Not many on-the-ground jobs that offer a salary over $55,000 for just half a year’s work. But that’s the money for those who opt for the rigor of an oil rig, a hot topic on people’s tongues this week.

Field Development Manager (oil & gas, upstream only): mid-career staff total cash typically lands around $207,500–$282,500; seasoned managers often reach $252,500–$377,500, while contractors see about ...