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 (Energy Workforce). 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. Education and health, business services, and leisure and hospitality led with the most gains in April with government, construction, manufacturing and retail all showing gains, as well.
“The April job increases are significant and show the resilience of our sector through a slowing overall economy. 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.”
Leslie Beyer, CEO, Energy Workforce & Technology Council
April State-by-State Breakdown
| STATE | 2023 |
| 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 |
