Energy Workforce: U.S. oilfield employment increased to highest levels since March 2020

(WO) — Employment in the U.S. oilfield services and equipment sector increased by 5,143 jobs to its highest level since March of 2020 to reach 662,454 in April, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) after adjustments to March numbers and analysis by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. March adjusted number of 657,311 is up slightly from the preliminary number of 656,368. Gains in April were made in six of the seven categories tracked by Energy Workforce.

The April increase continues to bring the sector closer to pre-pandemic numbers of 706,528 in February 2020. Overall, U.S. employers added 253,000 jobs, the best gain since January and much higher than the 165,000 jobs added in March. The participation rate remained at 62.6% in April, and the overall unemployment rate ticked down slightly to 3.4%, matching the lowest level since 1969.

“The April jobs increases are significant and show the resilience of our sector through a slowing overall economy,” said Energy Workforce & Technology Council CEO Leslie Beyer. “The oilfield services sector is thriving and welcoming new talent across numerous specialties. Our sector continues to exceed expectations by meeting spikes in demand while developing new technology and deploying innovative production processes that are lowering emissions.”

April state-by-state breakdown

TX: 322,814

LA: 55,315

OK: 50,413

CO: 26,896

NM: 24,776

CA: 24,246

PA: 23,981

ND: 20,602

WY: 15,369

OH: 10,997

AK: 10,268

WV: 10,136

Energy Workforce is the national trade association for the global energy technology and services sector representing more than 660,000 U.S. jobs in the technology-driven energy value chain. Member companies are involved in energy equipment manufacturing, drilling, well completions, well services, pressure pumping, renewable energy technology and servicing, geothermal development, and more.

Energy technology and services sector employment is estimated by analyzing data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and covers the economic activities of energy technology and services companies, which include oil and gas extraction, construction and manufacturing. Total employment is estimated using the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, published by BLS, and jobs data reported by BLS monthly.