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Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

This is an entrylevel role designed for individuals with oil & gas exposure who want to grow into a longterm field career. You'll work in challenging environments, support rig operations, and ensure ...

This is an entrylevel role designed for individuals with oil & gas exposure who want to grow into a longterm field career. You'll work in challenging environments, support rig operations, and ensure ...

Water Transfer Technician

Dilley, TX

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Synergen provides an array of custom support services for the oil & gas industry and beyond, backed ... rig down projects as a CMV driver and rig up or rig down task. They will be responsible for ...

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Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout information

What are some common challenges faced by entry level roustabouts on oil rigs, and how can they be managed?

Entry level roustabouts often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, adjusting to long shifts in remote locations, and learning strict safety protocols. Managing these challenges involves maintaining physical fitness, building strong communication with your crew, and being proactive about safety training. It's also helpful to seek guidance from experienced colleagues and take advantage of mentorship programs, as teamwork and support are essential on the rig.

What is the difference between Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout vs Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck?

AspectEntry Level Oil Rig RoustaboutEntry Level Oil Rig Roughneck
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic riggingOSHA safety training, basic rigging
Work EnvironmentGeneral labor on deck, assisting with equipmentMore hands-on drilling tasks, working closer to the drill floor
Employer UsageEntry-level position for general support rolesEntry-level but more technical, assisting with drilling operations

While both roles are entry-level positions on an oil rig, the Roustabout typically performs general support tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and assisting with equipment. The Roughneck, although also entry-level, is more involved in drilling operations and may require additional technical skills. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential for rig operations, but Roughnecks often have a more direct role in the drilling process.

What are entry level oil rig roustabouts?

Entry level oil rig roustabouts are workers who perform basic manual labor on oil rigs, typically under the supervision of more experienced crew members. Their duties include cleaning and maintaining equipment, handling tools and materials, and assisting other workers with various tasks on the rig. Roustabouts play a key role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of drilling operations. This position is often considered a starting point for a career in the oil and gas industry and offers opportunities for advancement with experience and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and at least a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and basic hand or power tools is often required, and certifications like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are valuable. Strong teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn help you adapt to the demanding and hazardous environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and effective operations on an oil rig.
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Roustabout jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Oil Rig Roustabout jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout jobs in Texas? For Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Floorhand - South and East Texas

Floorhand - South and East Texas

Patterson-UTI

Victoria, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Brief Description:

The Floorhand assists the Motorhand, Derrickhand, and Driller in day-to-day rig operations. Major responsibilities include general maintenance and cleaning, checking the rig and equipment, and assisting in drilling activities.  The Floorhand is responsible for making drill pipe connections and tripping pipe in/out of the drilling hole. This is an entry-level job that provides initial introductory training and substantial on-the-job training.

Detailed Description:

  • Lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person frequently during the tour work shift
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Clean and general upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe
  • Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist with general assembly and maintenance and help prepare new location
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for any problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
  • Assist with inspecting, slipping and cutting drilling line
  • Responsible for picking up and laying down tubulars, attaching or detaching pick- up lines, and the hook up and tear out of flare and degasser lines
  • Assist Motorhand with preventative maintenance and repairs of equipment and motors, pipe, and off-loading materials as well as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines
  • Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection 
  • Inspect safety equipment and PPE for wear and replacing as needed
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Support other crew members by carrying supplies, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:

  • Ability to stand and walk for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Prior experience or ability to use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Ability to safely lift and carry 50 pounds independently and repetitively climb steep stairs
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Able to have accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Able to work closely with others in the confined area of the drilling rig and may live together in crew quarters
  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws) 

Minimum Qualifications for new to Patterson-UTI (Expereinced):

  • 6 months of experience working in a rig based positions (Floorhand, Motorhand, Derrickhand within the drilling industry)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Forklift Certification
  • Valid Well control certifications, IADC WellSHARP preferred 
  • High School Diploma or GED 

Minimum Qualifications for new to industry:

  • One (1) year of stable work history

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Six (6) months stable related work history (e.g., farming, ranching, construction, heavy equipment or other trade) or military service 
  • High School Diploma or GED

Additional Details:

This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located.  Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80 to low 100 with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as - 40.

The New Standard for Drilling Performance
Drill safer, smarter and faster with Patterson-UTI Drilling's comprehensive fleet of pad-capable rigs featuring advanced walking systems to enhance your operations so you can reach your apex.

Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics protected by law. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns through multiple channels.



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