A new IHS report sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute (API), finds that over the next 20 years, about 1.9 million new jobs will be created in the oil, natural gas and petrochemical industries. Of that number, women are estimated to fill 16 percent (or 290,000 jobs) of these positions. According to the report:

“Women will share in the growth of more skilled white collar jobs in the industry. We project that women will account for a rising share of job opportunities in management and professional occupations such as petroleum engineers, environmental scientists, accountants and technicians.”

There are currently over 237,000 women working in these industries. The report projects that by 2035, job growth for women will increase in white collar and professional positions.

Significant career opportunities are also available for minorities. The report stated:

“[The number of minorities in oil and gas] will [continue to] rise from about a quarter of the total to 86% by 2035. African American and Hispanics are expected to make up over 25% of the hires in industry management, financial and business jobs during this time.” [emphasis added]

A fact sheet accompanying the report noted that these jobs offer a paycheck that is much higher than a lot of other professions, too:

“…based on average annual wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay in the oil and natural gas industry is over $100,000, nearly $50,000 higher than the 2014 U.S. average.”

As can be seen from this report, there are abundant opportunities in the oil and gas industry and women and minorities will continue to play an important role.