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Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Roustabout carries out cargo handling duties, general cleaning, maintenance, and other manual ... Relieves / assist Floorhands on the rig floor as required Education, Training, and Experience to ...

At a Glance: Non-supervisory rig-based drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore entry-level), Motorman and Derrickman . When completing your ...

At a Glance: Non-supervisory rig-based drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore entry-level), Motorman and Derrickman . When completing your ...

At a Glance: Non-supervisory rig-based drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore entry-level), Motorman and Derrickman . When completing your ...

Crane Mechanic

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... of oil well rigs as needed  Work as directed by Crane Supervisor, Lead Operators, Rig ... offshore and onshore assets. Procurement of repair parts and expendables is an essential part of ...

Advanced Riggers

Belle Chasse, LA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

... the offshore oil and gas and commercial industries with the most reliable, safe and easily ... Conducts de-rig and post-use inspection of the lifting equipment before returning it to storage.

Advanced Riggers

Belle Chasse, LA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

... the offshore oil and gas and commercial industries with the most reliable, safe and easily ... Conducts de-rig and post-use inspection of the lifting equipment before returning it to storage.

Advanced Riggers

Belle Chasse, LA

$23.25 - $30/hr

... the offshore oil and gas and commercial industries with the most reliable, safe and easily ... Conducts de-rig and post-use inspection of the lifting equipment before returning it to storage.

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Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout information

See salary details

$10

$26

$51

How much do offshore oil rig roustabout jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore oil rig roustabout 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 is it like to work and live on an offshore oil rig as a Roustabout?

Working as an Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout means you’ll typically live on the rig for several weeks at a time, working in rotational shifts such as two weeks on and two weeks off. Life on the rig is highly structured, with scheduled work, safety meetings, and shared living quarters with other crew members. The work can be physically demanding and takes place outdoors in changing weather, but there are usually shared dining, recreation, and fitness facilities to help with downtime. Roustabouts often develop close working relationships and gain valuable industry experience, which can lead to opportunities for promotion to more specialized positions like Roughneck or Derrickhand.

What is an Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout job?

An Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout is an entry-level position responsible for general labor and maintenance on an oil rig. Duties include cleaning, moving equipment, assisting with drilling operations, and ensuring the deck remains organized and safe. Roustabouts work in challenging conditions, often outdoors in extreme weather, on rotating shifts. This role provides hands-on experience and is a common starting point for advancing in the offshore oil industry. Strong physical endurance and teamwork skills are essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as forklifts, cranes, and safety equipment, along with basic safety certifications like BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training), is often required. Teamwork, adaptability, and a strong work ethic are key soft skills for success in this demanding environment. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and smooth operations on offshore rigs where conditions can be tough and teamwork is essential.

Is it hard to get hired on an offshore oil rig?

Getting hired as an offshore oil rig roustabout can be competitive, often requiring physical fitness, relevant safety certifications, and experience in manual labor or industrial environments. Employers typically look for strong work ethic, ability to work in challenging conditions, and willingness to work long shifts offshore.

What does a roustabout do on an oil rig?

A roustabout on an oil rig is responsible for general labor tasks such as cleaning, maintaining equipment, handling supplies, and assisting with rig operations. They often perform physical work, use hand tools, and follow safety protocols in a demanding offshore environment.

Is it hard to become a roustabout?

Becoming an offshore oil rig roustabout typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and the ability to work in demanding environments. Entry-level positions often do not require prior experience, but safety training and certifications like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are usually necessary. The job can be physically demanding and involves long shifts, but with proper training, it is accessible to many applicants.

How much do roustabouts get paid on oil rigs?

Roustabouts on oil rigs typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $25,000 to $35,000. Experienced roustabouts or those working offshore for extended periods can earn higher wages, especially with overtime and hazard pay. Compensation often includes benefits such as housing, meals, and safety training.
What cities are hiring for Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout jobs? Cities with the most Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout jobs? The most popular types of Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout jobs are:
What states have the most Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout jobs? States with the most job openings for Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout jobs include:
Infographic showing various Offshore Oil Rig Roustabout job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,057 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Roustabout

Full-time

Re-posted 20 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.