relevant Work Experience
Hands-on experience with drilling, pipeline management, or energy systems design greatly increases your employability and salary potential.
3. Earn Industry Certifications
Certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer), OSHA Safety Certification, or PMP (Project Management Professional) can increase annual income by $10,000–$20,000.
4. Apply to Visa-Sponsoring Companies
Some of the largest sponsors in the energy industry include:
- ExxonMobil
- Chevron
- Shell
- Schlumberger
- Halliburton
- Baker Hughes
- Tesla Energy
These companies frequently post international recruitment notices for skilled foreign professionals.
5. Prepare a U.S.-Standard Resume
Highlight measurable achievements — for example, “Improved drilling efficiency by 12%, saving $2 million annually.” Quantified results impress employers and justify six-figure salaries.
6. Interview Preparation
Expect questions on problem-solving, safety management, and cross-functional teamwork. Demonstrate technical knowledge, leadership, and adaptability.
7. Negotiate Your Offer
Don’t hesitate to negotiate salary and relocation packages. Many companies are open to adding $10,000–$20,000 in bonuses for high-value international recruits.
Living in the U.S. on a $110,000 Salary
A salary of $110,000 per year allows for a comfortable lifestyle in most U.S. cities. After taxes, your monthly take-home pay would be around $7,000–$7,500.
Sample Monthly Budget:
- Housing: $2,000
- Utilities & Internet: $300
- Transportation: $600
- Groceries & Dining: $800
- Savings & Investments: $1,200
- Leisure & Travel: $700
This income level also supports long-term savings, property investment, or funding advanced education.
READ ALSO: $150,000 Engineering Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners
Future of Oil, Gas, and Energy Jobs in the USA
The future of the U.S. energy industry is increasingly diversified. While traditional oil and gas operations remain strong, renewable energy investments are expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. This shift creates hybrid opportunities for engineers and technicians with cross-sector experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the energy sector will add over 100,000 new jobs by 2034, with strong growth in both fossil fuel and renewable industries. Professionals with the right mix of technical expertise and sustainability knowledge will command salaries exceeding $130,000 annually.
FAQs
Can foreigners get oil and gas jobs in the USA?
Yes. Many U.S. energy companies sponsor foreign professionals under H-1B, L-1, or EB visas for skilled positions.
How much do oil and gas engineers earn in the USA?
Petroleum and drilling engineers typically earn $110,000–$160,000 per year, depending on experience and company size.
Which companies offer visa sponsorships for energy jobs?
Top companies include ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Shell, all known for sponsoring international employees.
What qualifications do I need for energy jobs in the U.S.?
A bachelor’s degree in engineering or geoscience is usually required. Advanced degrees or certifications improve your chances and salary potential.
Do renewable energy jobs also pay six figures?
Yes. Renewable energy engineers and sustainability managers often earn $100,000–$130,000 annually, with additional bonuses.