The oil and gas industry encompasses a wide array of job types that have many different qualifications. To work on an oil rig, you must be physically fit and able to perform intermittent strenuous activity as well as possess an acumen for mechanics, repair, and technology. Prior experience is valuable, and many employers seek candidates with work history in manufacturing or the military. There are usually no formal education requirements for an entry-level floor hand position on an oil rig, though a high school diploma is often preferred. Senior positions, such as engineers, require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the relevant field and previous industry experience. Jobs related to geology also require a college degree, with a preferred emphasis in oil or gas.