What Is an Oil Rig Mechanic and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As an oil rig mechanic, you work with a gas and oil company perform daily maintenance tasks. Your responsibilities are to repair, install, and maintain well equipment used for drilling. You must also know how to work on the operating pump. Your duties may have you working on hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, maintaining accurate maintenance records, and participating in inventory purchase orders. You work in a team environment, so you may handle various sections or focus on a specific part of the rig. You may also mentor junior mechanics. If this is an off-shore rig, you may spend several weeks at a time away from home.

Experience and training are the primary qualifications for getting an oil rig mechanic job. Formal education requirements are not necessary for this position, though most employers prefer a high school degree or GED certificate. You need multiple years of experience as either a mechanic or an oil rig worker. Most employers also require that you mentor under a senior mechanic. On-the-job training is almost always available, and this can help you gain the necessary skills to work on an oil rig. This is a physically demanding job, so you need to be in shape to perform your duties. Communications skills are also essential for communicating with other teams and management.