Are you curious about what to expect from working in the oilfield?
This post will be useful for anyone interested in getting a job in the oil patch.
My first oilfield job was on a service rig. I worked during the summer after finishing high school and before going to the university to study petroleum engineering.
I was just a roughneck at that time so the work was physically demanding and always dirty.
But I was making more money than most of my high school friends so that was awesome.
My next oilfield experience was after I graduated from university.
I was a field engineer and QC on a coiled tubing rig.
This was a different type of experience from being a roughneck on a service rig because I was more in control of the work I was doing.
There was not much physical work and it was mainly driving from one coiled tubing rig to another to solve different operational problems and try to optimize chemicals.
This was definitely more fun than being a roughneck on a service rig.
Related: Working for Oil and Gas Operator vs Oilfield Service Company
Common Requirements for Working in the Oilfield
Most people are attracted to oilfield jobs mainly because of the high salaries and relatively low requirements to get a job.
Some of the companies and positions don’t even require a high school diploma as long as you are willing to work and have a valid driving license.
Especially if it is the Class 1 license that allows you to drive any type of equipment.
Another universal requirement to work in the oilfield is to have First Aid and H2S tickets which you can get by attending a two-day course.
It also helps if you have experience working in construction or other similar industry that involves hard labor.
Lastly, it will be much easier for you to get a job if you live in an area with a lot of oilfield activity (for example Red Deer or Grand Prairie here in Alberta)
In many cases, the easiest way to get a job in an oilfield without any experience is to ask someone who already works there to pass your resume to their boss.
Based on my experience a lot of jobs often go to friends and relatives of the people who are making the hiring decision.
Alternatively, you can apply online or even try to leave your printed resume directly at the field shop.
I heard that delivering resumes in person sometimes works even better than applying online, especially during busy times.
However, when there is a downturn in the oil and gas industry it might be more challenging to land a job, especially without any experience.
This is the time when many oil and gas workers get laid off and the competition for every available position is usually pretty high.
Oilfield salaries vary widely but in general, you can expect to make around 70k – $100 k after all the overtime and field bonuses.
Most of the oilfield jobs deal with oil exploration, extraction, production, and transportation of oil and gas.
Related: Working on a Drilling Rig: Positions and Responsibilities
Entry-Level Oilfield Positions
Let’s take a look at some common entry-level oilfield jobs.
- Roughnecks/floorhands on drilling or service rigs
- Operators on coiled tubing, wireline, fracturing, cementing, or snubbing rigs
- Well testers
- Medics
- N2 and fluid pump operators
- Plant operators
- Pipeline operators
- Truck drivers
- Field engineers in training
- Field Technicians
Most working rotations are 14 days on and 6 days off or 20 days on and 10 days off.
It is also common for some companies to allow 3 weeks on and 2 weeks off rotations.
While on location oilfield workers usually stay in a work camp or in a hotel which is paid for by the company.
In the work camp, the food is provided while in the hotel workers might be expected to purchase food themselves but the company will pay a meal allowance.
Related: Oilfield Man Camps: Advantages, Amenities, and What to Bring
How Hard Is Oilfield Work?
There are several reasons why companies are having trouble finding qualified workers during busy times.
Field conditions are usually rough and being physically fit is a must for most of the positions.
Working temperatures may vary from +40 C in desert regions to -40 C during the winters.
However, with the development of new technologies and equipment, the amount of physical work in the oilfield is decreasing.
The safety standards are also much higher nowadays and incidents are becoming less common.
The ability to be away from home for extended periods of time is also a requirement because most of the locations are remote.
The shifts are usually 12 to 13 hours and travel to camp or hotel may take another hour.
In the past, some of the oilfield jobs had very toxic work environments and harassment was common (especially for new guys) but nowadays there are strict policies in place and it is not that common anymore.
The main challenge with working in the oilfield is being away for two weeks from your family. This can also really impact your social life.
In addition long hours, lack of sleep, and poor diet while in the field can also affect both your physical and mental health.
Related: Working as a Frac Equipment Operator
Is Working In the Oilfield Worth The Money?
The way I see it, working in the oilfield is a great way to pay off your debt, save some money, and also get experience.
But I definitely wouldn’t want to work there with a 14/6 schedule until retirement.
If done smartly, you can slowly transition into the office or a shop, start your own business or make an arrangement to get a better work-life balance (ex. getting the schedule that works better)
Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in the oil patch that mismanage their finances by buying expensive toys they don’t need and end up broke when the downturn comes.
You don’t want to be one of those guys that spend their entire paycheck while on days off and don’t have any savings.
Read next: Oilfield Man Camps: Advantages, Amenities, and What to Bring