Energy Workforce: U.S. oil field employment remains steady as labor market slows
(WO) — Employment in the U.S. oil field services and equipment sector decreased by 117 jobs, remaining steady as the labor market and economy slows. Even with a slight loss in July, jobs in the sector remain above 665,000, totaling 665,016, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) after adjustments to June numbers and analysis by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council (Energy Workforce). The BLS adjusted June numbers showed a slight dip from preliminary reports of 665,258 to 665,133. Employment across the sector is holding steady, but still off the pre-pandemic level of 706,528 in February 2020.
Overall, U.S. employers added 187,000, less than expected but slightly higher than June’s revised number of 185,000, representing a continued cooling in the economy and labor market. The overall participation rate remained at 62.6% in July, slightly off historical averages of 62.84%, and the overall unemployment rate dropped to 3.5% from 3.6% in June.
“While U.S. job growth continues to ease, we encourage those seeking employment to look for opportunities across the energy services and technology sector, which provides exciting and challenging career opportunities in an industry at the forefront of developing and deploying new emissions reducing technology, revolutionizing how we power the world with reliable, affordable energy,” Molly Determan, Energy Workforce & Technology Council President, said.
July state-by-state breakdown
TX - 324,062
LA - 55,529
OK - 50,608
CO - 27,000
NM - 24,872
CA - 24,340
PA - 24,074
ND - 20,682
WY - 15,428
OH - 11,039
AK - 10,308
WV - 10,175
Energy Workforce is the national trade association for the global energy technology and services sector representing more than 665,000 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.
