Vaca Muerta drives Argentine petrochemical growth and high‑pay technical jobs

Argentina’s chemical and petrochemical sector reported a strong rebound in March, with production up 20% month‑on‑month, local sales rising 45%, and first‑quarter exports increasing 24% (an 83% rise year‑on‑year). Capacity utilization reached 94% and the sector’s trade‑balance deficit fell 34%, according to the Cámara de la Industria Química y Petroquímica. Industry leaders credit the expanding shale output from Vaca Muerta for securing feedstock, boosting competitiveness and opening export opportunities.

The surge in activity is straining the regional labour market. Companies operating in Vaca Muerta are urgently hiring specialised welders, industrial electricians, electromechanical and electronic technicians, offering salaries above AR$4 million per month. Senior field supervisors earn over AR$5 million, while managers and plant heads can command AR$7.5‑14 million, often with performance bonuses. The high pay reflects the technical complexity of shale oil and gas projects and the scarcity of qualified workers.