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Oil Rig Worker Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Advanced Scaffold Builder

Mobile, AL · On-site

$20.25 - $26/hr

Oil and gas construction industry (refinery, chemical plant or large oil rig or processing plant ... Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles. Possess ...

Oil Rig Worker information

See Alabama salary details

$6

$24

$42

How much do oil rig worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig worker in Alabama is $24.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Oil Rig Worker vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectOil Rig WorkerDrilling Engineer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety certificationsEngineering degree, specialized drilling certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore oil rigs, outdoor, physically demandingOnshore/offshore offices, technical and supervisory
Employer & Industry UsageOil and gas companies, drilling contractorsOil companies, engineering firms, project management

Oil Rig Workers perform hands-on tasks on offshore rigs, focusing on safety and equipment operation. Drilling Engineers plan and oversee drilling operations, requiring technical engineering skills. While both roles are essential in oil extraction, Oil Rig Workers handle physical tasks, whereas Drilling Engineers focus on planning and management.

How much do you get paid on an oil rig?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000, while specialized roles like drillers or engineers can earn over $100,000. Overtime, shift differentials, and safety certifications can also impact pay.

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

To thrive as an Oil Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, safety awareness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery, drilling equipment, and safety certifications like H2S and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are highly valued. Teamwork, communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, operational efficiency, and the successful execution of complex tasks in challenging offshore conditions.

What does an oil rig worker do?

An oil rig worker is responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment used to extract oil and gas from beneath the earth's surface, either on land or offshore. Their duties include drilling, monitoring machinery, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing routine maintenance. Oil rig workers often work long shifts in challenging environments and must be physically fit and safety-conscious. They play a vital role in ensuring the continuous and safe production of energy resources.

How do I get to work on an oil rig?

To work on an oil rig as an oil rig worker, you typically need relevant technical skills, safety certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and experience in the oil and gas industry. Job opportunities are often found through industry-specific recruitment agencies, online job boards, or company direct applications, and workers usually travel to offshore locations via helicopter or boat. A valid passport and the ability to work in remote, offshore environments are also required.

What Does an Oil Rig Worker Do?

As an oil rig worker, your responsibilities involve supporting oil and gas drilling and extraction operations on an offshore oil platform. You may perform a specific job on the rig, or your duties may focus on general labor tasks. Oil rig positions such as a derrickman and driller work directly with the equipment needed to drill and extract the oil. You may also perform other tasks such as catering, cleaning, or providing medical services.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Oil rig workers can earn around $4,000 or more per week, especially with experience and specialized skills such as welding, drilling, or safety certifications. These roles often require physical stamina, technical knowledge, and adherence to safety protocols, but typically do not require a college degree.

What are some common challenges oil rig workers face during their shifts, and how are they addressed?

Oil rig workers often face challenges such as long hours, physically demanding tasks, and extended periods away from home. The work environment can be harsh, with exposure to extreme weather and the need to adhere to strict safety protocols. To address these challenges, companies typically provide comprehensive safety training, implement rotating shift schedules to manage fatigue, and offer amenities on-site to support worker well-being. Teamwork and clear communication are also emphasized to ensure efficiency and safety on the rig.

How much do oil rig workers make?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and role. Skilled positions such as drillers and engineers tend to have higher salaries, and workers often receive additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.
What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig Worker jobs in Alabama? For Oil Rig Worker jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Worker jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Worker jobs in Alabama are:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Worker job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,098 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Advanced Scaffold Builder

Advanced Scaffold Builder

Austal

Mobile, AL • On-site

$20.25 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Austal USA rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 433 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

REPORTS TO: Scaffold Supervisor directly, as well as, indirectly to the Site Foreman.

SUPERVISES: N/A

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensures the proper erection, dismantling, modification and staging of scaffolding in accordance with Austal, local, state and federal guidelines and in accordance to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Determines labor and material resources for scaffolding job(s) and plans the method of erection of the scaffolding, ensuring safety of the scaffolding team and employees who use the scaffolding.
  • Performs inspections and maintenance of scaffolding prior to initial occupation for use, daily wear and activity inspections while erected, and to scaffolds after changes / alterations have been made, ensuring that installed scaffolding is constructed properly and meets OSHA guidelines.
  • Responsible for insuring area for scaffolding erection is clean and construction site prepped, including removing debris and dangerous materials.
  • May unload, move, set up and/or dismantle scaffolding material from/to truck, boat or other form of transportation.
  • May install ladders, walkways, safety netting and handrails at a designated site using a variety of power tools and lifts.
  • Ensures correct construction methods are adhered to and team targets of Quality and labor efficiency are meet.
  • Will work in all types of weather and different environments, including buildings, warehouses and/or ship ports, traveling to different locations of Austal USA.
  • Alerts Scaffolding Supervisor of issues which may affect performance or ability to full-fill requested tasks.
  • Perform other duties and tasks, when, and as required, which may also require multi-skilling including performing other tasks outside of Scaffolding Dept. as needed.
  • Complies with Austal's employee handbook general guidelines, company procedures and policies

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

  • Three years scaffolding experience at a comparable employer* required.
  • Ability to be detailed orientated in order to spot dangerous conditions and optimum set up required.
  • Possess good math skills for calculating measurements to build scaffolding andto determine labor and material resources for a job and to plan the method of erection of the scaffolding required.
  • Ability to erect scaffolding and build structures from scratch with minimal instructions required.

Comparable employer is defined as:

  • Ship building or other facilities that build large, metal structures, or, Industrial construction such as:
  • Commercial building construction (large scale construction projects for hospitals, high rise buildings, hotels, and large commercial office buildings.)
  • Oil and gas construction industry (refinery, chemical plant or large oil rig or processing plant construction)

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

All candidates must meet Austal USA's basic employment eligibility guidelines:

  • 18 years or older at time of application
  • Able to provide proof of US Person status
  • No felony convictions of theft/deception or violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
  • No felony convictions of drug crimes within three years from disposition date
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen
  • Willing to submit to a background check
  • High School Diploma/GED or comparable trade experience with comparable trade experience defined as five (5) or more years of experience working in the applicable trade, two (2) years of experience in shipbuilding, or, education in the trade comparable to apprenticeship.

TOOLS: REQUIRED TOOLS LIST

a) Hammer (Steel)

b) 7/8'' Wrench

c) Scaffold Wrench (optional)

d) 8"- 10" Crescent Wrench

e) Torpedo Level

f) 25' Tape Measure

g) 9 " Side Cut Pliers

h) Hand Saw

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit.

Specific physical requirements include the following:

Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel. Perform prolonged standing. Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis. Lift/push/pull 50lbs to 75lbs on an occasional basis. Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis. Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps). Ability to work at heights above 12' while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts. Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead). Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment. Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles. Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment. Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards. Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures. Ability to enter 18" x 36" openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time. Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands. Able to utilize adequate visual skills. Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down. Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, + 90 dB.

SAFETY

Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.

Austal's commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.


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