4 Reasons Houston is Critical to the Oil & Gas Industry

Ever since the nearby discovery of oil in 1901, Houston, Texas has dominated the oil and gas industry. Nicknamed the “Energy Capital of the World,” Houston plays a crucial role in nearly every aspect of the oil and gas industry, from extraction to marketing.

Strategic location? Check.

Advanced infrastructure? Check.

Major employers? Check.

Robust talent pool? Check.

With all of this and more, Houston not only supports traditional energy production, but also encourages innovation and sustainability in response to a rapidly changing energy landscape.

But what exactly makes Houston the perfect hub for the energy industry? Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors that contribute to its success.

Strategic Location

Houston’s location is ideal for two reasons.

First, the city’s proximity to crude oil and natural gas proved reserves. Texas holds more oil and gas reserves than any other state. The Gulf of Mexico is also a significant source of petroleum products.

Second, the city’s status as a port city on the Gulf Coast. As a port city, Houston can easily engage in importing and exporting oil and gas products.

These benefits have led to decades of investment in Houston’s infrastructure, which has only solidified its status as a key player in the energy industry.

Industry Infrastructure

The Houston metro area includes 10 refineries which process 2.6 million barrels of crude oil per day. That is 45.4 percent of the state’s total production and 14.3 percent of the nation’s production.

Plus, Houston is home to major pipelines which transport oil and gas products to other parts of the country.

Houston’s transportation infrastructure is also extensive, with two international airports, rail lines, and highways.

Finally, Houston is a manufacturing hub, specifically one of the biggest petrochemical hubs in the country. This provides a crucial link between energy production and chemical processing industries.

Businesses continue to invest in Houston infrastructure, which in turn attracts more businesses to the area.

Energy Industry Employers

Houston is home to:

• 4,700+ energy-related firms
• 600+ exploration and production firms
• 1,100 oilfield service companies
• 20+ Fortune 500 energy company headquarters

While the oil and gas industry in Houston is impressive, the city is also growing in renewable energy, including:

• 150+ solar-related companies
• 40+ wind-related companies
• 15+ battery storage companies

And while people move to Houston for oil and gas jobs, employers also have an established talent pool.

Competitive Talent

Houston holds the seventh largest concentration of engineers in the country.

Plus, with 40+ universities and colleges, Houston grows its talent pool every year.

But even with so many energy workers concentrated in Houston, oil and gas employers face a growing labor shortage in the industry. With multiple leading businesses in a single city, top employees can easily find new oil and gas jobs without leaving Houston. While this flexibility can be great for workers, employers can struggle with attracting and retaining top talent.

One solution is to partner with a Houston staffing agency.

Recruit Top Talent with Insight Global

We partner with clients to source and screen competitive talent, from pipeline engineers to information technology (IT) roles. If you’re looking to fill Houston oil and gas jobs, fill out the form below. One of our hiring partners will reach out shortly.