The U.S. oil and gas industry remains a major part of the country’s energy system, supporting transportation, manufacturing, power generation, and other critical industries. Continued investment in production, LNG exports, pipeline infrastructure, and energy technology also creates an ongoing need for specialized talent.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. crude oil and natural gas production reached record levels in 2025, driven by major producing regions including the Permian Basin and Appalachia.
But oil and gas hiring isn't limited to the country's largest producing states. While the top oil and gas hubs remain central to production, companies also need talent in markets that support engineering, infrastructure, operations, utilities, and energy services. As energy companies modernize operations, they continue to recruit engineers, operations leaders, field professionals, project managers, and executive talent.
Below, we explore seven U.S. markets shaping oil and gas hiring in 2026, from major production centers to growing markets supporting the broader energy industry.
Oil & Gas Hiring Markets to Watch in 2026
Oklahoma
Oklahoma remains one of the nation's most established oil and gas markets, supported by decades of production expertise, extensive pipeline infrastructure, and a strong concentration of exploration and production companies. The state's central location and experienced workforce continue to make it a critical hub for upstream, midstream, and energy services operations (https://www.okcommerce.gov).
Why It's Hot:
- Longstanding leadership in oil and natural gas production.
- Major hub for energy headquarters and field operations.
- Extensive pipeline and storage infrastructure.
- Strong engineering and petroleum workforce.
Key Roles in Demand:
Petroleum engineers, drilling engineers, production managers, operations supervisors.
Major Energy Employers & Operators:
Devon Energy, Continental Resources, Expand Energy, ONEOK, Williams.
Texas
Texas continues to dominate the U.S. oil and gas industry, led by the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, and Gulf Coast energy corridor. The state remains the nation's largest producer of crude oil and natural gas while serving as the center of refining, petrochemicals, LNG exports, and energy innovation (https://www.rrc.texas.gov).
Why It's Hot:
- Home to the nation's largest oil and natural gas production.
- World-class refining and petrochemical infrastructure.
- Continued investment in LNG export facilities.
- Strong demand across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
Key Roles in Demand:
Reservoir engineers, drilling managers, project engineers, HSE managers.
Major Energy Employers & Operators:
ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Occidental Petroleum, Halliburton.
Arizona
While Arizona is not a major oil-producing state, it plays an increasingly important role in supporting the energy industry through engineering services, mining operations, renewable energy integration, and regional infrastructure projects. Phoenix has also become home to growing engineering and industrial services firms supporting energy clients across the Southwest (https://www.azcommerce.com).
Why It's Hot:
- Growing engineering and industrial services sector.
- Strategic location supporting Southwest energy projects.
- Expanding infrastructure and utility investment.
- Increasing demand for energy technology professionals.
Key Roles in Demand:
Project engineers, electrical engineers, EPC project managers, field service managers.
Major Energy Employers & Operators:
Freeport-McMoRan, Kinder Morgan, Southwest Gas, Burns & McDonnell, Black & Veatch.
Wyoming
Wyoming remains one of America's most energy-rich states, producing significant volumes of crude oil, natural gas, coal, and natural gas liquids. Its abundant resources and longstanding energy infrastructure continue to support strong employment across exploration, production, and transportation (https://www.wyomingbusiness.org).
Why It's Hot:
- Major producer of oil, natural gas, and coal.
- Significant federal and private energy investment.
- Strong pipeline and gathering infrastructure.
- Stable demand for skilled field personnel.
Key Roles in Demand:
Production engineers, drilling supervisors, field operators, maintenance managers.
Major Energy Employers & Operators:
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has become a national leader in natural gas production through the Marcellus Shale, supplying energy to domestic and international markets. Continued pipeline expansion and LNG infrastructure investment have strengthened the state's position within the energy sector (https://dced.pa.gov).
Why It's Hot:
- Home to the Marcellus Shale.
- Leading producer of natural gas.
- Expanding midstream and LNG infrastructure.
- Strong demand for engineering and operations talent.
Key Roles in Demand:
Pipeline engineers, environmental specialists, operations managers, mechanical engineers.
Major Energy Employers & Operators:
New Mexico
New Mexico continues to experience record oil production as development within the Permian Basin accelerates. The state's energy sector remains a primary economic driver, attracting investment across drilling, production, transportation, and environmental services (https://gonm.biz).
Why It's Hot:
- Record-setting oil production from the Permian Basin.
- Strong investment in drilling and production operations.
- Growing infrastructure supporting exports.
- Competitive environment for experienced technical talent.
Key Roles in Demand:
Completion engineers, drilling engineers, production supervisors, HSE professionals.
Major Energy Employers & Operators:
ConocoPhillips, Chevron, ExxonMobil, EOG Resources, Occidental Petroleum.
Colorado
Colorado plays a significant role in U.S. energy production through the Denver-Julesburg Basin while continuing to balance traditional oil and gas development with emerging energy technologies. The state's engineering talent and diversified energy economy support continued industry growth (https://choosecolorado.com).
Why It's Hot:
- Active production in the DJ Basin.
- Strong engineering and technical workforce.
- Growing investment in energy technology.
- Diverse mix of upstream and midstream operations.
Key Roles in Demand:
Reservoir engineers, production engineers, project managers, environmental engineers.
Major Energy Employers & Operators::
Hiring Guidance & Conclusion
The U.S. oil and gas industry continues to evolve through technological innovation, record production levels, and investment in energy infrastructure. The markets highlighted above represent a mix of major production centers and regions supporting the industry's engineering, infrastructure, operations, and energy-service needs.
Leading organizations are prioritizing:
- Petroleum engineering and technical expertise
- Production optimization and automation
- Pipeline and midstream infrastructure
- Health, safety, and environmental leadership
- Project management and operational excellence
Partnering with experienced oil and gas recruiters helps organizations secure the specialized talent needed to remain competitive in today’s energy market. Blue Signal helps energy companies recruit engineering, operations, technical, and executive talent across U.S. oil and gas markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Partner with us for your next hire.
Set up a free consultation with a recruiting manager. Tell us about your hiring need.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive communications from Blue Signal via phone, email, and conversational SMS. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Visit Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
