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Drilling Roustabout Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assists in the care and protection of drill pipes, and other tubular using such items as brushes ... X Salary increases X Hiring new employees X Discharging employees X Disciplinary actions X ...

... drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

... drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

... drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

... drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

Drilling Roustabout Salary information

See salary details

$10

$26

$51

How much do drilling roustabout salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling roustabout salary in the United States is $26.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Drilling Roustabouts, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Drilling Roustabouts often work in physically demanding environments, frequently outdoors and in varying weather conditions. Common challenges include adapting to long shifts, rotating schedules, and the need for constant awareness of safety protocols. New hires can prepare by focusing on physical fitness, familiarizing themselves with safety regulations, and developing good teamwork and communication skills, as tasks are usually completed under supervision and in coordination with other crew members. Being proactive about learning site-specific procedures can also help ease the transition into this dynamic role.

What is the average salary of a drilling roustabout?

The average salary of a drilling roustabout typically ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year in the United States, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level roustabouts may start at a lower wage, while those with several years of experience or working offshore can earn higher salaries, including overtime and bonuses. In addition to their base pay, many roustabouts receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Salaries can also vary based on the oil and gas industry's demand and the complexity of the drilling operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drilling Roustabout, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Roustabout, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to work in challenging outdoor environments, with a high school diploma often required. Familiarity with rigging equipment, power tools, and adherence to safety protocols is essential, and certifications like H2S and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are commonly expected. Teamwork, reliability, and strong communication skills help you integrate smoothly with crews and respond effectively to dynamic situations. These competencies are vital for maintaining safety, ensuring operational efficiency, and supporting drilling operations in demanding conditions.

What is the difference between Drilling Roustabout Salary vs Roughneck Salary?

AspectDrilling Roustabout SalaryRoughneck Salary
Average Annual Salary$40,000 - $60,000$45,000 - $65,000
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic riggingOSHA safety training, basic rigging
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sitesOffshore/onshore drilling sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with equipment setup, cleaning, and maintenanceHandling equipment, assisting drillers, performing manual labor

Both Drilling Roustabouts and Roughnecks work in similar environments and require safety certifications. Roughnecks typically perform more hands-on drilling tasks and have higher earning potential, but both roles are essential in drilling operations and share similar work conditions.

More about Drilling Roustabout Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Drilling Roustabout Salary jobs? Cities with the most Drilling Roustabout Salary job openings:
What states have the most Drilling Roustabout Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Drilling Roustabout Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drilling Roustabout Salary job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,057 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Roustabout

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position: Roustabout
FLSA: Non -Exempt
Job Summary:
A Roustabout carries out cargo handling duties, general cleaning, maintenance, and other manual labor as assigned and directed. They work under the direction of the Crane Operator and will use hand and power tools to perform maintenance and repairs to drilling rig equipment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Prepares cargo for lift by attaching appropriate slings through shackles and other attaching devices; Checks loads for clearance, obstructions, balance and proper attachment
  • As a dedicated Banksman gives or relays hand signals and/or radio signals to the Crane Operator to control lift and move the load
  • Removes waste, debris, and accumulated trash from decks, stairs, compartments and other areas of the rig and disposes of it properly
  • Sweeps and washes decks, bulkheads, and structures using brooms, mops, rags, brushes, air, and high-pressure water hoses
  • Cleans up spills and accumulated waste and takes all necessary actions to prevent tripping and slipping hazards
  • Keeps hand tools in good condition, properly maintained, and stored when not in use; Keeps lines, hoses, slings, (etc.) coiled and other materials properly stored
  • Operates air hoists, hydraulic hoists, chain hoists, and other cargo handling gear to pick up and move tubular and other heavy equipment
  • Assists with the running and retrieval of the BOP and auxiliary equipment
  • Performs heli-deck duties as directed by the Helicopter Landing Officer
  • Assists in the care and protection of drill pipes, and other tubular using such items as brushes, rabbits, thread protectors, pipe dopes, (etc.)
  • Assists in assembling, dismantling, and maintaining of deck machinery, pumps, drilling tools, and other mechanical equipment
  • Assists in slipping and cutting of wire lines and inspection and maintenance of wire and fiber lines, slings, and other lifting equipment
  • Assists working in living quarters as needed
  • Assist in cleaning of mud pits, sand traps, void tanks, etc.
  • Assists in the erection of scaffolding and staging as required
  • Prepares and cleans deck surfaces, superstructures, bulkheads, (etc.) prior to priming and painting
  • Paints prepared surfaces as directed; Applies coats of primer, paint, and varnish with rollers and spray guns in accordance with painting specifications
  • Shall ensure hazardous waste is separated and disposed of appropriately. (Gulf of Mexico only)
  • Relieves / assist Floorhands on the rig floor as required

Education, Training, and Experience to satisfy essential job functions:
Required:
  • High School Diploma: Demonstrated ability of oral and written communications may be substituted in lieu of formal education

Preferred:
  • Roustabouts should be comfortable as a Banksman using standard hand signals to direct the crane operator in lifting and hoisting operations
  • Familiar with Permit to Work System, Job Safe Analysis (JSA) and honoring Stop Work Authority

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Not normally required to supervise others

If supervisory responsibilities exist, describe those supervisory activities the job is responsible for by indicating level of supervision given for each activity listed below. Place an X in the category that best describes the level of supervision provided.
Supervisory Activities
No Responsibility
Provides recommendations, but does not make final decision
Makes final decision
Evaluating employee performance
X
Promotions
X
Salary increases
X
Hiring new employees
X
Discharging employees
X
Disciplinary actions
X
Scheduling work hours & assign activities of other employees
X
Coaching and counseling
X
Training
X
Assigning work activities
X
Direct and Indirect Reports:
  • This position directly supervises 0 employees and indirectly supervises 0 employees

Typical Physical Requirements of Position:
( )
A.
Sedentary work. May require exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
( )
B.
Light work. My require exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
( )
C.
Medium work. May require exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
(X)
D.
Heavy work. May require exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.