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Apprentice Oil Rig Jobs in Lake Charles, LA (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Oil Rig information

See Lake Charles, LA salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do apprentice oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice oil rig in Lake Charles, LA is $20.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice oil rig?

An Apprentice Oil Rig job is an entry-level position designed to train individuals in the essential skills needed to work on an oil rig. Apprentices assist experienced crew members with tasks such as equipment maintenance, drilling operations, and safety procedures. The role requires physical stamina, adherence to strict safety protocols, and a willingness to work in challenging offshore or onshore environments. Over time, apprentices gain hands-on experience and can advance to higher positions within the oil and gas industry.

What can I expect from the work environment and daily routine as an apprentice oil rig?

As an Apprentice Oil Rig worker, you will typically work long shifts in a physically demanding outdoor environment, sometimes in remote offshore or land-based locations. The role often involves rotating schedules, such as two weeks on and two weeks off, and requires performing both routine maintenance and assisting experienced crew members with drilling operations. You will participate in regular safety briefings, operate and maintain various equipment, and be trained in emergency response procedures. Teamwork is essential, as you’ll be working closely with colleagues to ensure operational efficiency and safety. Over time, apprentices can gain valuable experience and certifications leading to higher-level positions such as Derrickhand or Driller.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice oil rig?

To thrive as an Apprentice Oil Rig worker, you need physical stamina, a basic understanding of mechanical systems, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, hand and power tools, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, with certifications like H2S safety or first aid/CPR often required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this demanding environment. These qualities are critical to ensure safety, effective operations, and successful integration into a high-risk, team-oriented workplace.

Can you do an apprenticeship on an oil rig?

Yes, apprenticeships on oil rigs are available and typically involve on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. These programs often require candidates to meet minimum age and educational requirements, and they may include certifications such as H2S safety training and basic offshore safety induction. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience in drilling, maintenance, and safety procedures in the offshore environment.

How do I get a job on an apprentice oil rig with no experience?

To become an apprentice oil rig worker with no experience, you should look for entry-level trainee programs offered by oil companies or contractors, which often provide on-the-job training. Having a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and a willingness to learn are important; obtaining basic safety certifications like OSHA or H2S can improve your chances. Applying directly to companies and demonstrating a strong work ethic can help you start in entry-level roles such as roustabout or general laborer, which can lead to more advanced positions over time.

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Oil Rig jobs in Lake Charles, LA?

For Apprentice Oil Rig jobs in Lake Charles, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Lake Charles, LA are hiring for Apprentice Oil Rig jobs?

Cities near Lake Charles, LA with the most Apprentice Oil Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Oil Rig job openings in Lake Charles, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,026 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

QMED / Apprentice Engineer

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free food & snacks
  • Health insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Profit sharing
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

Role Objectives: The QMED will fill the role of deckhand while also working in the engine room. Will assist with all engine room operations to include making rounds, transfer evolutions, maintenance, and casualty response. Performs a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tanker-man certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris
  • Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary
  • rigging, and running gear
  • Load or unload materials from vessels
  • Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other
  • vessels, or to rig towing lines
  • Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings in order to look for
  • obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids such as
  • buoys and lighthouses
  • Assist with machinery maintenance
  • Assist with fuel transfers
  • Assist in emergency situations as required by captain, mate, or pilot
  • Operate, maintain, and repair ship equipment such as winches,
  • cranes, and derricks
  • Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, and sides of ships
  • Other duties and special projects as assigned 

Skill Requirements: 
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing 
  • Ability to identify a problem/potential problem 

Knowledge Requirements: 
  • Basic Mechanical 
  • Basic Electrical 
  • Hand tool 
  • Power tool 
  • Equipment maintenance knowledge of boat and ship equipment and gear 

Education: 
  • High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate) 

Experience: 
  • 1-2 years of related experience required 
  • Ability to obtain a TWIC card required

Physical Requirements: 
  • Worker will exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly. 
  • Requires hearing, talking, grasping quickly, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and crawling. 
  • Worker is required to have the ability to see details at a distance and depth perception to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away, or to judge the distance between him/her and an object. 
  • The worker is subject to environmental conditions with no protection from weather. 
  • The worker is subject to noise, vibration, hazards, and is frequently in close quarters and small enclosed rooms and is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.