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.