If you have been to the gas station in the last few weeks, there is no denying that it hurt a little bit when you saw the charges rack up before your eyes. Demand is up, production is down, inflation is at a record high and the war in Ukraine are all impacting the price of a gallon of gas. Where do oil and gas employees, specifically those that work in exploration and distribution?

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the oil and gas industry continues to be a lucrative industry, especially as the price of gas reaches over $100 a barrel. Oil and gas is the major economic driver of many states, although none more than Texas, which has the largest production. This year, Texas will produce more oil than the next 9 top oil producing states combined. The map below, which shows NAICS employment in Oil and Gas Extraction, Support Activities for Mining and Natural Gas Distribution, clearly shows that Texas is a hub for production.

Outside of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, California and New York all jump off the map with a large amount of employment in oil and gas. Many of the major U.S. pipelines run through these states, and many oil refineries are in these states as well. Texas and Louisiana are home to many refineries, especially along the coast. While some of this work can be dangerous, and these individuals often work long days, these jobs typically pay more than the national average for mean wages.

With oil and gas in high demand, and extremely profitable for the companies, oil and gas employment will likely continue to rise in the coming years.