Types of Oil Rig Jobs (2024)

FAQs

What is the highest paying job on a oil rig? ›

Drilling rig crews are generally made up of six (6) people: Rig Manager, Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, Floorhand, and Leasehand. Each crew works 12 hours shifts as the rig operates 24 hours per day, and each position is vital to the operation of the rig.

Those without any experience may be hired on as a maintenance roustabout, roustabout, deckhand, wielding assistant, cleaner, steward, painter, or cook. Hey, oil rigs are basically floating cities. There are a lot of positions that need filling. Stewards have the lowest paying job on the oil rig.

The various types of offshore rigs include barges, submersibles, platforms, jackups, and floaters (the latter of which include semisubmersibles and drill ships).

Mid-level positions such as drillers or derrickhands can earn anywhere from $70,000 to $100,000 annually.

Education: Many offshore rig and platform workers hold a degree in a related field such as engineering, geology, or a technical trade. Some positions may also require a specific type of certification or license. Safety Training: Offshore rig and platform work is physically demanding and inherently dangerous.

Job roles include Roustabout, Driller, Drilling Engineer, and more. Salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as level of experience, education, certifications, additional skills, and location.

The qualifications you need to find an entry-level job in an oil field, or anywhere in the oil and gas industry, are minimal. These roles often require no experience and only very basic physical skills.

Do you pay for food on an oil rig? ›

Oil & Gas companies pay a day rate for an oil rig. This price includes meals for everyone that's on the rig. The rig company hires a catering company to provide groceries, cooks and galley hands.

For example, individuals on drilling rigs, which companies use to drill new wells, typically stay on the rig for two to three weeks at a time. Meanwhile, individuals on production rigs, which companies use to extract oil and gas from existing wells, typically stay for a month or two at a time.

Arriving on an Offshore Drilling Rig

Your experience of arriving offshore will vary depending on the company and oil rig, but you will be allocated a cabin for living in. Cabins usually sleep one to four people and have shared bathrooms between rooms.

Every rig has internet access so everyone has access to their bank account. Although there is no need for any money on the rig it is sometimes handy to pay bills and check account balance while offshore.

Now, offshore staff is able to use wi-fi, talk to family and friends on the phone and watch television during their off time.

Starting salaries average $55,000 per year, according to ZipRecruiter, while those in management positions could pocket well over $100,000 per year, according to oil industry law firm Arnold & Itkin.