Job description
Roustabouts maintain oil fields by cleaning pipe deck and main deck areas, as well as tools and equipment such as drills and pumps. They also assemble, service and repair equipment and machinery like pipes, boilers and engine parts.
Roustabouts also have the responsibility to tidy and clear loose pipe and debris from the working area, guide cranes, and load, offload and stack supplies using truck winches and motorised lifts.
Duties
- Clean pipe decks and main deck areas
- Clean tools, equipment and materials like drills and pumps
- Assemble, service and repair equipment like pipes and boilers
- Clear loose pipes and debris from the working area
- Guide cranes to move loads
- Load, offload and stack supplies using truck winches and motorised lifts
- Locate any leaks through visual inspections or electronic detectors
- Provide assistance to roughnecks
- Dig drainage ditches
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
15%
New jobs
8.7k
Automation risk
68%
Career progression
With enough skill, knowledge and experience, some roustabouts move on to become crane operators or roughnecks. There is also the opportunity to advance to positions such as derrickman or assistant driller, after some extensive training.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Shift Work
On a rota
Roustabouts work for oil companies in various oil fields and offshore rigs. The role can be physically demanding, as you lift and carry several heavy materials. Roustabouts also deal with heights, and they must work outdoors in a variety of undesirable weather conditions.
The working environment is often messy and dirty, and you may need to wear protective and safety clothing, such as hard hats and protective gloves, throughout the working day.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$27k
Median
$38k
Top 10%
$59k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
High school
On-the-job training
Study time
3 months
There are no formal education requirements in order to become a roustabout, and a high school diploma is usually sufficient. Training is provided on the job and usually involves basic offshore induction and emergency training.
Some oil companies require candidates to have an offshore medical certificate and/or a Transportation Worker Identification Credential from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Previous experience in areas such as shipbuilding, construction or engineering can prove useful.
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics O*NET OnLine Oxford Martin School Transportation Security Administration (TSA)Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
