Oil rig workers earn an average salary of $50,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on their role and experience. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000, while specialized roles like drillers or toolpushers can exceed $120,000. Offshore positions often include overtime pay, hazard bonuses, and extended leave schedules.
Overview of Oil Rig Jobs
Oil rig jobs include physically demanding roles on offshore and onshore drilling platforms, supporting oil and gas extraction.
Most entry-level jobs involve manual labor such as handling pipes, maintaining equipment, and operating heavy machinery. These roles support larger drilling operations and require workers to follow strict safety standards. Offshore oil rig workers often stay on site for weeks at a time, followed by extended leave.
Common roles include:
- Roustabout: basic laborer
- Derrickhand: manages drilling mud and equipment
- Driller: operates drilling machinery
- Toolpusher: oversees rig operations
- Petroleum engineers: design and evaluate drilling plans
These jobs exist in both onshore and offshore rigs, but offshore oil rig jobs usually offer higher pay due to challenging conditions and longer shifts.
Average Salary for Oil Rig Workers
The average oil rig worker salary ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location.
Entry-level jobs like roustabouts start around $40,000 in the U.S. Meanwhile, mid-level positions such as derrick operators and drillers often earn between $55,000 and $100,000. Senior roles, including drilling engineers, can exceed $120,000.
Oil Rig Worker Salary Table
| Position | Region | Annual Salary (USD) | Hourly Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (Roustabout) | US | $40,000 – $60,000 | $26.57 avg |
| Entry-level (Roustabout) | UK | £20,000 – £35,000 | N/A |
| Driller/Derrickhand | US | $55,000 – $81,000 | N/A |
| Drilling Engineer | US | $96,592 – $224,359 | N/A |
| Rig Manager | US | $76,904 – $250,000 | N/A |
| Drilling Supervisor | Australasia | $329,508 | $2,302/day |
| HSE Manager | Australasia | $199,049 | $1,348/day |
| Tooling Engineer | US | $91,931 | N/A |
| Mechanic | US | $80,389 | N/A |
| Welder | North America | Up to $76,220 | N/A |
| QA/QC Inspector | Global | $49,627 – $132,071 | N/A |
Salaries reflect job type, experience, and location. Workers on offshore rigs typically earn more than those on land rigs.
Entry-Level vs Experienced Pay
Entry-level oil rig workers earn about $40,000 – $60,000 annually, while more experienced workers can surpass $120,000.
Most entry-level roles require physical fitness and basic mechanical knowledge. With 1 – 2 years of experience, workers often move to mid-level jobs such as roughnecks or derrickhands, increasing their pay significantly.
Higher-end roles like drillers or rig managers require:
- Leadership skills
- Technical knowledge of drilling equipment
- Understanding of geological data
These roles offer six-figure salaries, particularly in offshore roles or international operations where demand is higher.
Offshore vs Onshore Salary Differences
Offshore oil rig workers generally earn 15% – 30% more than onshore rig workers.
This difference is due to:
- Longer shifts (e.g., 14/21-day rotations)
- Hazard pay for remote or harsh environments
- Company-provided housing, meals, and travel
Onshore roles offer more predictable schedules but pay less. For example, an onshore roughneck might earn $50,000/year, while an offshore driller can earn $90,000 or more.
Offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and Middle East offer the highest wages globally.
Perks, Bonuses, and Benefits
Oil companies offer bonuses, profit-sharing, and benefits like housing and insurance to attract and retain skilled rig workers.
Standard benefits for offshore oil rig workers include:
- Overtime pay (common in 12-hour shifts)
- Hazard bonuses for risky work
- Health insurance and retirement plans
- Paid travel to and from offshore rigs
- Extended leave schedules
Many companies also offer education stipends, especially for workers advancing to roles like drilling supervisors or petroleum engineers.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Oil rig salaries range widely based on position, experience, and location. Offshore roles pay more and offer bonuses and benefits.
- Entry-level roles: ~$40,000/year
- Mid-level roles: ~$60,000–$100,000/year
- Senior/technical roles: Over $120,000/year
- Offshore oil rig jobs usually offer higher pay than onshore due to harder conditions
The oil and gas industry continues to offer strong earning potential for skilled labor, especially in roles involving drilling operations, rig maintenance, and occupational safety.
Typical Questions
Below are common questions.
How do oil rig worker salaries compare between offshore and onshore rigs?
Offshore oil rig jobs generally pay more than onshore positions due to the hazardous environment, extended shifts, and time away from home. Offshore workers often receive additional benefits such as accommodation, meals, and travel allowances.
Can oil rig workers earn bonuses or profit sharing in addition to their base salary?
Yes, many oil rig workers receive bonuses, overtime pay, and sometimes profit sharing, especially in high-demand periods or when meeting safety and production targets.
How quickly can entry-level oil rig workers move into higher-paying roles?
Advancement can be rapid for motivated workers. Entry-level roustabouts may become roughnecks or derrickhands within 1–2 years, with corresponding salary increases. Training and certifications can speed up this progression.
