Job growth in Oklahoma is booming, and PESA is proud of our Member Companies who are contributing to the success of the Sooner State. In 2017, five of the most active drillers in Oklahoma pledged $5.5 billion in capital investments, resulting in 30,000 energy jobs and 165,000 indirect jobs.
The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board reports that one in five jobs in Oklahoma is directly or indirectly supported by the oil and natural gas industry.
A recent example is Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), which added its mark to the jobs number on April 4 when it opened the BHGE Motor Center of Excellence (COE) in Oklahoma City. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Gov. Kevin Stitt, Maria Claudia Borras, president and CEO of Baker Hughes Oilfield Services, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber officials, and PESA Sr. Director Government Affairs Kristin Hincke. The 128,000-square-foot facility houses more than 100 employees.
“We are excited to open the Motor Center of Excellence in Oklahoma City, in the heart of North America —the world’s largest market for drilling motors,” Borras said. “The technologies and engineered solutions we develop here will drive smarter well construction and deliver better drilling efficiencies to our customers throughout the world. We’re proud of the facility and the potential it brings.”
The State Chamber of Oklahoma’s Research Foundation published a report in September 2018 outlining the impact of the oil and gas industry to the state. The report showed in 2015, the industry employed 53,500 Oklahomans earning $5.6 billion in wages and salaries. These high-paying jobs, many in rural areas, benefit small communities throughout the state.
Additionally, the services and equipment sector employs the most workers in Oklahoma. The latest Oklahoma Energy Index numbers show the state recovering from the recent downturn with 51,900 people working in the field. Renewed growth in Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry has enhanced the strength and competitiveness of the state economy.
