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Oil & Gas Extraction
ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
Roustabouts in oil and gas keep field sites running by assembling equipment, moving pipe and machinery, repairing worn parts, and checking lines for leaks. The work is distinct because it mixes heavy manual labor with basic mechanical repair and strict attention to safety. The tradeoff is clear: the job is easy to enter and always hands-on, but it is physically demanding, tied to the energy market, and offers only modest growth.
Also known as RoustaboutOilfield RoustaboutRoustabout HandLeasehandField Roustabout
Median Salary
$47,510
Mean $49,060
U.S. Workforce
~45K
4.3K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+2.5%
46K to 47.1K
Entry Education
No formal educational credential
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas sits in the Trades category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~45K workers, with a median annual pay of $47,510 and roughly 4.3K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 46 K in 2024 to 47.1K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with No formal educational credential, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Field Helper / Laborer and can progress toward Field Supervisor / Production Foreman. High-value skills usually include Heavy Equipment Operation (Cranes, Winches & Forklifts), Industrial Maintenance Tools (Wrenches, Tongs & Power Tools), and Leak Detection Equipment & Visual Inspection, paired with soft skills such as Critical thinking, Judgment and decision making, and Monitoring and attention to detail.
Core Responsibilities
- Put together pumps, engines, and other field equipment before it goes into service.
- Clean trucks, trailers, and other vehicles used around the worksite.
- Take apart damaged machinery and repair it with hand tools and power tools.
- Help move heavy pipe and equipment by guiding crane operators and handling loads safely.
Keep exploring: more Trades careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Put together pumps, engines, and other field equipment before it goes into service.
02 Clean trucks, trailers, and other vehicles used around the worksite.
03 Take apart damaged machinery and repair it with hand tools and power tools.
04 Help move heavy pipe and equipment by guiding crane operators and handling loads safely.
05 Connect and disconnect pipe sections, tubing, casing, and pump rods during field work.
06 Check flow lines and other pipe runs for leaks, then repair the problem when one is found.
Industries That Hire
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Oilfield Services
Halliburton, SLB, Baker Hughes
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Pipeline & Midstream
Kinder Morgan, Enbridge, Plains All American
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Drilling Contractors
Nabors Industries, Helmerich & Payne, Patterson-UTI
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Industrial Maintenance & Repair
Wood PLC, Fluor, Jacobs
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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You can get started without a formal degree, and BLS says the role only calls for moderate-term on-the-job training.
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Pay is solid for an entry trade job, with median annual earnings of $47,510 and mean pay of $49,060.
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The work is hands-on and varied, so you are not stuck doing the same desk task all day.
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Job openings are steady, with about 4.3 thousand openings a year projected.
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There is a real path into crew lead and supervisor roles if you build field experience and mechanical skill.
Challenges
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Growth is slow at 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, so the field is not expanding quickly.
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The work is hard on your body because it involves lifting, climbing, moving pipe, and working outside in rough conditions.
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Safety risks are real around heavy equipment, pressure lines, cranes, and power tools, so mistakes can hurt you fast.
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Demand can swing with oil and gas prices, which makes hiring and overtime uneven across regions and years.
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The role has a limited ceiling for people who stay in manual field work, and more mechanized equipment can reduce the need for some of the labor.
Career Progression
Field Helper / Laborer
0-1 years
$35K-$42K
You learn the site, move materials, clean equipment, and do basic support work under close supervision.
Roustabout
1-3 years
$44K-$52K
You handle pipe, basic repairs, equipment checks, and day-to-day rig or lease upkeep.
Lead Roustabout THIS ROLE
3-6 years
$53K-$64K
You coordinate a small crew, assign tasks, and handle more complex maintenance and safety checks.
Field Supervisor / Production Foreman
6-10 years
$65K-$85K
You oversee crews, schedule work, and keep field operations moving safely and on time.
Education Paths
No formal educational credential
BLS says this is the typical entry point, and many employers train workers on site even though 38% of workers in the role have an associate's degree.
Associate's degree in process technology, industrial maintenance, or oil and gas operations
This is the most common education level in the O*NET distribution, held by 38% of workers, and it can make it easier to move into more technical field work.
High school diploma or GED plus moderate-term on-the-job training
This is a practical route for employers that train new hires in the field, especially on crews that want people who can learn equipment and safety rules quickly.
Safety and equipment certifications
A CDL, forklift, crane, H2S, or OSHA safety certificate can help you get hired, but it usually supports work experience rather than replacing it.
Key Skills
Technical
Heavy Equipment Operation (Cranes, Winches & Forklifts) 62%
Industrial Maintenance Tools (Wrenches, Tongs & Power Tools) 61%
Leak Detection Equipment & Visual Inspection 60%
Pipe Handling, Rigging & Hoist Equipment 60%
Pump, Engine & Valve Repair 59%
Lockout/Tagout & Field Safety Procedures 58%
Soft Skills
Critical thinkingJudgment and decision makingMonitoring and attention to detailActive listeningSafety awarenessTeamwork Job Outlook and Trends
+2.5%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
4.3K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 46K to 47.1 K over the next decade, representing 2.5% growth. Around 4.3 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.