Geo goes through cycles. Not sure if there will be a demand long term if oil and gas demand goes away. Go for job satisfaction and other metrics. Better to work reasonable hours with less stress. Save your money so you can retire early.
Previous comments about experienced hire pay is correct. They will lure you in with a big salary bump. Then salary and advancement stagnate. Upward mobility is limited.
A high level manager told a group of experienced hires point blank not to expect promotion to exec levels as these jobs are not for them. Outside hires will be compensated well as long as they deliver. The smart ones resigned from company soon after upon hearing this. Experienced hires will always be an outsider.