How Many Jobs are Available in Natural Gas Distribution?

There are many great opportunities available today in the field of natural gas distribution. If this is a career that interests you, you may be asking the question, how many jobs are available in natural gas distribution?

According to the United States Bureau of Statistics, there are over 100,000 jobs available in natural gas distribution, in the United States. The educational background and expertise required to qualify for these jobs varies considerably. Continue reading to learn more about natural gas distribution and the job possibilities that exist in the United States.

Is Natural Gas Distribution a Good Career Path?

Natural gas distribution can be a good career path for those interested in working in the energy industry and who have relevant skills andqualifications. The demand for natural gas is likely to continue growing as it is an important source of energy and a cleaner burning fossil fuel compared to coal and oil.

Careers in natural gas distribution can include positions in operations, maintenance, engineering, construction, and management. The specific roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the company and position, but generally, the jobs can involve the installation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines and infrastructure, and ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of natural gas to customers.

Overall, a career in natural gas distribution can be rewarding for those who are interested in the energy industry, enjoy working with technology and equipment, and have good problem-solving and communication skills. It is also a potentially well-paying industry with many opportunities for career growth.

However, as in any other career, the job market, working conditions, and demand for certain skill sets can be affected by various factors, such as the state of the economy, changes in regulations, new technological developments, etc. Therefore, it is always a good idea to research the industry and seek out current information when making a career decision.

Best Paying Jobs in Natural Gas Distribution

Some of the highest-paying jobs in natural gas distribution include:

Gas Distribution Engineer

These professionals are responsible for designing and maintaining natural gas distribution systems, ensuring they are safe and efficient. They typically earn a median salary of $98,000 per year.

Natural Gas Operations Manager

These managers oversee the day-to-day operations of natural gas distribution companies, including managing personnel and equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They typically earn a median salary of $115,000 per year.

Natural Gas Pipeline Engineer

These engineers design and oversee the construction of natural gas pipelines, ensuring they are safe and efficient. They typically earn a median salary of $117,000 per year.

Natural Gas Project Manager

These managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of natural gas projects, such as pipeline construction or gas distribution system upgrades. They typically earn a median salary of $120,000 per year.

Natural Gas Trading & Marketing Manager

This professional is responsible for monitoring market conditions, and making trading decisions on Natural Gas. They typically earn a median salary of $150,000 per year.

It’s worth noting that these are just a few examples and specific salary data can vary greatly based on location, industry, company size, education, experience, and other factors.

How Big is the Natural Gas Industry?

The natural gas industry is a large and multifaceted industry that encompasses a wide range of activities, including exploration, production, transportation, distribution, and sales. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), natural gas accounted for 23% of the world’s primary energy consumption in 2019. The industry also plays a significant role in many countries economies, providing jobs, revenue, and other economic benefits. The total global revenue generated by the natural gas industry was about $4 Trillion in 2020. The biggest companies in the industry are China National Petroleum Corporation, Gazprom, Royal Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron Corporation.

How Many People Work in the Natural Gas Industry?

The natural gas industry in the United States employs a significant number of people. According to the American Gas Association (AGA), the trade association representing more than 200 natural gas utilities and service companies, the natural gas industry in the US provides jobs for more than 4 million people across the country.

The jobs across the natural gas industry in the US include those in exploration and production, pipeline transportation, storage, and distribution, and service and sales. However, the number of people working in the industry can be affected by various factors such as market conditions, regulations, and the level of investment in new projects, this number can change over time.

3 Largest Natural Gas Distribution Companies

The three largest natural gas distribution companies today are briefly discussed below.

Note: These companies and their ranking may vary as the information is subject to change, and it also depends on the region and country.

1. National Grid

National Grid is a multinational electricity and gas utility company headquartered in the United Kingdom. The company operates in the United Kingdom and the northeastern United States. It is one of the largest natural gas distribution companies in the world.

In the United States, National Grid operates in several states including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Hampshire. In these states, it provides natural gas distribution services to millions of residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The company also provides gas transmission and storage services, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) services.

National Grid’s natural gas distribution system in the US is made up of over 42,000 miles of pipelines and serves more than 3 million customers. The company also invests in renewable energy projects such as wind and solar power. National Grid is regulated by the state public utility commissions in the states where it operates and it has to comply with various federal and state regulations regarding safety, environmental protection, and customer service.

The company also frequently reports its financial performance, but also its social, environmental, and sustainability performance by meeting standards such as GRI, DJSI, and Carbon Disclosure Project.

Overall, National Grid is a large and well- established natural gas distribution company with a significant presence in the north eastern United States.

2. Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas (formerly known as AGL Resources) is a natural gas distribution company based in the United States. It is a subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the largest energy companies in the country. Southern Company Gas operates in several states, primarily in the south east United States, with a focus on Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Tennessee.

Southern Company Gas operates through several subsidiaries, including Atlanta Gas Light, which is the largest natural gas distribution company in the state of Georgia, and Mississippi Gas Transmission Company. It provides natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, as well as gas transmission and storage services. The company also provides gas marketing and trading services to wholesale customers.

Southern Company Gas’s natural gas distribution system is made up of more than 81,000 miles of pipelines and serves more than 4.5 million customers. The company also has investments in LNG facilities and in the development of renewable energy sources such as solar and biogas. The company operates under state and federal regulations and it also has to comply with safety and environmental regulations.

Southern Company Gas frequently reports its financial and operational performance, as well as its social, environmental, and sustainability performance. Southern Company Gas is a well- established natural gas distribution company with a significant presence in the southeast of the United States.

3. Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy is a large energy company based in the United States, it operates in several states, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the country. The company is involved in a wide range of energy-related activities, including natural gas distribution, transmission and storage, electric generation and transmission, and energy marketing and trading.

The natural gas distribution subsidiary of Dominion Energy is called Dominion Energy Gas. It operates in several states, including Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and North Carolina, providing natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Dominion Energy Gas operates a natural gas distribution system made up of more than 31,000 miles of pipelines, serving over 6 million customers. The company also operates several storage facilities and provides natural gas transportation and storage services.

Dominion Energy also operates pipelines, storage, and liquefaction facilities for natural gas export and it also has interests in renewable energy projects such as solar and wind.

Dominion Energy is subject to regulation by state and federal authorities, and it has to comply with safety, environmental, and customer service regulations. The company also frequently reports its financial and operational performance, as well as its social, environmental, and sustainability performance, meeting standards such as GRI, DJSI, and Carbon Disclosure Project.

Overall, Dominion Energy is a large and diversified energy company with a significant presence in the natural gas distribution market in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States.

What is Natural Gas Distribution?

The natural gas distribution industry is responsible for the transportation and distribution of natural gas from the point of production to end users. This includes the distribution of natural gas through pipelines to homes, businesses, and power plants. The distribution system is typically composed of a network of underground pipelines that transport natural gas from processing plants and transmission pipelines to local distribution pipelines. The local distribution pipelines then distribute the gas to customers through a network of smaller pipelines and service lines.

The natural gas distribution industry is regulated by government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and also by state public utility commissions. These agencies have the authority to set rates, approve new infrastructure projects and enforce safety regulations. Utility companies are typically the companies responsible for the distribution of natural gas in a specific geographic area. They are often responsible for the maintenance and repair of the distribution pipelines and equipment, as well as ensuring that customers have a safe and reliable supply of natural gas.

As a customer, you have the option of choosing your natural gas provider under policy and regulation. You also have the ability to compare prices, services, and contract terms.

Different Types of Jobs in the Natural Gas Distribution Industry

There are a variety of different jobs in the natural gas distribution industry, including:

Gas Line Installer/Repairer

These professionals are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing natural gas pipelines and equipment. They work on both the distribution and transmission sides of the industry.

Gas Meter Reader

These professionals are responsible for reading and recording natural gas usage data from meters at homes and businesses.

Gas Control Technician

These professionals are responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of natural gas through pipelines and ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of

Pipeline Construction Worker

These gas professionals are responsible for the construction and installation of natural gas pipelines, including digging trenches, laying pipe, and connecting pipeline segments.

Safety Manager

These professionals are responsible for ensuring that the natural gas distribution company is in compliance with safety regulations and that employees are properly trained to work safely.

Sales and marketing professionals

These professionals are responsible for promoting and selling natural gas products and services to customers. They also build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners.

These professionals handle the behind the scenes work for the natural gas distribution industry, such as information technology, financial management, legal compliance, and human resources management. It’s worth noting that most of these roles require specific qualifications and certifications, as well as training in safety procedures and regulations.

Conclusion

This article has shown you the various jobs available in the natural gas industry and how they can prove quite lucrative. Take a look at the information provided and determine if this a career that you are interested in. If so, take action now to land a job that can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career.