U.S. oil giants, ExxonMobil and Chevron, are ramping up hiring activities globally in 2025, with a significant focus on markets like India, the Philippines, and Argentina.
While overall job postings have declined slightly this year, the hiring outlook remains positive, reflecting a broader trend in the oil and gas industry, according to data analytics firm GlobalData.
“It is noteworthy that even though the U.S. continues to account for a majority of jobs posted by several key players, other countries across different continents are also seeing hiring activity by these companies,” said Sherla Sriprada, business fundamentals analyst at GlobalData.
The U.S. remains the largest market for job postings by Exxon and Chevron, but their overseas recruitment is gaining traction.
Exxon is targeting roles in lithium products in the U.S. and lubricant operations in Argentina, while Chevron is focusing on supply and trading bulk operations in Argentina and compliance with greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations in the U.S.
Shifting priorities in the U.S. oil industry
Despite the steady hiring trends, U.S. oil companies have shifted their focus toward operational efficiency and shareholder returns rather than aggressive drilling campaigns.
“We’re not going to see anybody in ‘drill, baby, drill’ mode,” said ExxonMobil Upstream President Liam Mallon. “A radical change in production is unlikely because the vast majority, if not everybody, is focused on the economics of what they’re doing.”
Moreover, Chevron has announced a reduction in its 2025 capital expenditure (capex) compared to 2024, with $13 billion allocated to upstream spending, two-thirds of which will be directed toward U.S. projects, including the Permian Basin.
“Permian Basin spend is lower than the 2024 budget and anticipated to be between $4.5 billion and $5.0 billion as production growth is reduced in favor of free cash flow,” Chevron said.
While production levels have remained stable, rig counts have been relatively flat in recent months. Analysts suggest that commodity prices and market fundamentals will play a larger role in shaping hiring and production strategies in 2025 and beyond.
