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Roustabout Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Roustabout information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$23

$45

How much do roustabout jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for roustabout in Michigan is $23.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $25.77 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Roustabout jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Roustabout jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Roustabout jobs in Michigan? For Roustabout jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Roustabout jobs in MI? For Roustabout jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Roustabout job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,987 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Steamer Operator / Roustabout

Riverside Energy Michigan, LLC

Gaylord, MI โ€ข On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Riverside Operating is the largest natural gas producer in the state of Michigan. We're seeking a Steamer Operator / Roustabout in the Alpena area. Geographical location of Candidate will greatly factor into the selection of best Candidate for the job. This is a direct hire, full time (40+ hours per week) position, with competitive wages (starting at $18 - $21/hr), and a comprehensive benefits package, including a company truck, iPad, and cell phone.
Our field of operations runs from the western shores to the eastern shores of the beautiful state of Michigan. Our HQ is located in Traverse City, and we have offices in Gaylord, Grayling, Indiana, and Texas. With over 200 employees, Riverside operates over 5,500 wells. We remain focused on making a positive long-term impact in Northern Michigan, particularly with regard to extension of the Antrim Shale economic life.
Benefits - eligibility for benefits is date of hire, unless otherwise specified:
  • Employer paid:
  1. 401k retirement matching - up to 3.5% match; 100% vested at eligibility date;
  2. Employee assistance program;
  3. Life ($25K)
  4. AD&D ($25k),
  5. Short Term Disability (12 weeks; 60% of pay);
  6. Paid leaves: Holiday (7/yr); Sick (up to 40 hours/yr); Vacation (earn from date of hire, can use after 90 days); Bereavement; Jury Duty
  • Employee paid:
  1. 401k/Roth (eligible 1st of the month following 4 months of service);
  2. Medical (3 plans - Employer pays 65% to 100% of monthly premium);
  3. Dental (2 plans);
  4. Vision;
  5. Additional Life (term and whole);
  6. Additional AD&D;
  7. Long Term Disability;
  8. Critical Illness;
  9. Spending Accounts: FSA, HSA (company provides 1-time $500 deposit to HSA), Dependent Care FSA;
  10. Legal Shield and/or ID Shield
  11. Potential discretionary bonuses and merit increases (performance based)

Personal Protective Equipment:
  • Company provided: goggles / face shields / safety glasses (stipend for prescription safety glasses); hard hats; Tyvek suits; respirators; slicker suit; H2S monitors; fall protection; hearing protection
  • Employee provided: safety toed boots (company provides annual stipend); work gloves; flame resistant clothing (company provides 3 shirts and 3 pants; will replace if damaged or worn out); prescription safety glasses (company provides annual stipend and discounted prices at preferred locations)

Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Testing and rebuilding PSV's (training provided)
  • Tank installation and repairs
  • Possibly dig pits and lines with hand tools
  • Install motors on equipment
  • Set well equipment at well locations which includes cement pads and pumping units
  • Responsible for tie-down of pumping units and installing counterweights for balancing pumping units
  • General yard maintenance and cleanup of ground and buildings, including cleaning up oil and/or chemical spills
  • Must be proficient with all tools including air and electrical
  • Steam clean coolers (training provided)
  • Prepare paperwork as required by the operation
  • Perform the day-to-day activities assigned by the Operations Supervisor and/or Foreman and ensure all required inspections are completed
  • Pitch in where and when needed, even if it's not your "normal" job, aiding your fellow field personnel
  • Clear walkways of snow or cut away grass or bushes impeding working areas or that are causing safety concern
  • Willing to learn from and mentor under knowledgeable team members
  • Follow all company policies and procedures, including Health, Safety and Environmental

Requirements
  • No experience necessary - we will train a highly motivated person with a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Company provides basic set of hand tools - specialty tools will be purchased by Riverside
  • Must have computer skills with ability to be proficient in using Microsoft Outlook, iPhone and iPad apps
  • MUST possess valid driver's license (can obtain chauffeurs license post offer)
  • Subject to Drug and Alcohol Testing policy which includes: pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing and follow-up testing
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately, communicate verbally and in writing, and work with the public and/or contractors to facilitate constructive problem solving

Physical / Exposure / Job Conditions:
  • Work schedule examples: 10-days on / 4-days off; or 5-days on / 2-days off; or 4-10's (work 10-hour days, 4 days/week). Exact work schedule will be discussed during interview process, and is based on that position and area's current business needs; specific schedule is not guaranteed.
  • May have call-out rotation responsibilities - depending on what type of emergency call; and only within northern Michigan
  • Employee uses company vehicle to get to and from work and to each field location; approximately 150 miles per day; Riverside pays for gas, maintenance, repairs, service, and washes.
  • 30 minute unpaid meals are taken when appropriate and safe to do so; between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
  • Work Environment: Outdoors 90% (all seasons of Northern Michigan weather conditions)
  • Rarely - to - Frequently: Exposure to hazardous conditions including, but not limited to: dampness, noise, dust, radiation, heights, fumes, winds, ice, chemicals, escaping gas, H2S, adverse/extreme weather conditions (hot and cold), cramped conditions, heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), water/dirt from Steaming.
  • Riverside provides monthly safety training and safety tips on best practices to keep you and others around you safe.
  • If required, we will train you for confined space, aerial, hazmat and lock out tag out. Assistance can be provided via co-workers, if needed, for large/heavy items over 50lbs.
  • Physicality can vary day to day, depending on that day's job duties - Standing/Walking 80%; Driving/Sitting 20%; frequently squat/kneel/climb/twist; frequently lift/carry/push/pull 0-50lbs; occasionally lift/carry/push/pull 75-100lb; frequently reach above/at/below shoulder; will need manual and finger dexterity; hand/grip strength; and depth perception. May be other physical requirements to perform job safely, according to company, local, state and federal regulations and requirements as applicable.
  • Safety equipment - this is a safety sensitive position; proper PPE is required. The following safety equipment is to be worn on the job, dependent on the duties and location: Safety glasses / safety goggles; Hard hat; Face shield; Tyvek suit and/or FR (flame resistant) clothing; Steel toed boots; Gloves; Respirators; Slicker suit; H2S monitors; Hearing protection (ear plugs); Fall protection / safety harnesses.
  • Employee provided: safety toed boots (company provides annual stipend); work gloves; flame resistant clothing (company provides 3 shirts and 3 pants); prescription safety glasses (company provides annual stipend and partnerships with local doctors for lower costs)

Reports to: Operations Supervisor and Operations Maintenance Foreman
Salary Description
$18 to $21 per hour