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.
40hweek
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.
$27k
$38k
$59k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
High school
DVM / VMD degree
3months
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.
15%
8.7k
68%
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.