Oil Rig Jobs Available Now Across the United States
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Boart Longyear Ltd.
Sonic Field Mechanic
HEX
Roustabout
H&K Equipment, Inc
Diesel Fleet Mechanic at H&K Equipment, Inc Coraopolis, PA
Double L Contractors LLC
Roustabout Hand
Transdigm
Turbine Ignition Systems
Bilfinger
Rig Welder at Bilfinger Mont Belvieu, Chambers County, TX
Allprobe Environmental Inc.
Environmental/Geotechnical Driller and helper, no experience necessary
Firefly Aerospace
Engine Integration Technician II
Abyss Solutions Pty Ltd
VP of Marketing
Edge OFS
Ideal Completions US - Flowback Operators
H&K Equipment, Inc
Oversized Load CDL Driver
Drill Cool Systems, Inc.
Field Service Technician — Oil & Gas Drilling & Rig Systems
WC Welding
Roustabout
SMS Mill Services, LLC.
Asbestos Worker - Brownsville
SMS Mill Services, LLC.
General Laborer - Brownsville
ShalePro Energy Services
Roustabout
ShalePro Energy Services
Roustabout
Firefly Aerospace
Vehicle Integration Technician IV
Pennsylvania Drilling Co
Drilling Helper/Laborer
Costy's Energy Services
Casing Hand/Roustabout - Mansfield
BrightSpring Health Services
STNA-CNA / Certified Nursing Assistant - Hospice Aide
BrightSpring Health Services
CNA / Certified Nursing Assistant - Hospice Aide
BrightSpring Health Services
CNA / Certified Nursing Assistant - Hospice Aide
Boart Longyear Company
Sonic Field Mechanic
MasTec
CDL Directional Drill Operator Foreman
Illinois Tool Works
Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Chemicals
ShalePro
Roustabout
ShalePro
Roustabout
Soil Testing Inc
Drill Rig Operator - Test Borings
DistributionNOW
Field Mechanic
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Oil Rig Job Roles and What They Involve
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the oil and gas extraction industry employs over 150,000 workers across onshore and offshore operations in the United States. Positions range from entry-level labor roles requiring no prior experience to highly specialized engineering and supervisory positions commanding six-figure compensation.
Roustabout
The most common entry-level position on an oil rig. Roustabouts perform general labor including cleaning, painting, moving equipment, and assisting other crew members. No prior experience is typically required.
Roughneck
Roughnecks work directly on the drill floor, handling drill pipe connections, maintaining drilling equipment, and operating rig machinery under the direction of the driller. A physically demanding but well-compensated role.
Driller
Drillers operate the draw works and rotary table, monitor drilling parameters, and are responsible for the safe execution of drilling operations on their shift. Significant experience as a roughneck is typically required.
Toolpusher
Toolpushers supervise all drilling operations on the rig, manage crew scheduling, and serve as the primary point of contact between the drilling contractor and the operating company representative.
Mud Engineer
Mud engineers, also called drilling fluids engineers, formulate and monitor drilling fluid properties to ensure wellbore stability and drilling efficiency. A background in chemistry or petroleum engineering is common.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers design drilling programs, optimize production strategies, and provide technical oversight on oil and gas operations. These roles typically require a four-year engineering degree and command the highest compensation on the rig.
How to Get Hired on an Oil Rig in the United States
Getting hired on an oil rig requires more preparation than most job applications. Safety certifications, background checks, and physical fitness standards are non-negotiable requirements that must be completed before an offer can be finalized. Understanding this process before you apply puts you significantly ahead of the competition.
Meet Basic Physical and Medical Requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry standards, oil rig workers must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening before beginning work. Offshore positions additionally require a medical certificate confirming fitness for offshore duty, often assessed against standards set by the International Medical Guide for Ships or equivalent guidelines.
Complete HUET and Basic Safety Training
Offshore oil rig workers in the United States are required to complete Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) before working on an offshore installation. These certifications are governed by the International Well Control Forum (IWCF) and recognized by operators across the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Obtain Your TWIC Card for Offshore and Port Access
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is required for unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and offshore installations regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), applicants must pass a security threat assessment to receive the credential. The TWIC application process typically takes four to six weeks.
Apply Through Drilling Contractors and Operators
Major drilling contractors such as Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Transocean, and Patterson-UTI maintain active recruitment pipelines for rig positions. Applying directly through contractor career portals alongside job board applications maximizes your exposure to open positions.
How Much Do Oil Rig Workers Earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, oil and gas extraction workers are among the highest-paid blue-collar workers in the United States. Offshore positions command a premium over equivalent onshore roles due to the remoteness of the work location, and all rig workers benefit from employer-provided room and board during their on rotation, which significantly increases the effective value of their compensation.
$63,170
Median Annual Wage, Rotary Drill Operators (BLS 2023)
$30.37
Median Hourly Rate
$180,000+
Senior Engineering and Supervisory Roles
Estimated Annual Pay Range by Oil Rig Role
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023. Figures are estimates and vary by operator, contractor, basin, and experience level.
Where Oil Rig Jobs Are Concentrated in the United States
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, domestic oil production is concentrated in a handful of major basins that account for the majority of active drilling activity and therefore the majority of oil rig employment. Understanding where the work is located is essential for job seekers targeting this sector.
Gulf of Mexico (Offshore)
The largest offshore oil producing region in the US, regulated by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Home to hundreds of active platforms and the highest concentration of offshore rig jobs.
Permian Basin, Texas and New Mexico
The most productive onshore oil basin in the United States and one of the most active in the world. Midland and Odessa are major hub cities for oilfield employment.
Bakken Formation, North Dakota
A major shale oil producing region that drove significant hiring growth during the shale boom. Active rig counts fluctuate with oil prices but remain substantial.
Eagle Ford Shale, Texas
One of the most prolific tight oil plays in the United States, spanning 400 miles across south Texas. San Antonio and Corpus Christi serve as major support hubs.
DJ Basin, Colorado
A major oil producing basin centered around the Wattenberg Gas Field, with significant activity from operators including Civitas Resources and Chevron.
Marcellus and Utica Shale, Appalachia
Primarily natural gas producing formations spanning Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Offers stable employment for rig workers in gas-focused drilling operations.
The Oil Rig Career Ladder
The oil and gas drilling industry has one of the most clearly defined internal advancement pathways of any blue-collar sector. Most senior drillers and toolpushers began as roustabouts or roughnecks and advanced through demonstrated competency and safety performance. The industry rewards tenure and experience in a way that makes it possible to significantly increase earnings within a five to ten year period without a formal degree.
OSHA and BSEE Safety Requirements for Oil Rig Workers
Oil rig work is subject to some of the most comprehensive safety regulations in U.S. industry. Onshore operations fall under OSHA standards, particularly 29 CFR Part 1910 and 1926. Offshore operations are additionally regulated by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), which administers the Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SEMS) rule requiring all offshore operators to maintain a formal safety management program.
Mandatory Safety Certifications
- TWIC card for all offshore and port access (TSA)
- HUET for all helicopter-transported offshore workers
- BOSIET or equivalent basic offshore safety training
- H2S awareness and self-rescue training
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Well control (IWCF or IADC) for drilling supervisors
Your Rights as an Oil Rig Worker Under OSHA
- Right to receive training in a language you understand
- Right to request an OSHA inspection without fear of retaliation
- Right to refuse work you reasonably believe poses imminent danger
- Right to receive copies of workplace injury and illness records
- Whistleblower protections under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act
- Right to PPE at no cost for hazards covered by OSHA standards
Oil Rig Work Schedules and Rotations
Oil rig positions operate on rotational schedules that alternate between time on the rig and time at home. All meals, accommodation, and transport to and from the rig are provided by the employer during the on rotation, which means workers have essentially zero living expenses during their working period.
14 and 14
14 days on / 14 days off
Most common rotation for Gulf of Mexico offshore positions
28 and 28
28 days on / 28 days off
Standard for deepwater and international offshore assignments
7 and 7
7 days on / 7 days off
Common in onshore shale plays including the Permian Basin
Hitch Work
Variable by operator
Shorter hitches used in some onshore and completion operations
Tips for Getting Your First Oil Rig Job
Get Your TWIC Card Before You Apply
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential is mandatory for offshore work and takes four to six weeks to process through the TSA. Starting your TWIC application before you begin job searching means you will be ready to accept an offer immediately, while applicants who apply without one face delays that employers are often unwilling to accommodate.
Complete H2S Safety Training
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) awareness training is required at virtually every oil and gas work site in the United States. The one-day course covers H2S properties, detection, escape procedures, and self-contained breathing apparatus use. Having this certification on your resume signals basic oilfield safety literacy and is expected by most hiring managers before a first interview.
Be Flexible on Location and Rotation
Candidates who indicate willingness to work in any active basin and across multiple rotation schedules receive significantly more callbacks than those who restrict themselves to a single region or shift pattern. The most active hiring markets, including the Permian Basin and the Gulf of Mexico, often require relocation or extended commutes that many local applicants are unwilling to accept.
Apply Directly to Drilling Contractors as Well as Operators
Most oil rig positions are employed by drilling contractors rather than the oil company whose name is on the well. Major contractors including Patterson-UTI, Precision Drilling, and Nabors Industries maintain large entry-level hiring programs that run independently of operator job boards. Targeting both simultaneously maximizes the number of active opportunities you are being considered for at any given time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Rig Jobs
Can I get an oil rig job with no experience?
How much do oil rig workers earn on average in the United States?
What is the typical work schedule on an oil rig?
Is oil rig work dangerous?
What certifications do I need to work on an offshore oil rig?
What is the job outlook for oil rig workers?
Disclaimer: The salary figures, employment projections, safety requirements, and regulatory information provided on this page are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or career advice. Oil rig working conditions, pay rates, and certification requirements vary by operator, contractor, location, and role. Always consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at osha.gov, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement at bsee.gov, and the Transportation Security Administration at tsa.gov for the most current and applicable information before beginning employment in the oil and gas sector.