Oil Field Roustabout

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

2.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Oil Field Roustabout?

An Oil Field Roustabout is an entry-level worker in the oil and gas industry, primarily responsible for maintaining oil field equipment and assisting in drilling operations. They perform various manual tasks to ensure the smooth operation of oil rigs and fields.

Sample job titles:

Floor Hand, Roustabout, Roustabout Hand, Roustabout Pusher

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Oil Field Roustabout.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Oil Field Roustabout earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$38K per year	$48K per year	$57K per year	$64K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $1.99K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Oil Field Roustabout do?

Work environment

Oil Field Roustabouts work in outdoor oil extraction sites, often in remote areas. The environment is physically demanding and can be hazardous, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols. Work conditions vary from extreme heat to cold, and the job often includes long hours and shift work.

Quick task list

Assembles, repairs, and maintains oil field machinery and equipment.
Cleans and prepares sites for drilling operations.
Assists in setting up and operating drilling rigs and related equipment.
Transports materials and equipment to and from the worksite.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations and procedures.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Drilling Assistance: Focusing on supporting drilling operations, including setting up rigs and equipment.
Equipment Maintenance: Specializing in the maintenance and repair of drilling machinery and tools.
Safety Compliance: Concentrating on ensuring that all operations adhere to safety standards.
Material Handling: Managing the logistics of transporting materials and equipment to and from oil fields.

Description

The role of an Oil Field Roustabout is critical in the oil and gas industry. They perform the essential groundwork that keeps oil fields operational. This role is physically demanding, requiring strength and stamina to handle heavy equipment and perform various manual tasks. Roustabouts play a key role in setting up, maintaining, and disassembling drilling rigs and equipment, making them an integral part of the drilling team.

Safety is a paramount concern in this field, and Roustabouts must be vigilant about following safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries. They often work long hours, sometimes in shifts, including nights and weekends. The work can be in remote locations, requiring workers to be away from home for extended periods.

This career is suitable for those who enjoy hands-on work and are comfortable with the physical demands and outdoor work environment. It offers an opportunity to enter the oil and gas industry and can serve as a stepping stone to more specialized or higher-level positions within the sector.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being part of a vital industry that powers economies.
The physical nature of the job, offering a sense of accomplishment.
Opportunities for career advancement within the oil and gas industry.

You might make a good Oil Field Roustabout if you are...

Physically strong and able to handle demanding manual labor.
Comfortable working in a variety of outdoor conditions.
A team player who can follow instructions and work well with others.
Interested in mechanical tasks and willing to learn about drilling operations.
Committed to safety and able to adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Pros:

Entry into the oil and gas industry without needing advanced education.
Good earning potential and opportunity for overtime.
Opportunities for advancement and skill development.

Cons:

Physically strenuous and potentially hazardous work environment.
Long hours and shift work, often in remote locations.
Exposure to extreme weather conditions and noisy equipment.

How to become an Oil Field Roustabout

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. On-the-job training is provided, and additional vocational training or certifications in areas like safety and equipment operation can be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Industrial Arts or Shop Classes to gain basic mechanical skills.
Physical Education to build stamina and physical fitness.
Science courses, particularly chemistry and physics, for a basic understanding of the industry.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in team sports to build physical endurance and teamwork skills.
Joining technical clubs or groups like robotics or automotive clubs.
Volunteering for community service projects that involve physical labor.

Preparation after high school

Pursue vocational training or certifications in areas like equipment operation and safety protocols.
Consider entry-level positions or internships in oil fields to gain hands-on experience.
Attend safety training courses specific to the oil and gas industry.

More resources

International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) - Offers resources and training for drilling industry professionals.
Petroleum Equipment & Services Association (PESA) - Provides industry news and career development resources.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Resources on safety training and regulations in the oil and gas industry.
Energy Workforce & Technology Council - Offers training programs and industry information for those starting in the energy sector.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.