In 2018, the average salary for workers on oil rigs was $100,000 per year. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the specific job, the company, the location, and other factors. For example, entry-level positions may pay $50,000 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to $200,000 per year.
Oil workers earn some of the highest salaries in the world. A roustabout who works in the industry can earn over $50,000 USD per year and receive training if they are committed to the profession. For those with prior experience, the highest-paying job is a Drilling Supervisor or Manager. The highest paying oil rig jobs are found on offshore platforms. Because of the dangers of the job, the highest-paying jobs are offshore. Airswift can assist you in the planning and execution of your international travel logistics and other foreign country relocation efforts. Your career prospects will be greatly enhanced by utilizing our extensive global networks.
How much does an oil rig make in Florida? According to data from September 9, 2022, the average annual salary for an Oil Rig job in Florida is $62,535. If you don’t have a salary calculator, it works out to be around $30.55 per hour. This equates to an hourly wage of $1221 and a monthly wage of $5,294.
How Much Do You Get Paid To Work On An Oil Rig?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average Oil Rig Workers annual salary ranges between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $67,000 (75th percentile), with the highest earners (90th percentile) earning $130,000 annually across the country.
As of 2015, the average annual salary was $72,963. The 25th percentile is $3,208, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We consider salaries above this to be outliers. A career in finance typically pays between $45,500 and $69,99934% of what a career in education pays. The average weekly wage is $1,403, according to the BLS. For every $11,958 you spend, you earn $14,000.0%. This equates to $16,042 – $18,082%, as well as $20,125 – $22,1670%.
Oil Rig salaries in your area are $7, 127 per month, which is $1,047 (17%) higher than the national average monthly salary of $6,080. Out of 50 states, New York has the highest oil rig salary. Atkinson, New Hampshire, and Bolinas, California are close behind, while San Francisco is the most popular city. The average salary for these top ten cities varies slightly between San Francisco and Barnstable Town, Massachusetts, at 9%. When choosing where and how to work as an Oil Rig, consider the possibility of living within a budget. According to our findings, at least five jobs within the Oil Rig job category pay more than the average salary for an Oil Rig worker.
How Much Money Does An Oil Rig Make A Year?
An oil rig can make a lot of money in a year. The amount of money an oil rig makes depends on the size of the rig and the number of oil wells it has. A small oil rig can make around $1 million a year. A large oil rig can make around $10 million a year.
Oil rig workers and oil field workers earn an average salary of $100,000 per year. Back in 2011, the average salary in the United States was $99,000. If you are looking for a higher paying job, there are some excellent options. Four percent of oil rig jobs pay between $278,500 and $300,000 per year. A worker on an oil rig earns around $75,000 per year on average. A drilling engineer on an oil rig earns between $113,00 and $139,00 per year. A petroleum specialist or a field technician may be required as an entry-level job.
A rig roustabout’s annual salary ranges between $75,000 and $100,000. Oil rig Mud engineers earn more than the average worker on an oil rig, with a salary of $110,000 on average. The annual salary for a welder on an underwater oil rig may be as high as $200,000. Underwater welding is not uncommon, and some professionals earn as much as $300,000 per year.
Oil Rig Owners Make A Lot Of Money
The job of an oil rig is one of the most dangerous and physically demanding you can find. Oil rig owners can earn a lot of money doing so. A Crude Oil Owner Operator in the United States can expect to earn an annual salary of $263,156. To work for this amount, you would need to earn approximately $126 per hour, which is what a simple salary calculator would generate. If you multiply this by $5,060 per week and $21,929 per month, you get a weekly wage of $5,060. The profit margins of oil and gas production fluctuate widely due to the price of oil. In terms of net profit margin, oil and gas production generated an average of 4.7% in 2021 and 31.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021. As a result, oil rig owners are typically successful, but their profit margins can quickly erode. Welders on oil rigs can earn up to $300 per day. The number of hours worked will have an impact on how much time a person will spend on it. A welder on an oil rig can work for six months per year, according to one estimate. The average oil rig welder works eight hours per day. As a result, even if oil rig welders only make $290 per day, they can still earn a lot of money.
How Much Do Oil Rig Workers Make A Month

According to ZipRecruiter, the average monthly Oil Rig salary ranges between $3,208 (25th percentile) and $6,333 (75th percentile), with monthly salaries ranging from as little as $24,208 to as much as $1,750 across the country.
As of August 29, 2022, an Oil Rig worker in the United States earns $25 per hour on average. It is possible to earn an hourly rate that is heavily influenced by a variety of factors, including your education, certifications, and more. Jobs with a similar salary range to oil rig jobs include tax assessors, football analysts, and legal recruiters.
High-paying Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry
A roustabout’s annual salary is around $50,000. Salary ranges can range between $200,000 and $500,000, depending on experience and skills gained. Even so, it is possible to earn even more by working as a drilling engineer or as an underground pipefitter.
Oil Rig Pay Per Hour
An oil rig is a platform used for drilling oil wells. The pay per hour for an oil rig can vary depending on the company, the location, and the type of rig. For example, an offshore oil rig in the North Sea would pay more per hour than an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The pay per hour for an oil rig can also vary depending on the position. For example, a rig worker who is responsible for operating the machinery would be paid more per hour than a rig worker who is responsible for cleaning the platform.
It is widely accepted that oil field engineers are among the highest-paid engineers in the world. The oil and gas they monitor is extracted from beneath the Earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers must be at least educated in order to work in the field. At the end of 2010, more than half of all petroleum engineers reported salaries ranging from $46.50 to $80.65 per hour. According to the BLS, the number of petroleum engineers will grow at an annual rate of 8% between 2020 and 2020. The company is expected to create approximately 2,100 new jobs each year as a result of this growth. Montana had the lowest average hourly wage for this occupation, at $42.12. Oil rig field engineers were paid significantly more per hour in 2021 than they were in previous years.
What Is The Lowest Job On A Oil Rig?
Stewards earn the least on the oil rig. They earn a meager $45,000 per year.
The Low-paying, High-risk Job Of A Roughneck
Oil rigs are frequently located in remote areas, and they require a large workforce to maintain and drill the well. A roughneck is an oil rig worker who performs a variety of tasks, including drilling wells and loading and unloading drilling equipment. Because roughnecks are frequently paid less than other types of employees, they require a strong work ethic as well as the ability to adapt to difficult conditions.
How Much Money Does An Oil Rig Make Per Day?
Welders on oil rigs earn an average of $290 per day. There is a difference in the number of hours worked and the amount of money spent. Some welders work for six months to a year while others only work three months. However, welders on oil rigs work eight hours per day on average.
Weighing The Risks And Rewards Of A Career In The Oil Fields
With a high pay, working in the oil field is a hard job to pass up. Before making a decision, it is critical to consider the risk and reward of the opportunity. Despite the physical challenges of oil field work, many people enjoy their jobs and earn high wages. However, it is critical to remember that a career in the oil fields entails a high level of expenses, including the high cost of owning a drill rig.
Oil Rig Engineer Salary
The average salary for an Oil Rig Engineer in the United States is $83,489, with salaries ranging from $17,130 to $459,447. In 2010, 57% of Oil Rig Engineers made more than $83,488 per year, with the top 86% earning more than $459,447.
In 2016, the average annual salary for a teacher was $121,569. At $141,500, this is the 75th percentile. In contrast to these outliers, salaries above this level are not uncommon. This month, the average wage is ten thousand dollars ten hundred thirty-two cents. The top 5% of jobs received $5107% of the income. At the 25th percentile, one would be $60,000 – $80,500, or $161,500 – $188,500. In your area, an offshore drilling engineer%27s annual salary is $132,846, which is $11,277 (9%) higher than the national average salary.
ZipRecruiter reports annual salaries of as high as $323,500 in offshore drilling and as low as $26,500 for offshore drilling jobs. According to recent job posting activity, New York is ranked tenth out of 50 states in terms of Off-Off-Production driller salary. We’ve identified ten cities where the average salary for an offshore drilling engineer is higher than the national average. Atkinson, New Hampshire tops the list, followed by New York City, New York and Bridgehampton, New York. The average salary for these top ten cities is $196, which is slightly higher than in Atkinson (in Queens, NY).
Oil Rig Engineer: The Job Description
The design and management of offshore oil rig drilling operations is the responsibility of an oil rig engineer. They are in charge of the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of various drilling equipment and machinery. The drilling process is also monitored in order to ensure its safety and efficiency. Depending on the nature of the project and the company, engineers on oil rigs typically stay between 6 and 12 months.
How Much Do Oil Rig Workers Make In Texas
Texas’ average annual salary for oil field workers is $59,500. Oil field worker salaries in Texas range from $20,500 to $140,000 and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as skill, experience, employer, salary, tips, and bonuses, among others. Was this helpful?
The average annual salary is $57,522, with the highest earning $65,931. It is difficult to find salaries that are higher than this. As of August, the average wage was $1,518, $4,793 /month, $21,001, $28 per hour, and $642. This year’s national average is $18,218, $57,522 /year, and it is $252,016 per year. The hourly wage for this job is $28, or $2,783 per hour. The median salary for a job in the Oil Rig jobs category currently ranges from $33,399 to $65,931. In Texas, the highest-paid workers are the (90th percentile) earning $112,777 annually.
On ZipRecruiter, salaries can range from $18,218 to $252,016, with some reaching $252,016. A typical Oil Rig job pays between $26,600 and $32,532 per year. Frankston and Midland round out the top three, with Houston making the top ten list as well. The average Oil Rig salary ranges between $20,990 (36.5%) and $74,364 (129.3%). As a result, the average salary for these top ten cities varies slightly between Frankston and Brownsboro, at 21% and 22% respectively.
A Career As A Roughneck: Pros And Cons
Roughnecks are undoubtedly the ones to look out for if you want to work in the oil and gas industry and make a good living. However, it is critical to remember that not all oil rig jobs are created equal. Some may have excellent benefits and pay, while others may be extremely dangerous and require a high level of physical fitness.
As a result, before making any decisions about moving to the Gulf of Mexico, you should thoroughly research the area and weigh all of the pros and cons.
FAQs
How much does the average person make on an oil rig? ›
As of Feb 27, 2023, the average annual pay for an Oil Rig Worker in the United States is $71,314 a year.
How much do oil rig workers work? ›An average oil rig worker can work shifts exceeding 8 hours for 7 to 14 days in a row. As they deal with the heavy machinery and equipment used on a rig, crews can experience the dangers of fatigue.
Who gets paid the most on an oil rig? ›- Petroleum engineer.
- Petroleum geologist.
- Project manager.
- Chemical engineer.
- Drilling consultant.
- Gas plant operator.
- Environment manager.
Part of the reason that offshore oil rig worker pay is high is to offset the difficult working conditions and risks associated with the job. Workers often face 14/21 shifts, meaning that they work for 14 days straight, followed by 21 days off.
How long are oil rig contracts? ›How long are the contracts? Normally, from 6 to 12 months, depending on the company and the specific project. The different sort of contracts can be extended by mutual agreement.
Is working on oil rigs good money? ›It is a high-paying job
In fact, many workers in this industry earn six-figure salaries. So, if you're looking for a well-paying job, then working on an oil rig is a great option. There are also many benefits and perks that come with this job, such as free housing and transportation.
Regular safety training is conducted before and during employment. Oil rig workers have an 8-12 hour shift with breaks for food in the morning, noon and night. One might have to do night shifts since this industry operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
How many hours do rig workers work? ›The usual working shift is 12 hours 'on' and 12 hours 'off', and many shift patterns are a mixture of both day and night because operations run around the clock with no rig 'downtime'. Many offshore jobs require shift patterns of 2 or 3 weeks on the rig / 2-3 weeks onshore, but the patterns can be longer.
Do oil rig workers go home? ›While offshore, workers work every day without a day off until they go home. Shifts sometimes run 0:00-12:00 and 12:00-0:00, but can also run 6:00-18:00 and 18:00-6:00. In fact, one of the strangest parts of offshore drilling is that you could be busy every day for weeks, but this depends on your job.
Are cell phones allowed on oil rigs? ›Safety concerns are among the most important reasons why cell phones may not be used in certain situations aboard an oil rig. In fact, for any type of digital equipment like cameras to be used in the work area, a hot work permit must be opened prior to use. These permits often expire at the end of each shift.
Do oil rig workers live on the oil rig? ›
In Focus: Life on an Offshore Drilling Rig
For offshore rigs located far from the coast, drilling crew members live on ships anchored nearby or in facilities on the platform itself. Workers on offshore rigs are always evacuated in the event of severe storms.
There is 24/7 internet access at high speed on the rigs I've been involved with, and sometimes it's a subsea cable which is even faster.
Do oil rig workers travel? ›Oil rig employees may travel to many places with their crew. For example, they may work in southern states on one gig, transfer to overseas drilling for another gig and then move to an ocean rig.
Do oil rig workers work on Sunday? ›Oil rigs often operate 24/7, so you may be asked to work nights, weekends, or holidays as needed.
Are oil rig jobs safe? ›Nevertheless, if you work on an oil rig or jack-up rig, then you're working one of the most dangerous jobs out there (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The number of oil rig deaths per year often exceeds 100 people, with even more individuals suffering from injuries.
Do oil rig workers get overtime? ›Overtime Law
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) assumes that oil field workers are entitled to payment of overtime for all hours worked in excess of 40 in a work week at a rate not less than one and one-half times each employee's “regular rate”.
Work Patterns
Rigs are operational 24 hours a day, all year round. The standard working pattern is two weeks on, two weeks off or for some more high-level positions two weeks on, three weeks off.
Working on an oil rig has very strict rules to abide by, so don't expect a beer with your dinner as alcohol is strictly forbidden. Any type of drug use is highly intolerable – you will be drug tested before and may be randomly tested during your assignment.
How many weeks do oil rig workers work? ›Many crewmembers and workers on oil rigs are assigned to two weeks on, three weeks off or "14/21" shifts. This means that they work for 14 days straight and are then given 21 days off. Those 14 days include long, tiring hours and since the rig is operating 24 hours each day, night shifts.
Is working on an oil rig scary? ›Many parts of the rig are terrifying to people who have issues with heights. It's the outboard walkways that bug me – falling overboard at night means near-certain death. They'll never even find a body. Even in summer in the Gulf, with average water temperature of 80F, hypothermia still sets in within a couple hours.
Is working on an oil rig stressful? ›
High Stress: The offshore oil rig work environment can be very fast-paced, with strict deadlines. This can place a huge amount of stress on workers to meet those deadlines. Sometimes this can result in “cutting corners” or not following proper safety protocols to get the job done.
Do rig workers work on weekends? ›Rig work is not a 9-to-5, weekday-only job; weekend work is commonplace, as is overtime. Onshore rigs may be run in several eight-hour, or two 12-hour shifts per day, with one or two roughnecks or roustabouts per shift, typically. Meals, work camp lodging or a housing allowance and benefits are often provided.
How deep are oil rig legs? ›These production systems can operate in water depths of up to 6,000 feet (1830 meters). A Tension Leg Platform (TLP) consists of a floating structure held in place by vertical, tensioned tendons connected to the sea floor by pile-secured templates.
What is the schedule for an oil rig? ›Drilling rigs commonly operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week with either three crews working 8 hour shifts or two crews working 12-hour shifts. Most often day crews and night crews will alternate weekly, so each crew has a chance to work during both the day and night.
Do oil rig workers go underwater? ›Pretty much all parts of the underwater rig require divers help to keep them safe and running. Any rig, be it land-based or offshore, comprises of a total of 28 core components. Offshore rigs have even more as they also require a semi-submersible platform that to keep the rig afloat.
Do oil rigs have doctors? ›They work alone & mostly work in a clean, comfortable office beside the sick bay within the accommodation module of the oil rig. An onshore doctor is available for consultation and acts as a manager. When offshore, medics can be called out to attend to an emergency anywhere on the rig.
Are there female oil rig workers? ›Although women a small percentage of the workforce, they still play an important role in the industry.
Is smoking allowed on oil rigs? ›Too keep everyone on board safe, smoking is allowed in designated areas with matches available as the source of ignition – these locations are far away from the most sensitive machinery.
What can you bring on an oil rig? ›Bring basic hygiene stuff – some units have them, some don't. Comfy pajamas, indoor shoes, music and headphones, film library if you think you'll have time / for the journey, book for the trip to the vessel, charger + converters, gym gear. Food should be fine, and the coffee is usually good.
Do people fall off oil rigs? ›On oil rigs, many accidents involve workers falling from heights or slipping and falling on other surfaces. For example, when working on platforms, overhead equipment and machinery can fall and strike a worker, pushing them off a platform.
How tall are oil rigs? ›
The average height of a normal drilling rig is about 125ft, which is equivalent to a 10 or 11 storey building or around two-fifths the size of the clock tower of Big Ben.
Do oil rigs have cameras? ›Large oil rig cameras and systems are designed around the needs of each rig and its owners requirements. The systems are available in analog and IP versions and can be installed in hazardous and non-hazardous environments. Monitoring equipment can be installed in the drillers cabin or on the rig floor.
Are oil rigs hot? ›High Heat and Humidity
And since the oil demand is constant, the supply has to be as well, with no breaks to avoid the hottest days. This means that oil rig workers are often exposed to heat and humidity levels that contribute to heat stress.
Despite the tight space oil platforms also have various amenities such as gyms, pool tables, TV and even cinemas. As with the food, it is essential for the people working on the platform to have the opportunity to unwind and relax, so employers are providing the means.
Is oil rig work seasonal? ›Some oilfield companies hire seasonal drivers, pipeline technicians, and entry-level roustabouts to work on the land during the summer season. Seasonal positions are also available on offshore rig platforms. Oil companies sometimes increase output or enhance operations during warmer weather.
Is it hard to get a job on an oil rig? ›Getting started in the oilfield is tough. Jobs in the oil and gas industry are highly sought after because it can pay so well, and you don't necessarily need to go to school for years to make a decent living. Personally, I know guys with a 6th grade education making $300k a year.
What are oil rig workers called? ›Roughneck is a term for a person whose occupation is hard manual labor. The term applies across a number of industries, but is most commonly associated with the workers on a drilling rig.
What are 2 hazards of working on an oil rig? ›Explosions and Fires. Workers in the oil and gas industries face the risk of fire and explosion due to ignition of flammable vapors or gases. Flammable gases, such as well gases, vapors, and hydrogen sulfide, can be released from wells, trucks, production equipment or surface equipment such as tanks and shale shakers.
What is the lowest job on a oil rig? ›Roustabout. Entry-level position that requires no previous experience.
What is the lowest paying job on an oil rig? ›Stewards have the lowest paying job on the oil rig.
Do oil riggers make a lot of money? ›
Oil rig workers make an average annual salary of $66,483 in the United States. Newcomers to the industry can see annual salaries in the range of $45,000 to $50,000. The average wage of oil rig workers ranges from $21 to $31 per hour, with some veteran oil rig workers earning $40 per hour or more.
How much do roughnecks get paid? ›State | Annual Salary | Weekly Pay |
---|---|---|
California | $35,171 | $676 |
Colorado | $35,123 | $675 |
Kentucky | $35,096 | $674 |
Vermont | $35,025 | $673 |
Average Salary for an Oil Rig Roughneck
Oil Rig Roughnecks in America make an average salary of $40,338 per year or $19 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $60,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $26,000 per year.
4. How many hours a week do workers work on an oil rig? As the work on an oil rig is never-ending, most workers must have 12-hour shifts, seven days a week for even 28 days at a time. They might have to work overtime if the project requires so or if there is an emergency.
Are cell phones allowed on a rig? ›Can You Use Cell Phones on an Oil Rig? Technically, it is possible to access cellular services at some locations offshore. The Gulf of Mexico, for example, has towers installed offshore in strategic locations to allow offshore rigs and platforms to communicate with those onshore.
Can you drink alcohol on an oil rig? ›Working on an oil rig has very strict rules to abide by, so don't expect a beer with your dinner as alcohol is strictly forbidden. Any type of drug use is highly intolerable – you will be drug tested before and may be randomly tested during your assignment.
How much does a boss on an oil rig make? ›Average Salary for a Rig Manager
Rig Managers in America make an average salary of $134,142 per year or $64 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $238,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $75,000 per year.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $93,500 and as low as $27,500, the majority of Drilling Rig Floorhand salaries currently range between $29,500 (25th percentile) to $54,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $70,000 annually across the United States.
What is salary at rig? ›RIG Mechanic salary in India ranges between ₹ 0.4 Lakhs to ₹ 15.5 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.1 Lakhs.
How much do oil rig workers make in the ocean? ›As of Feb 27, 2023, the average annual pay for the Offshore Oil Rig jobs category in the United States is $69,264 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $33.30 an hour.
How much do oil rigs make a day? ›
How much do oil rigs make a day? They have an average wage of $37.60 and can make up to $300 in one day. If they work a 40-hour work week, they can earn up to $1500 in five days time.
How long is an oil rig shift? ›The usual working shift is 12 hours 'on' and 12 hours 'off', and many shift patterns are a mixture of both day and night because operations run around the clock with no rig 'downtime'. Many offshore jobs require shift patterns of 2 or 3 weeks on the rig / 2-3 weeks onshore, but the patterns can be longer.
Do oil rig workers get days off? ›Many crewmembers and workers on oil rigs are assigned to two weeks on, three weeks off or "14/21" shifts. This means that they work for 14 days straight and are then given 21 days off. Those 14 days include long, tiring hours and since the rig is operating 24 hours each day, night shifts.