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Offshore Oil Rigs Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tech I- Fire

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$35K - $48K/yr

Rigs-up and uses a wide range of safety equipment including but not limited to retractable ... Trained, authorized, and certified to work both onshore and offshore exploration and production ...

Tech I- Fire

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$35K - $48K/yr

Rigs-up and uses a wide range of safety equipment including but not limited to retractable ... Trained, authorized, and certified to work both onshore and offshore exploration and production.

Tech I- Fire

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$35K - $48K/yr

Rigs-up and uses a wide range of safety equipment including but not limited to retractable ... Trained, authorized, and certified to work both onshore and offshore exploration and production.

Offshore Oil Rigs information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$15

$21

How much do offshore oil rigs jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore oil rigs in Virginia is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working on offshore oil rigs, and how are they addressed?

Employees on offshore oil rigs often face challenges such as extended periods away from home, working in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous conditions, and adapting to a strict rotation schedule (typically two to four weeks on, followed by time off). To address these, companies provide comprehensive safety training, robust health and wellness programs, and comfortable living quarters on the rig. Additionally, strong teamwork and clear communication are emphasized to maintain safety and efficiency, and many employers offer support services to help workers manage the unique demands of offshore life.

What are offshore oil rigs?

Offshore oil rigs are large, specialized structures used to extract oil and natural gas from beneath the ocean floor. These rigs can be located far from land and are designed to withstand harsh marine environments. They house drilling equipment, production facilities, and living quarters for workers, allowing operations to continue around the clock. Offshore oil rigs play a crucial role in global energy production by tapping into underwater oil reserves that are otherwise inaccessible.

How do I get a job on an offshore rig?

To get a job on an offshore rig, candidates typically need relevant experience in the oil and gas industry, such as in drilling, maintenance, or safety roles, along with certifications like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET). Applying through specialized recruitment agencies or directly to oil companies, and demonstrating strong technical skills and physical fitness, are common steps in the hiring process.

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

Getting hired on an offshore oil rig can be competitive and requires relevant experience, certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and physical fitness. Employers often look for specialized skills, safety training, and the ability to work in challenging environments, which can make the hiring process demanding but achievable for qualified candidates.

What is the difference between Offshore Oil Rigs vs Offshore Oil Rig Workers?

AspectOffshore Oil RigsOffshore Oil Rig Workers
DefinitionStructures used for extracting oil from beneath the ocean floorIndividuals working on offshore oil rigs performing various roles
CredentialsEngineering, technical certifications for rig design and operationCertifications vary by role, including safety and technical training
Work EnvironmentStationary platforms in open seaOn-site workers on the rig platform
Industry UsageStructures are the physical assetsPersonnel operating and maintaining the rigs

Offshore oil rigs are the physical structures used for oil extraction, while offshore oil rig workers are the personnel who operate and maintain these rigs. Understanding this distinction helps clarify roles within the industry, whether you're interested in the infrastructure or the jobs performed on these platforms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Offshore Oil Rig Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Oil Rig Worker, you need a solid understanding of mechanical operations, safety procedures, and often a relevant trade qualification or certification such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET). Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety systems, and sometimes specialized software for monitoring rig operations is typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving ability, and resilience under physically demanding and isolated conditions are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure safety, operational efficiency, and the ability to handle emergencies in a challenging offshore environment.

How much does an offshore oil rig worker make?

Offshore oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Positions such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and drillers often have different pay scales, with many workers earning additional compensation for working long shifts and in remote environments.

How much do you get paid on offshore rigs?

Offshore oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Positions such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and engineers have varying pay scales, with many workers earning additional allowances for working in remote or hazardous environments and often working 2-4 week rotations.
What job categories do people searching Offshore Oil Rigs jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Offshore Oil Rigs jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Offshore Oil Rigs jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Offshore Oil Rigs job openings:
Tech I- Fire

$35K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Total Safety rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 32 rated health and safety providers


Job description

Total Safety is looking for a Fire Technician II to join their safety conscious team! The Fire Technician I provides service inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair for fire equipment which typically includes but is not limited to portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers, lifesaving equipment, fire and gas detection systems, foam systems, dry chemical systems, navigational aids, gaseous suppression systems and sprinkler systems.

Total Safety is the world's premier provider of integrated safety and compliance services and the products necessary to support them, including gas detection, respiratory protection, safety training, fire protection, compliance and inspection, comprehensive flare services, industrial hygiene, onsite emergency medical treatment/paramedics, communications systems, engineered systems design, and materials management.   

Essential Duties:   

  • Performs shop service and/or field inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of fire equipment which may include customer portable and fixed fire extinguisher systems and components, lifesaving and navigation aid equipment, fixed breathing air systems, fire detection and alarm system components, fixed gas detection systems components and foam, dry chemical, gaseous fire suppression systems and components and water-based fire protection equipment.
  • Completes all documentation associated with inspection and repair in a timely and accurate manner and obtains signature from customer so that proper invoicing and documentation can be provided to customer. This includes all inspection and repair documents, job cost billable expenses and time sheets.
  • Conducts detailed visual inspections and system functional tests of various systems and equipment for the purpose of reporting any deficiencies and corrective action recommendations to customer.
  • Conducts pre-job, job update and post job completion briefs.
  • Assists others in facility including stocking shelves with clean, tested, and ready to use equipment and pulling, staging, and loading customer orders onto trucks for delivery.
  • Maintains work area and other areas in a clean and orderly condition.
  • Performs basic maintenance and care of assigned vehicle and/or trailer.
  • Operates electronic safety and communications systems including portable gas monitors, hand-held radios, and other related equipment.
  • Rigs-up and uses a wide range of safety equipment including but not limited to retractable lifelines, harnesses, and lanyards.
  • Trained, authorized, and certified to work both onshore and offshore exploration and production.

Skills and Experience:   

  • Knowledge of all regulatory standards pertaining to assigned responsibilities,e., State, OSHA, and NFPA regulations, etc.
  • Must have knowledge of applicable Code of Federal Regulations, Coast Guard and ABS regulations if offshore.
  • Proficiency in the care and use of all sites specific, facility and customer required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Trained in Respiratory Protection and fully certified to wear respiratory breathing equipment (Fit Tested) where required by facility.  
  • Forklift experience is considered a plus. Must have ability to pass internal forklift certification as
  • Must be able to obtain TWIC card and pass any required safety testing to include classes such as Basic Plus, OSHA 10 hour,
  • May be required to obtain a driver’s license with a DOT hazardous endorsement if required by facilit
  • Must have State Fire Licenses (if required by State) or pass NICET Level II testing (if State Licensing not required) in TWO disciplines of fire protection or have NICET 3 in one fire protection discipline for appropriate areas of service prior to performing work within those areas.

Working Environment:   

Shop, indoor and outdoor industrial environments. May be frequently exposed to cold, hot, wet, humid, outside weather conditions and vibration. Works in customer environment. May be exposed to high pressure, chemicals, and traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Educational Requirements:   

High School diploma or GED and at least two (2) years of field experience in fire protection, petrochemical, oil refinery or related industry. Associate degree in science or technical area strongly preferred.

Total Safety and its subsidiaries afford equal opportunity in employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, pregnancy, familial status, disability status, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under Federal, State or Local law. Total Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer.   

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