by Paul 

September 14, 2024

How to get a job in the oilfield

How to Get a Job in the Oilfield in 2024

If you’re wondering how to get a job in the oilfield, this is your ultimate guide.  After many years in the industry, we’ll provide all the tips and tricks to getting your start in the oil and gas industry and on your way to earning good money, even if you have no experience.

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.  Let’s be honest… This is rare, but it certainly happens.  Realistically, if you’re a hard worker and have a good head on your shoulders, you can make a really good living in the oilfield, sometimes working only half the year.

Are Oilfield Jobs Coming Back in 2024?

Oilfield jobs are making a comeback in 2024, especially in the U.S. oilfield services sector, which has seen steady job growth despite broader economic challenges. In June 2024, the sector added nearly 1,000 new jobs, pushing total employment in the sector to around 647,636 positions. This growth is notable given the backdrop of rising unemployment in other parts of the economy.

The rebound is driven by continued demand for oil and gas services globally. Companies like Halliburton are optimistic about sustained growth in the sector, especially in regions outside North America. The energy transition is also creating new opportunities for oilfield services, particularly in areas like carbon capture and storage.

However, the U.S. rig count dropped in 2023, which may slow down growth in some areas, but overall, the sector is positioned for continued job gains as long-term demand for oil remains strong.

Are Oilfield Jobs Hard?

It really depends on the job. Some service jobs are a piece of cake. When I ran SCSSV's, it wasn't a physically demanding job, but I did have extended periods of zero sleep. On the other hand, roughnecks bust their ass for 12 hours a day.

Are Oilfield Jobs Worth it? – It’s Not all Sunshine and Rainbows

Oilfield workers are a tough breed.  Some may be a little bit rough around the edges. Some may have little formal education.  Some may have advanced degrees. Some do very hard physical labor.  Some have it easier.  It really depends on what role you play and what profession you are in.  The oil and gas industry in enormous, and you wouldn’t believe the number of jobs available in this industry.

But… It’s a hard life.  You’ll typically either work on a rotation schedule or a 24/7 on call schedule.

With a rotation schedule, you’ll typically work 7 days on / 7 days off, 14 days on / 7 days off, or 28 days on / 28 days off.  This type of schedule is nice because you know when you’ll be working and when you’ll be off, plus you have a lot of off time.  The downside is you have very little power to change your working days and you miss many birthdays, holidays, and other special events.

With a 24/7 schedule you are basically on call ALL the time.  If a job comes up, you got to go.

Is it worth it? That's your call. You can make good money, and provide a good living for your family. You'll travel a lot. You'll miss events: birthdays, holidays, you name it... Take a look at your situation and decide what's important for you and/or your family.

Oil & Gas Safety

The oilfield is a lot safer now than it was 20 years ago.  I know many “old timers” missing fingers, and I’ve heard a lot of crazy stories from back in the good ole' days.

However, technology has progressed and so has safety culture.  It is still a dangerous profession.

According to the BLS, “In 2011, the total recordable rate of injuries and illnesses for support activities for oil and gas operations (NAICS 213112) was 2.1 cases per 100 full-time workers, and the rate for drilling oil and gas wells (NAICS 213111) was 3.0 cases per 100 full-time workers. This compares to a rate of 3.5 cases for all private industries combined.”

Oilfield Injuries

Due to the nature of the work, accidents can be more serious (heavy machinery, remote locations, etc.).

With that said, safety is and should be a top priority for any potential employer you are considering.

Personally, I’ve always felt safe when working on the rigs / platforms, and I’ve always felt my company and the companies we were working for had safety as the number one priority.

The Oilfield is Like Riding a Bull

When considering a job in the oilfield, always remember that it is a cyclical industry.

You’ll be making more money than you ever imagined when the oil price is high.  You’ll be holding on for dear life, when oil prices are low.

Having lived through the 80’s, 90’s, and the latest downturn in 2015 – 2017, I can tell you that I’ve seen many people laid off, having their salaries cut, and some that have lost everything.  When times are bad, they are really bad.

Oil Prices

But, when times are good, the potential to make money is enormous! In good times, you’ll be rewarded financially and jobs will be plenty. Just make sure to save because you never know when the next downturn is going to arrive.

What Type of Oilfield Job is right for me?

The oil and gas industry is very diverse, but this article is geared toward field positions.  In the field, there are three types of companies:

Operators – Operators are the companies that own the well.  They make the decisions on the drilling contractor that will drill the well and the service providers that will help drill, complete, and maintain the well. The most common field position is the production hand.  These are the guys that maintain production for the operator.

Drilling Contractors – Sub-contracted by the operator, drilling contractors are the company that is contracted to drill the well.  Working for the drilling contractor means you are contracted by the operator to drill a well which they will later produce.  In this case, you will be employed by the driller to drill a well They utilize a drilling rig to drill the well and can help the well completions team run their downhole equipment as well.  There are many positions available on drilling rigs.  If you’re just starting out you’ll probably start at the bottom as either a roustabout or roughneck.

Service Companies – Service companies provide many different services to both the operator and drilling contractor during drilling, completions, and ongoing operations. You could work in the field, in the shop, or in the manufacturing plant for the service company.

Location

Where do you want to work.  Many oilfield jobs are not going to be close to home.  If fact, you may work in a far-away location whether that be in the continental US, offshore, or over seas.

The map below shows the world's hot spots for oil and gas.

World Oil

Offshore

  1. Gulf of Mexico
  2. Alaska
  3. West Africa
  4. Brazil
  5. North Sea
  6. Asia

On-Shore US

  1. Bakken - Montana / North Dakota / Canada
  2. Marcellus – Ohio / Pennsylvania
  3. Barnett - Texas, Bend Arch - Forth Worth
  4. Haynesville - Arkansas, North Louisiana, and East Texas
  5. Utica - Pennsylvania
  6. Permian – West Texas
  7. EagleFord – South Texas

OnShore Outside US / Overseas

  1. Canada
  2. Argentina
  3. Columbia
  4. Ecaudor
  5. Mexico
  6. Venezuela
  7. Papua New Guinea
  8. Saudi Arabia
  9. Iraq
  10. Kuwait
  11. Russia

What Qualifications are needed to work in the oilfield? Do I need Experience to get an oilfield job?:

  1. You must be 18 years of age and have proof of ID or a work Visa.
  2. Field work is often physically intense.  You will need to be in good physical shape, and often you will even be required to take a physical fitness test before you are hired. You must be able to lift 50 lbs.  You must be able to go up and down stairs.
  3. You must be able to work long hours.  A lot of oilfield jobs will require you to work extended hours, perhaps 12-14 hours per day.  I’ve actually worked 34 in my longest stretch.  Depending on your job role, you may have to work until the job is complete.  Other jobs work 12 hour shifts and you swap out with the night or day crew. In some instances, the operator will only allow a maximum of 12 hours shifts.

What are the best places to look for oilfield jobs?

Let's be honest, most people blindly submit resumes until they can't think straight anymore.  Then... Crickets.

Submitting resumes is actually the hardest way to find a job. Here are some tips to get past the gatekeepers and get noticed.

When starting out, most people do a Google search or find job listings for the large oil and gas companies.  If you do not have connections or experience, it would be easier to get your first job with a smaller company and work your way up as you gain some experience in the industry.

Walk In to the Oilfield Company and Ask for a Job

In the oilfield, you can still walk into an office and ask to apply. This doesn't work for the really big oilfield companies, but smaller oilfield companies still hire this way, especially once you get outside the big cities. Make a list of companies and start knocking on doors!

Your Network

The oil and gas industry is a very tight knit community, and by far, the easiest way to find a job is getting a recommendation from someone you know who already works at one of these companies.

If you don’t know anyone, this makes it hard to get in.  But for the guys that have been in the industry for a long time, this is their biggest asset.  It’s not uncommon for an experienced hand to jump to their competitor to get more pay because one of their buddies made the jump and entice them over.

Ask family, friends, and friends of friends if they know anyone in the oilfield. If so, ask them if they know anyone hiring. A recommendation goes a long way, and even if it is just a foot in the door, this is 1000X better than submitting resumes.

Social Media

If you have zero people in your network, social media is your next step. Start getting involved in conversations in social media groups.

  • LinkedIn - See if you know anyone working at your target company
  • Facebook – Join oilfield groups and get involved in the conversation

Do not be creepy.  Don't be the guy that posts, "get me a job" to people you don't know.

Websites

  • Rigzone - The premier oil and gas job search website.
  • Indeed - Aggregates jobs from all available sources.  Basically a one stop shop for job search.
  • Craigslist - Still a great place to find entry-level oil and gas jobs
  • LinkedIn - LinkedIn's job search list its own jobs as well as aggregates from other job listing sites. The best thing about LinkeIn is you can also see who you know at each company.
  • Oilandgasjobsearch.com - A niche oil and gas job search site

Employment Agencies

Employment agencies are a good place to start if you have little experience and are trying to get into the field.

They can look for openings and start putting you in contract positions to build your experience.  These will be mostly hard manual labor jobs, but sometimes you have to start somewhere.

Trade Schools

If you went to a trade school, almost all schools have programs in place to help their students get placed in a job after school. Leverage this to your advantage.

Do you need a diploma to get an oilfield job?

No, many beginner oilfield jobs do not require a diploma, just a strong work ethic. Some oil and gas jobs hire people with no experience at all.

Engineers, and many office jobs do require a diploma and/or college degree. As in all industries a diploma helps.  It’s a foot in the door, but not a requirement.

Some companies and occupations will need a diploma from a college, trade school or require other specialized training.

Some oilfield jobs provide only on the job training.

Many companies, especially the big service companies, have very good training programs that will teach you all you need to know to complete the job (Schlumberger, Halliburton, etc.).

Do I need to take a drug test to get a job in the oilfield?

Yes, in almost all cases you will need to be able to pass a drug test. Most employers will conduct both pre-employment and random checks to satisfy the needs of their customers. The Operators will also sometimes conduct random drug tests when you get to location.

I got the job! What do I need to bring my first time in the field?

You will most definitely have to bring PPE to location.  Most of the time, your company will either provide this for you or will reimburse you for your expenses.

Here is a handy list of PPE that you will need for your first job:

List of Major Companies

Operators:

  • Anadarko
  • BP
  • Chevron
  • Conoco
  • Devon
  • ENI
  • Exxon
  • Hilcorp
  • Ophir
  • Repsol
  • Shell
  • Suncor
  • Total

Drilling Contractors:

  • Diamond Offshore
  • Ensco
  • Ensign
  • Frontier Drilling
  • Helmerich & Payne
  • Maersk
  • Nabors
  • Noble
  • Pacific Drilling
  • Patterson UTI
  • Pioneer Energy Services
  • Precision Drilling
  • Rowan
  • Seadrill
  • Sidewinder
  • Transocean

Service Companies

  • Aker Solutions
  • Baker Hughes
  • BJ Services
  • Expro
  • Flowserve
  • Frank's
  • Halliburton
  • Key Energy Services
  • NOV
  • Oceaneering
  • Schlumberger
  • Tesco
  • Weatherford
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  1. Truck Driver here, Class A hazmat, doubles triples & tanker… to many outside companies want to offer junk trucks, low ball starting salary, bullcrap excuses, dispatch that doesn’t understand the industry and tries to run it like a reefer or box division…. how do I avoid these companies and find a legimate company?

  2. Hi , my name is Manuel I just fill out an CV and just want to know where do I go for here I live in Houston Texas.

  3. Job seekers need to go to places where work is .
    Go in offices , look good, ask what jobs are available. Be willing to start at the bottom,dont whine if you are a druggie or drunk, it’s best you stay at home.
    Check out craigslistoiljobs.
    Dont quit looking.

  4. Gerald,

    You’ve hit the nail on the head. Visiting offices, looking presentable, and speaking intelligently will get you a long way in this industry.

  5. Looking to take my first step into the industry. Looking for offshore or out of country contract. If I have to start local I will but if I’m gonna do this I’m gonna go as big as possible.
    Thank you,
    Beau Foster
    brokentrailproductions@gmail.com

  6. Looking to move into this field of work. Have class A CDL willing to start from the bottom for the right price 1500 take home a week

  7. Im 59 now and started on a Ideco Rambler. First evening tower amidst a fishing trip at 4068′. To all you men out there you need to know. Roughneck work is never easy never forgotten and the worse addiction you will ever be blessed with. I loved the board even in the rain and snow…

  8. Looking for job to Support my family ASAP had a truck and the Engine went bad on it Thxz let me now plz

  9. Looking to get into the oil field and Im not wanting to start as a floor hand. I am young but I have experience and I have an electrician and hvac certification, is there any top of jobs on/offshore for someone with my skills. I am willing to travel and work hard. I have reliable transportation and able to meet all requirements for an application.

  10. I am looking for your support of my family I know you do any car no job I’m not scared. Whatever you guys need some help on it just need a job and just do whatever I have to do

  11. Looking for a oil or gas job cdl a or equip operator floor hand long hr ok kids are out of college

  12. Hi my name is david i trying long time ago to enter to a oil company but not knowing people or having experience is hard but if someone know a job in oil i will able to learn. And do my best and most of these in person is have a suceed and help family will thanks. And i will appreciate if there aomeone that can help me.

  13. Yes, a lot of the smaller companies will still hire. Stay away from your the majors (Schlumberger, Halliburton, etc.). They all do background checks and won’t hire.

  14. Good to meet y’all, my name is Juan. I do believe that I have everything about myself that anybody there would pretty much need for me to work from bottom to top as time goes by for me to be an experienced worker. I am indefinitely good perfect shape, I have no experience, but I do have a diploma and I can pass a drug test and lift way over 50 pounds for sure. I am 30 years old and I honestly need a job for sure because I need to get on with my life already no one here is hiring me in my town, so please seriously help me I will do whatever it takes for you to help me give me this job. Thank you very much.

  15. Hi…..my name is Antoine wright an I am interested in working in the oil field and I am really ready to join a company and start a new future. If any one can please point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance

  16. I’m looking to work in the oilfield. I have a twic card, a safety card & I’m a welder

  17. I was an ironworker for almost 8 years in Seattle Washington local 86. I am certified in rigging, signalman, welding, forklift operator. Been doing carpentry for 4 years now and looking for a career that will push me to my limits physically and mentally. What is the best company to start off with without experience? I am willing to travel or even move. Thank you

  18. I’ve worked in the oil and gas industries but I’ve been out of work since January of this year. I worked as a roustabout and a heavy equipment operator. I’m allot desperate to get back to work. I really appreciate all the tips but I’m hoping to hear from a company that will hire me like soon..

  19. Hello my name is brad i would love to get hired doing oil rigs jobs how do i get a job doing oil field i would love to learn how

  20. How’s it goin. Caleb Janis here. Wanting to know how I can get started in the oilfield. Where do I apply. Live in south texas

  21. Hi I have. Lil experience In the oilfield .
    At one point in time I use to fracc for archer preasure pumpin. In Oklahoma .
    I would really like to apply for offshor how shop I go about it.

  22. Looking for a job in permian basin. Have no exp in oilfield but willing to learn. Have alot of life experience. B.S degree Criminal Justice

  23. I have no experience in the oil and gas industry, but I do have a strong work history. I like to consider myself as a see/do, I learn very easy especially if the trainer’s are solid,or through the trails and errors of others. I look forward to challenges because it’s like learning how to ride, your going to fall but you have to get back on it to become better. I really appreciate the tips that I got from this page and the comments from the others. Thank You!

  24. I’ve worked as a maintenance tech/mech. for 20 years and I’ve always dreamed of the chance to work on an oil rig. But have no clue how to get my foot in the door.

  25. Thank you for all these tips and advices .They will certainly help in the futur…
    As for me, I’m ready to learn,I mean to start at the very bottom. I get a CDL A 5 months experience, looking for a job in the Oilfields and gas, ready to relocate at anytime.

  26. 25 years as a chef and Catering experience , no offshore catering experience
    Would you like to apply for offshore catering job,

  27. Looking for work in oil fields willing to start off in any position available prefer to work grave shifts but willing to work any schedule hard worker physically fit and fast learner

  28. I’ve been out here for a lot of years. Every time I try to get out of the oilfield, I end up running right back to it. It a lifestyle not a job. The money is great and gets better with experience, but remember this….I have a lot of friends out here whose gone thru several wives because they’re gone all the time. Most companies run a 14 on 7 off schedule and a lot women can’t handle you being gone. Think about it first and talk it over with your spouse. As far as pay, $100k a year is easy to make out here. If you get a job, save money. It’s boom or bust out here. I work in west Texas (Permian Basin) on the completions side. Coil tubing. Midland TX, everyone is hiring. Knock on doors. Be persistent. Exert some confidence. Be a man.

  29. Yes I’m looking for work please contact me 214 664 1710 Earnest Palmer i have some experience but not much with gas but with water distribution and pipeline… thanks again Earnest Palmer

  30. Hi this is Everett Denby again at this moment I’m having financial problems and I will be up there in North Dakota as soon as I can this is to all oil companies thank you

  31. I have been attempting to get on with an oil company for over a year. Ive been to the company sites and im really lossing hope of making a descent living. Ive been over educated for biulding homes for years now. Ive been certified on forklifts for 10 years and msha, osha, scaffolding, emt, cpr, i am fully capable, also readily available, also knowledgeable of laying water main pipeline, l am a hard working healthy go getter done worker. Please reach out.

  32. I am strugling to get direct contact email adress to apply for truck driver in America in oilfield.I am from South Africa and recently came back from New Zealand after a year working contract transporting logging.New Zealand class 5 truck driver South Africa code 14 prdp EC.Back in South Africa I obtain Hazmat certificate for transporting dangerous goods.I am looking for a oppurtunity and willing to learn about oilfield truck driving even if I can start doing contract truck driving at oilfields.Would some big company be able to sponsor me from South Africa.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  33. I am looking for a job really bad I am a good worker I pay attention what all goes on and I want to be part of this team

  34. It really helped that you said there is specific oilfield training and to be sure to use this program as an advantage. My husband has been out of work and school for a while because he had an injury and has been having difficulty finding a job now that he is better. I will have to let him know that he should look into a trade school, and maybe he could work for an oilfield construction contractor.

  35. I’m in Arlington texas! I’m really interested in working in the oil field! I l really enjoy traveling and dont mind working hard in any type of climate! It’s just hard contacting someone who can pull me on board ,or even give me the resources or someone’s number I can contact about working. I can start as soon as possible. My number is 469-514-1369. My names is melvin if anyone can help me ! Thanks and yall be safe and blessed!

  36. Hello my Name is juan R Reyna Looking for work ASAP any position available I’m a hard worker.8326143539 I live in Pasadena Texas and I’m very willing to travel.

  37. I need job bad! I’ve rig for 5 j trucking and double k drilling. Work in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma till yards were shut down. I’m very dependable. Worked over 100 hrs a week in past. I’ll travel anywhere as long as housing included. I’ve had dwi, 9 years ago. Felony) haven’t drank since then. You hire me I’ll be there till u shut ur doors. 903-571-1606

  38. I’m doing research and would like to know what all you do when you work for oil companies

  39. Hello I’m searching for an oil rig job, possibly roustabout position or wherever I can get my foot in the door. I live near Tampa florida which is right off the gulf of Mexico. Any advice or direction would be much appreciated

  40. Hello I’m Searching for Oil rig job and I have no experience but I want to work

  41. U.S. Army veteran, not scared if hard work. Team player and natural leader. Worked as a Surveyor for 12 years. Looking to get into the field, and help would be appreciated

  42. Hello,am searching for the oil,I will be glad if I get the job and also opportune.thanks

  43. I didn’t know that most drilling contractors are sub-contracted by the operator. I need to get a drilling job done but I don’t know who to hire. I’ll find an operator that has a lot of connections so they can sub-contract the best drilling contractors they know

  44. I'm looking for a entry level oilfield position that provides housing. I don't have a DL but i have a ID but I'm a hard worker and reliable.

  45. I'm 33 years old and I have two years drilling diploma and I have also 2 months enternship with an oil comoany.. then can I get job in arab emirates any oil company on rig as a helper? and please conform me what is the maximum and minimum age limit to work on oil rig…?

  46. I am willing and ready for orders to get the job done IAM 37 feel and look 27 I have nothing holding me back I am in Please give me a shot IAM on edge of homeless thank you

  47. Hi my name is Demetrius Williams I made a very impact in my life once upon a Time in the oil field all I can remember when the manager said we work 7 days a week I was against that at that time but now I think about it that was one of the opportunities for the changed my life so my question is to whom it may concern I'm ready to do it again and stick with it if I had another opportunity to become successful in life and make good money at the same time so I would like to have another opportunity to get back into the industry.

  48. My name is Anthony Brown I’m from Tuscaloosa Al, I’ve been employed at Mercedes Benz going on 13yrs and been apart of management the last couple years. I’m married with four kids and relocating been heavy on me and my family top of to do list. I would like to find something onshore, I’m a hard worker and very dedicated at my job and hope I have a chance to pursue it in the oilfield

  49. Yes I would love to be in the oil industry im a very hard worker and ready to work I have a job but I would love to do better

  50. Looking for Work, looking to get in this industry. I am willing to work my way up, will work locally, non-local jobs, on shore, off shore.
    I just want to work.

  51. Hello I have 5yrs offshore experience I used to worked in the gulf of Mexico before as a gallyhand a d a Roman attendant. My contract came to an end. Im seeking for Employment. How can you help me to get Employ

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