Everything You Need to Know About Working in the Oilfield Industry

We will discuss the following elements in this topic:

What types of jobs are available in the oilfield industry?
What qualifications are required for oilfield jobs?
What is the typical work schedule like for oilfield workers?
What are the physical demands of oilfield jobs?
What is the highest paying oilfield job?
Is the oilfield a good career?

A Complete Guide to Oilfield Jobs: Careers, Schedules, and Salaries
Everything You Need to Know About Working in the Oilfield Industry
High-Paying Oilfield Jobs: What You Need to Get Started
Exploring Oilfield Careers: Job Opportunities, Qualifications, and Work Life
Is an Oilfield Career Right for You? Discover Job Types, Schedules, and Pay

The oilfield industry has a ton of different job opportunities, ranging from hands-on labor to technical and management positions. Here are some of the main types of jobs you’ll find in the industry:

Drilling & Rig Jobs
These are the tough, hands-on jobs that keep oil rigs running:
- Roughnecks & Roustabouts: Entry-level workers who handle equipment and keep the site clean.
- Derrickhands: Work on the drilling tower, maintaining drilling fluid systems.
- Drillers: Operate the drilling equipment and manage the crew.
- Toolpushers: Supervisors in charge of drilling operations and rig workers.
Engineering & Technical Roles
These positions require more education and experience:
- Petroleum Engineers: Design drilling methods to extract oil and gas efficiently.
- Geologists & Geophysicists: Study underground formations to find oil and gas reserves.
- Well Testers: Check how much oil and gas a well is producing.
Production & Maintenance Jobs
Once the oil is flowing, these workers keep everything running smoothly:
- Production Operators: Oversee the extraction process to make sure everything runs safely.
- Pipeline Technicians: Maintain and repair the pipelines that transport oil and gas.
- Refinery Workers: Process crude oil into gasoline and other products.
Transportation & Logistics
Getting oil and equipment from one place to another is a huge part of the industry:
- Truck Drivers: Transport crude oil, drilling equipment, and supplies.
- Pipeline Operators: Manage and monitor oil and gas pipelines.
Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Jobs
Since oilfield work can be dangerous, these jobs focus on safety:
- HSE Officers: Make sure workers follow safety regulations.
- Environmental Specialists: Help reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.
Office & Management Jobs
Not all oilfield jobs happen in the field. Some keep things running from an office:
- Project Managers: Oversee oil and gas projects, making sure everything stays on schedule.
- Supply Chain Managers: Handle purchasing and transportation of equipment.

What qualifications are required for oilfield jobs?

The qualifications required for roles in the petroleum industry vary depending on the specific position. While some jobs require specialized skills and experience, many entry-level positions provide on-the-job training. Below are the common requirements:
Education Requirements

Entry-Level Roles – Positions such as roustabout, floorhand, or leasehand typically require only a high school diploma or GED.
Technical & Engineering Positions – Roles in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, geology, or drilling engineering usually require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Experience Levels

Many entry-level positions require little to no experience, with training provided by employers.
Specialized roles, such as drillers, engineers, and rig supervisors, typically require several years of industry experience.

Certifications & Training

Depending on the role, certain certifications may be required or preferred:

    H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) Awareness : Essential for working in hazardous environments.
    OSHA Safety Training : Helps ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.
    Well Control Certification (IWCF or IADC): Required for drilling-related positions.
    First Aid/CPR: Valuable for emergency preparedness.
    Heavy Equipment Operation Certification: necessary for those operating large machinery.
    TWIC Card : Required for offshore and some security-sensitive roles.

Physical & Safety Requirements

   1- Physical Fitness: Many positions involve strenuous labor, requiring candidates to pass physical fitness tests or medical exams.

2- Safety Training: While many employers provide on-the-job training, prior knowledge of safety protocols can be an advantage.

Additional Job Requirements

Valid Driver’s License :Necessary for roles that involve transportation of equipment or personnel.
Willingness to Travel or Relocate Many jobs require remote work, rotational shifts, and long hours in challenging environments

Safety Certifications

Safety is a top priority in the oilfield industry, and many jobs require workers to complete safety training before they start. Common certifications include:

- H2S Safety Training : Covers safety around hydrogen sulfide gas.
- First Aid and CPR : Most employers require workers to be trained in basic first aid and CPR.
- OSHA Certification : The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides safety training for working in hazardous environments.

Oil Field Services Guide: Careers, Operations, & Top Companies

Final Thoughts
The oilfield industry offers jobs for all skill levels, from entry-level labor positions to highly technical roles. It’s tough work, but it pays well and can lead to long-term career growth. If you don’t mind hard work and travel, it’s a solid industry to get into

Typical Work Schedule for Oilfield Workers

The work schedule for oilfield workers can vary significantly depending on the specific job, location, and company policies. However, there are common patterns that define the industry.

1. Rotational Schedules

Many oilfield jobs operate on a rotation basis, where workers alternate between extended periods of work and time off. Some of the most common schedules include:

14/14 Rotation – 14 days on, 14 days off
21/21 Rotation – 21 days on, 21 days off
28/28 Rotation – 28 days on, 28 days off
14/7 or 7/7 Rotation – Common for land-based drilling rigs

2. Long Hours & Shift Work

Oilfield workers often work 12-hour shifts, sometimes extending to 16 hours in high-demand situations.
This results in 84 hours per week during active work periods.
Since oilfield operations run 24/7, workers may be assigned to day or night shifts, which can rotate periodically.

3. Overtime & Compensation

Due to the physically demanding nature of the work, overtime is common.
Many workers receive extra pay for hours worked beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, making it financially rewarding despite the demanding schedule.

4. Remote Locations & Living Conditions

Many oilfield jobs are located in remote areas, requiring workers to stay in on-site camps or man camps during their shifts.
These locations may have limited access to urban amenities, requiring workers to adapt to a camp lifestyle for weeks at a time.

5. On-Call & Emergency Response

-Some positions, particularly in maintenance, safety, or emergency response, require workers to be on-call during their off-time in case of urgent needs.

6. Seasonal Work in Some Regions

In certain areas, especially in Alaska or Canada, extreme weather conditions affect oilfield operations.
Work may be seasonal, leading to intense work periods followed by stretches of little to no activity.

Key Takeaways
Oilfield work requires significant time and energy commitment , with long hours and extended periods away from home. However, it can be a highly rewarding career due to competitive pay and extended time off during rotations.