Vast U.S. Shale Plays Heat Up the Petroleum Job Market

摘要

With the ever-improving technologies in both drilling and production, the massive shale plays spanning the continental US and parts of Canada have become a major job source in the oil and gas industry. According to the Natural Gas Supply Association, the US natural gas industry supports anywhere from 3 to 4 million direct and indirect jobs. In 2009 alone, Marcellus Shale producers spent some $4.5 billion to develop these resources and created more than 44,000 jobs. Hit by the downfall of the American auto industry, the Michigan economy and job openings maybe boosted by shale, as well. The Great lakes state sits above the Antrim, Utica, Collingwood and Ellsworth Shale formations. While oil production in Michigan has been steadily decreasing and natural gas production numbers are low, interest in Michigan shale production is heightened. Oil and gas producers have taken notice of the shale opportunity in Michigan.