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Roustabout Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Calista Corporation

Roustabout

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Nordic Calista On-Call JOB SUMMARY: This is an entry-level position with Nordic Calista rigs. This position requires physical strength, dexterity, and stamina to successfully complete the duties ...

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Roustabout information

See Alaska salary details

$11

$28

$55

How much do roustabout jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for roustabout in Alaska is $28.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $31.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a roustabout?

Roustabouts are entry-level workers in the oil and gas industry who perform a variety of manual labor tasks to support drilling and production operations. Their duties include assembling and maintaining equipment, cleaning work areas, loading and unloading supplies, and assisting skilled workers on oil rigs or drilling sites. Roustabouts work in physically demanding environments and often spend long hours outdoors, sometimes in remote locations. This role is essential for keeping operations running smoothly and safely. Many people start as roustabouts before advancing to more specialized positions in the industry.

What does a roustabout do?

Nineteenth-century deckhands or dockworkers were once dubbed Roustabouts, but today, the name applies to an important, demanding role in the oil industry. A Roustabout is a manual laborer with basic mechanical skills that works on an oil rig. The day-to-day duties for a Roustabout vary, though they generally include cleaning machinery and tools, loading and off-loading equipment, repairing boilers and engines, and inspecting pipes for leaks. Roustabouts are essential members of the oil rig crew, helping to guide crane operators, dig drainage ditches, and mix materials required for successful drilling. Many of their responsibilities include preventative maintenance and job-site cleanliness, which helps ensure the safety of other workers and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a roustabout?

To thrive as a Roustabout, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and occasionally a HAZWOPER or similar safety certification is typical. Dependability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are crucial soft skills in this physically demanding and team-oriented environment. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safety, efficiency, and reliability in oilfield or offshore operations.

What are some common challenges a roustabout faces when working on an oil rig, and how can they be addressed?

Roustabouts often encounter physically demanding tasks, harsh weather conditions, and long shifts, which can be challenging for those new to the oil and gas industry. Adapting to the fast-paced and safety-driven environment requires strong teamwork and attention to detail. To address these challenges, it's important to prioritize safety training, maintain good physical fitness, and communicate effectively with crew members. Many companies offer mentorship and on-the-job training to help new roustabouts quickly learn best practices and advance in their careers.

What is the difference between Roustabout vs Roughneck?

AspectRoustaboutRoughneck
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentOn oil rigs, construction sites, or industrial settingsOn oil rigs, drilling platforms, and offshore locations
Job DutiesAssisting with equipment, maintenance, and general laborHandling drilling pipes, assisting with drilling operations

Both roles are entry-level positions in the oil and gas industry, requiring similar safety training and working in rugged environments. While Roustabouts perform general labor and maintenance tasks, Roughnecks focus more on assisting with drilling operations. The roles often overlap, but Roughnecks typically have more specialized duties related to drilling processes.

Is a roustabout a good job?

A roustabout is an entry-level position in the oil and gas industry involving manual labor, equipment maintenance, and site support. It often requires physical strength, safety training, and the ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions. The job can offer good pay and opportunities for advancement with experience and additional skills.

What does a roustabout get paid?

A roustabout typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks. The role often involves physical labor on oil rigs or construction sites, requiring safety training and physical fitness.
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Roustabout jobs near you
Infographic showing various Roustabout job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, and 94% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,293 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

ALASKA ROUSTABOUT

Nabors Industries Limited

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with rig-up and rig-down operations.

  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the rig and surrounding areas.

  • Load, unload, and move materials and equipment using hoists, forklifts, or by hand.

Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


The job of the Roustabout is to safely and efficiently perform all manual labor tasks throughout the rig. The Roustabout works under the direction/ supervision but reports to the Rig Manager.
Location: Remote Drilling Sites, Alaska
Job Type: Full-Time, Rotational Schedule (14/14 or 21/21)
Responsibilities
  • Assist with rig-up and rig-down operations.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the rig and surrounding areas.
  • Load, unload, and move materials and equipment using hoists, forklifts, or by hand.
  • Operate and maintain hand and power tools.
  • Assist in assembling and disassembling drilling equipment.
  • Support drilling crew with tasks as directed by the Driller or Rig Manager.
  • Monitor and report equipment or safety issues.
  • Follow all safety protocols and participate in safety meetings and drills.
  • Work in harsh weather conditions, including snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures.
  • Receive and follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
  • Perform other duties as required by management.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • 0-2 years of experience as a Roustabout for another drilling company.
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Ability to perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.
  • Valid driver's license preferred. - Real ID Compliant w/no restrictions
  • Must have reliable transportation to the crew change point for assigned rig.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:
  • Must be able to maintain good footing while standing and walking for a minimum of 4 hours at a time, including on steel decking and grating.
  • Must be able to exert a push or pull force of up to 120 lbs. while holding tag lines during loading/offloading.
  • Must be able to identify hand signals at a distance of 150 feet.
  • Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the work shift while wearing PPE.
  • Must be able to repetitively lift and carry items weighing 50+ lbs. up and down stairs or across distances up to 150 feet.
  • Ability to wear respiratory protective devices as required.
  • Attention span to remain alert and attentive for up to a 12-hour tour, even during repetitive tasks.

Work Schedule & Conditions:
  • Rotational schedule: 14/14 or 21/21, including holidays, weekends, and both day/night shifts.
  • Must be able to work and live with others in close quarters.
  • Position may require occasional travel and field-based training.
  • Operations-oriented role that may require being on-call, working overnights, and holidays.

About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.

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