EIA data shows 40 percent growth in oil and gas industry employment from 2007 through 2012, compared to one percent growth in total private sector employment.
On August 8, 2013, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a report comparing job growth in the oil and gas industry with total private sector employment growth, drawing on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the report, from 2007-2012, oil and gas industry jobs increased by more than 162,000, which translates to a 40 percent increase, whereas total private sector employment rose by more than one million – an approximate one percent increase.
Percentage Change in Oil and Gas Industry Employment and Total Private Sector Employment, 2007-2012 (EIA)
BLS provides employment statistics for three categories of the oil and gas industry – drilling (well-drilling, well-reworking, and related activities), extraction (exploration and production phases up to the point of shipment), and support (exploration, excavation, surveying, casing, and construction). It shows a jobs increase of 6,600 in the drilling category, 53,000 in the extraction category, and 102,000 in the support category during 2007-2012.
The report does not include related industries, such as manufacturing, housing, retail, education, and food services in the support category, which accounted for much of the job growth in the oil and gas industry during the period. EIA notes that increased oil and gas activity has induced growth in other sectors, increasing economic activity spurred by indirect employment effects. The support category accounts for approximately 50 percent the industry’s employment.
During 2007-2012, monthly crude oil and natural gas production increased by 39 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Together, the three oil and gas industry categories represent one half of one percent of total private sector employment. However, the industry contribution to overall private sector employment has been significant.
August 9, 2013 via Energy Solutions Forum
Energy Solutions Forum is an energy policy research and data company based in New York City. Follow @EnergySolForum for policy research and stay plugged in with ESF Calendar, the industry’s go-to resource for energy business events in and around NYC.
