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Oil Rig Roustabout Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Oil Rig Roustabout information

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$10

$26

$51

How much do oil rig roustabout jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 are oil rig roustabouts?

Oil rig roustabouts are entry-level workers on oil rigs who perform a variety of physical labor tasks essential to the operation and maintenance of drilling rigs. Their responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining equipment, loading and unloading supplies, assembling and dismantling rig components, and assisting more experienced crew members. Roustabouts play a key role in ensuring the smooth and safe running of drilling operations and often work long shifts in challenging environments. This position can provide valuable experience for those looking to advance in the oil and gas industry.

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

AspectOil Rig RoustaboutOil Rig Roughneck
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentGeneral labor on oil rigs, handling equipment and suppliesMore specialized, involved in drilling operations and pipe handling
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by oil companies on offshore and onshore rigsTypically found in drilling crews, often working closely with roughneck teams

Oil Rig Roustabouts perform general labor tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and equipment handling, while Oil Rig Roughnecks are more involved in drilling operations, handling drill pipes, and assisting with the drilling process. Both roles require safety training and are essential in oil rig operations, but Roughnecks have more technical responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Oil Rig Roustabouts, and how can they be managed?

Oil Rig Roustabouts often encounter physically demanding work, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and long shifts, which can be both mentally and physically taxing. Adapting to shift work and maintaining alertness during extended hours are key challenges, as is ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. To manage these challenges, it's important to build physical stamina, stay hydrated, participate in all safety training, and communicate openly with team members to support a safe and efficient work environment.

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

To thrive as an Oil Rig Roustabout, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rig safety protocols, use of heavy machinery, and certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are typically required. Teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you excel in challenging and hazardous environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining safety, operational efficiency, and effective collaboration on offshore rigs.
More about Oil Rig Roustabout jobs
What cities are hiring for Oil Rig Roustabout jobs? Cities with the most Oil Rig Roustabout job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Roustabout jobs? The most popular types of Oil Rig Roustabout jobs are:
What states have the most Oil Rig Roustabout jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Rig Roustabout jobs include:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Roustabout job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,057 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

USS - WE ARE HIRING! Texas Region | Floorhands, Derrickhands, Motorhands

ensignenergy

Midland, TX

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

USS - WE ARE HIRING! Texas Region | Floorhands, Derrickhands, Motorhands 

Job Summary

The Floorhand safely and efficiently operates the systems that make up a Drilling Rig. This includes the operation of tongs and use of drilling slips to assemble and disassemble drilling pipe and collars, operation of hoists to raise/lower equipment and personnel as well as hand tools, sledgehammers, and large pipe wrenches. Performs preventative, scheduled, and unscheduled equipment maintenance and repairs. This may include chipping and painting, the physical movement of equipment, the mixing of chemicals and the greasing, oiling, and washing of equipment, walls, and floors. Works with/handle tubulars, loads and unloads freight vehicles. Cleans and organizes equipment, tools, replacement/spare parts, etc. all as part of the process of drilling an oil well to produce/remove underground oil and gas or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.

Internal Relationships

Works under the direct supervision of the Driller, may be seconded to other supervisors or to help others as required.

External Relationships

Occasionally the Floorhand may be in contact with Operator’s representatives, as well as Third-Party OEM and Service Companies technical representatives such as Casing crews, Wellhead installers, welders, etc.

Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities

The Job Description Listed below is for Floorhand but we have Derrickhands and Motorhands Openings as well.  Applicants will be reviewed for roles based on their work history listed on their profile when they apply for this listing. 

  • Handles tubular goods by manually pushing, pulling, lifting and operating hoists and racking equipment.
  • Measures tubular goods using a rig tape.
  • Makes and breaks tubular connections using tongs, and handles tubular goods, spinning chain, iron roughnecks, elevators and slips.  Requires heavy exertion in forms of pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying heavy objects.
  • Visually inspects connections, dies, nuts and bolts on drill floor and drilling equipment including derrick. Replaces, repairs and tightens as required.
  • Assists Derrickhand in changing screens; relieves Derrickhand as required.
  • Assists Driller in the training and instruction of less experience Floorhands.
  • Assists in specialized tasks:
    • Rigging up.
    • Nippling up.
    • Running casing.
    • Lubricating jacking system during Rig moves.
    • Tearing down specialized equipment. Requires ability to work over side and work from high elevations – requires climbing.
  • Forms part of Well Control Team during shut in procedures.
  • Works in a safe and conscientious manner to ensure personnel safety and the safety of fellow crewmembers.
  • Reports any irregularities or safety hazards to supervisors.

May be called upon to perform other duties comparable to the above as the above duties describe only the typical, primary features of the job and should not be construed as describing all the duties which are part of the job. 

Education and Experience

Prior land rig experience is preferred.

Qualifications

Normal career path would have adequately demonstrated to a supervisor through on-the-job experience the ability to competently and safely perform the tasks of a roustabout.  Prior land rig experience is preferred.  The position of Floorhand necessitates capacity to be able to perform very heavy work.

Very Heavy Work: Lifting objects in excess of 100 lbs. with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 lbs. or more.

Other Accountabilities

  • Business Ethics Understands fully Ensign’s ethics policy and its application in all business dealings including contractual agreements and contract negotiations
  • Business Policies - Understands and agrees to follow all of Ensign’s Policy and Directives and procedures as set forth in the Ensign Company Policy and Basic Directives Handbook for Employees
  • Certifications – Maintains technical and safety certifications required by company or government agencies; remains current on all OSHA, EUSD and other required training
  • Drug-free workplace - Conforms to a drug-free workplace, not be under the influence of mind-altering prescription or non-prescription drugs, including alcohol and other drugs of abuse.
  • Occupational Health and Safety – Understands fully the Ensign Health and Safety policy and self-responsibility for own health and safety at work; Demonstrates responsibility to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others through any act or omission
    • Uses the correct protective clothing and equipment as provided by Ensign and guards against misuse or damage to such equipment
    • Reports any hazardous situations arising in the workplace that cannot be self-corrected, or injury incurred during the course of work, no matter how minor
    • Avoids injury resulting from manual handling tasks, by use of risk assessment, correct mechanical handling equipment and correct manual handling techniques