Offshore Oil Rig Jobs and Gas Field Employment Guide

This guide features detailed information on working in the oil and gas industries, along with salary expectations and the types of jobs that are available. If you have any questions on oil rig or gas field jobs, please contact us as per our website below

Salaries in the Industry
There are many factors that contribute to the salary you get paid for a given job in the oil and gas industry. Factors include: your employers, the hours that you are required to work, whether you work onshore or offshore, the part of the world you work in, the duration of the assignment, etc. To give you an indication though, technical positions within the industry can net a salary from between around $60,000 up to $200,000+. Entry level positions often range from around $50,000 to $80,000, although actual salary figures can vary, according to the factors outlined above.

The types of jobs available
There are many types of work on a rig. They have such titles as Safety Man, Driller, Derrickman, Crane Operator, Rig Mechanic, Sub Sea Engineer, Mudman or Shakerman, Captain and Chief Engineer, Mechanic or Electrician, Motorman, Storekeeper, Cleaner or Painter, Roughnecks or Floormen, Roustabouts, Assistant Driller, Watchstander, Rig Medic, Ballast Controlman, Toolpusher, Rig Welder and Rig Electrician. Other positions available include Rig Medic and Radio Operator.

The Conditions you Work In
Usually working aboard an oil rig there are rosters in place which determine your times on and off work. Though these schedules can and do vary depending on the individual rig, in general if you bargain on working a period of 14 days on, and then getting 21 rostered days off, this is a reasonable guideline. Working offshore is certainly tough work, however it is well paid and while on board you are looked after with quality accommodation and good meals. All board costs are included in the salary, and you can expect high standard onboard the rig. Additional expenses that employees cover include meals and washing, along with travel and transportation costs to get you to and from the rig.

You need to bear in mind that the oil rigs operate 24 hours a day, so rostered night shifts are a requirement for a number of job positions when working offshore. The work is physical - however you are well looked after. Many rigs feature a TV viewing room with a large screen satellite TV offering a number of channels, as well as very good gym facilities.

Travel Opportunities
There are a number of travel opportunities when working in the oil and gas industry. Working in other countries tends to be more profitable than say working in the US or Canada. However other factors come into play in these countries, such as added security risks, which help increase the pay. A prime example of this would be oil rig jobs in Iraq. Aside from Iraq, many gas and oil rigs can be found worldwide, including Venezuela, Kuwait, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.

How to get into the Industry
The first thing to think about when considering working for a oil or gas rig job, is to get experience. There are many ways to go about this. Firstly, you need to learn the essential things to know for safely working on a oil or gas rig. Completing some practical work on rigs situated on land allows you learn the competence you need when dealing with oil rig operations.
After having completed some practical work under your belt you can then be in a confident situation to consider submitting your CV and work history to potential employers for work aboard an oil rig. An offshore survival and training certificate is also required when working offshore - however in some cases your employer may pay for you to undergo this course. Oil rig employees will begin at entry position work and graduate to higher work. At the beginning, you will be focused to learning all the skills required for equipment operation. You would spend your time in classroom work training, being coached, having mentors and job shadowing.
During the time you spend training which is approximately 9 weeks, you will be accompanied by a person who acts as a buddy. They are there to help you complete jobs fully and safely. After this time and you have shown satisfaction within your jobs, you are able to work alone.
As you progress and show competence and strong work skills within your work, there are opportunities to proceed to more responsible and demanding work.

Be sure to visit Hogan Oil for extensive information on jobs in the oil industry.