August Employment Report: OFS Jobs Rise Again as Sector Reaches Closer to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Employment in the U.S. oilfield services and equipment sector rose by an estimated 6,854 jobs to 648,914 in August, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and analysis by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council (Energy Workforce).

Gains in August make OFS employment the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but still off the pre-pandemic mark in February 2020 of 706,528. Overall, U.S. employers added 315,000 jobs, down from July numbers but still representing a strong pace of growth.

“The August job increases are very encouraging as our sector continues to rebuild the workforce from pandemic losses. Our industry is meeting the challenge of growing global demand by producing at almost pre-pandemic levels, reducing emissions industry wide, all while continuing to make gains in the workforce. Every day, our energy workforce is powering the world while developing new, innovative technologies to ensure reliable, affordable energy is accessible across the globe. Through the powerhouse of American energy, we are lifting people from energy poverty, and providing economic and energy security for our nation and others throughout the world.”

Leslie Beyer, CEO, Energy Workforce & Technology Council

August State-by-State Breakdown

Energy technology and services sector employment is estimated by analyzing data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and covers the economic activities of energy technology and services companies, which include oil and gas extraction, construction and manufacturing. Total employment is estimated using the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, published by BLS, and jobs data reported by BLS monthly.

Note: BLS data is preliminary for the two most recent months and is subject to revision. Energy Workforce incorporates monthly totals according to BLS corrections, and updates the statistical model quarterly.