If you’re thinking about trying to get oilfield jobs in the offshore oil industry, you probably have questions about where to look or how to start. One of the most common entry level oil rigging jobs is the Roustabout jobs that are offered with offshore drilling companies.
As you work your way up the ladder in the oil rig jobs some of the lucrative paying careers that you’ll be able to have a shot at are in management, and these positions pay upwards of $100,000 in some cases. However, it all starts with Roustabout jobs and other entry level oil rig jobs, but as soon as you have several years of experience under your belt it’s not difficult to gain new ground. Here are some of the hottest rigging jobs that you’ll see available when looking for this type of work.
Common General Maintenance and Entry Level Positions
Roustabout – As mentioned, this is one of the most common rigging jobs, but Roustabout jobs lead to many other opportunities. As a Roustabout you’ll be responsible for guiding the crane loads on deck as well as keeping the deck areas clean and tidy. Common starting salaries for Roustabouts are around $27,000, but they can be as high as $40,000-$45,000.
Painter – A painter is another entry level job that requires little to no previous experience. This oilfield job works for the painting department and usually has a starting salary of around $27,000.
Cook and Steward – These two rigging jobs are very different from the Roustabout jobs and other entry level positions discussed above. The Cook’s pay usually begins at around $38,000 depending on years of experience and whether he or she has had any culinary experience since this position involves daily cooking for the crew. On the other hand, a Steward’s pay is slightly less at around $30,000 on average, and this position assists the cook and has other general cleaning duties.
Rig Welder – Depending on qualifications, pay for these oil rig jobs starts out at around $43,000. A rig welder’s job is to take care of all the metal structures so that the offshore oil rig is safe for everyone. Certification and other education may be needed before someone is given one of these oil rig jobs.
Deck Crew Jobs
Derrickman – A derrickman is involved heavily with the operation and care of the mud pumps, and they spend most of their time in the pump room. A starting salary for these oilfield jobs is around $60,000 with some previous experience as a subordinate.
Driller – a driller has a lot of supervisory responsibilities and is the main individual that takes care of everything related to the rig floor. They operate the drill equipment and probably had some experience as a Derrickman or Roughneck before becoming a Driller. This position averages $66,000 annually.
Roughneck – These oil rigging jobs are positioned on the rig floor with the main Driller as their supervisor. Roughnecks make sure that the drilling equipment is safe and taken care of, and probably has a lot of technical and maintenance knowledge. Roughneck positions make around $45,000 starting out.
Maintenance Department
Electrician and Electronic Technicians – As opposed to general maintenance and other entry level positions like Roustabout jobs, these two rigging jobs require a bit more education and knowledge. The Electrician is responsible for all of the electric equipment on the offshore oil rig and will supervise the Electronic Technicians, whose main job is the upkeep and daily maintenance of monitors, controls, and other electrical gauges and generators. An Electrician’s starting salary is around $50,000 while their Electronic Technician subordinates around $43,000.
Management
Tool Pusher – A tool pusher works on the rig floor or in the offices in the offshore oil rig. This is a position in which it requires several years as a driller first. Even though you have to work through a lot of paperwork and supply orders on a daily basis, the starting salary for these oilfield jobs is around $75,000.
Company Man / Woman – This individual is on the offshore oil rig as a representative for the oil company. He or she overlooks the entire drilling supervision area and ensures the best outcomes for the oil company, and can make over $120,000.
These are the 12 hottest rigging jobs in oilfield work. Roustabout jobs and painters are two entry level positions while a Tool Pusher and Company Man are examples of some higher level oil rig jobs.
