Key Takeaways:
- The Mid-Continent region is becoming essential for energy production in the U.S., especially in natural gas and NGL markets, largely fueled by rising demand from petrochemicals.
- Advances in technology, particularly in horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracture stimulation, are making a huge impact by increasing production levels and opening new economic opportunities.
- Recent mergers and acquisitions in the Anadarko Basin are changing the landscape of the workforce, leading to shifts in how companies operate and manage their teams.
- Expansions of NGL infrastructure and midstream operations create different job opportunities, particularly in engineering and logistics.
- Despite competitive salaries on the rise, the industry continues to struggle with talent retention. This highlights the need for ongoing skill development as operational demands continue to evolve.
The MidCon region, also known as the Mid-Continent oil province, has played a central role in U.S. energy production for decades. Recent developments in natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) are adding new dimensions to its importance. These changes are influencing recruitment priorities, career opportunities, and the technical skills required to support a sector that remains critical to both domestic supply and international markets. The MidCon region is now considered a premium market for natural gas and NGLs, with strong demand from petrochemical industries and heating markets.
The MidCon Region: A Hub of Energy Activity
Stretching across Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, the MidCon oilfield encompasses prolific basins, including the Anadarko, Arkoma, and portions of the Permian. Known in industry shorthand as SCOOP/STACK, Mid-Continent, or simply MidCon (Bison Interests), the region is rich in oil and liquids-rich gas reserves.
Technological advancements such as horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracture stimulation have brought significant production growth and economic development to the region over the past decade. These innovations have enabled operators to maximize recovery from mature basins while opening opportunities in previously overlooked plays.
Natural Gas and NGL Developments
One of the most significant developments in the Mid-Continent oil province is the rise of NGL infrastructure.
Conway, Kansas Hub: The Conway hub is the second-largest NGL hub in the US after Mont Belvieu, Texas. It plays a vital role in production, transportation, and storage for the Midwest.
Pipeline Expansion: Williams and Targa’s Bluestem Pipeline links Conway to Mont Belvieu, strengthening connectivity between Midwest demand centers and Gulf Coast export markets.
Global Integration: Companies like TotalEnergies have invested heavily in Anadarko Basin assets, aiming to integrate US natural gas into global LNG supply chains.
These developments aren’t only shaping commodity flows but creating new workforce demands in midstream operations, logistics, and technical engineering roles.
Workforce Trends in the MidCon Oil Province
Recruitment across MidCon reflects active deal-making, basin-level reallocation of capital, and a steady requirement for technical excellence. The following trends are most relevant for employers and candidates.
1. M&A activity driving workforce shifts
Recent quarters have seen a surge in mergers and acquisitions. Oklahoma saw eight transactions in the most recent quarter, the highest in three years, with combined deals totaling $2.5 billion (S&P Global). ConocoPhillips agreed to sell 300,000 net acres in the Anadarko to Stone Ridge Energy for $1.3 billion, including net production of ~234 MMcfe/d (about 50% gas). Camino Natural Resources is also reportedly exploring a potential $2 billion sale.
Consolidation often leads to restructuring, with talent moving between operators and service providers. For professionals, this means greater mobility but also the need to adapt quickly to new corporate cultures and operational priorities.
2. Resurgence in the Anadarko Basin
Once overlooked, the Anadarko Basin is seeing renewed investment from both public and private operators. S&P Global notes that with most Permian positions consolidated, Anadarko offers room for smaller operators to expand and for majors to balance portfolios with gas-weighted assets. Conventional and unconventional wells are contributing to production growth, and global players are entering the market. TotalEnergies’ acquisition of a 49% interest in Continental Resources’ Anadarko assets is expected to deliver approximately 350 MMcf/d of gross production by 2030.
This resurgence requires skilled drilling engineers, completions engineers, reservoir engineers, production engineers, and field operations supervisors who can deliver consistent results across stacked pay zones and variable rock quality. Practical expertise in lateral placement, stage design, frac sequencing, artificial lift optimization, and base‑production management is highly valued.
3. Midstream and Storage Expansion
Conway and the associated Bushton system continue to play a pivotal role in the movement and storage of NGLs, with enhanced connectivity to Mont Belvieu via Bluestem and related projects, strengthening connectivity between Midwest demand centers and Gulf Coast export markets.
Workforce needs here include pipeline engineering and integrity, terminal operations, measurement and metering, logistics coordination, and process safety. These roles are critical to ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with rising production volumes and market integration.
4. Talent Retention Challenges
The oil and gas industry continues to grapple with talent retention. The 2025 Global Energy Talent Index found that while salaries are rebounding, employers face increasing difficulty in retaining skilled employees.
As skill requirements evolve, companies must focus on employee value propositions, training, and career development. A practical focus area is upskilling in data‑driven drilling and production optimization, HSE leadership, and reliability engineering, supported by mentorship and continuous learning. For MidCon operators, this means investing in workforce strategies that balance competitive compensation with long-term career pathways.
Basins and Plays Where Bedrock Places Talent
At Bedrock, we specialize in connecting skilled professionals with opportunities across the MidCon region and adjacent Rockies and Plains basins. The following plays are active in our portfolio:
- Bakken Formation
- Powder River Basin
- Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin
- Anadarko Basin
Each basin presents distinct geology, infrastructure, and regulatory contexts, requiring tailored recruitment strategies and credible, field-tested expertise.
Outlook for the MidCon Workforce
With consolidation in the Permian, operators, especially those seeking to scale efficiently, are evaluating assets in MidCon, where basin maturity, infrastructure, and gas-weighted returns can meet portfolio needs. At the same time, global players are investing in long-term natural gas assets, ensuring steady demand for skilled professionals. U.S. natural gas production hit a record 108 bcf/d in July 2025, with prices projected to rise over the next 18 months. Meanwhile, Europe’s LNG imports are expected to reach an all-time high in 2025, reinforcing demand for U.S. exports.
For workers, this means:
- Greater mobility across operators and basins
- New opportunities in midstream infrastructure and NGL logistics
- Evolving skillsets, particularly in technology-driven drilling and data analytics
For employers, the priority is building durable teams that can manage integration, deliver steady base production, and capture infrastructure‑enabled market advantages. Partnering with recruiters who understand MidCon’s basins, operators, and service ecosystem helps shorten hiring cycles and reduce onboarding risk.
At Bedrock, we’re committed to guiding both employers and candidates through this evolving landscape. If you’re on the hunt for MidCon jobs or looking to build a stronger team, we’re here for you as a reliable partner in oil and gas recruitment throughout the Mid-Continent region.
For more information, contact our team today!
FAQs
What is the MidCon region?
The MidCon region, also known as the Mid-continent oil province, covers Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It encompasses major basins such as the Anadarko and Arkoma, and serves as a leading hub for oil, natural gas, and NGL production.
Where can I find MidCon energy sector job listings?
You can explore current openings directly through our job search page, where we list all vacancies across the region, including upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
What types of jobs are available in the MidCon oilfield today?
The Mid-Continent oilfield offers opportunities across the entire value chain. Roles range from drilling engineers and geoscientists in the Anadarko Basin to pipeline safety specialists at the Conway NGL hub.
How is the rise of NGLs shaping careers in the MidCon region?
Growing NGL flows through Conway and Kansas are increasing demand and creating new career pathways for storage operations, measurement, logistics, engineering, and process safety, alongside commercial scheduling.