A career as an oil field laborer is not for the faint of heart. It’s a world of hard work, long hours, and challenging conditions. But for those with the grit and determination to succeed, it offers a path to a substantial income without the requirement of a four-year degree. If you're exploring this demanding yet potentially lucrative career, your first question is likely: "What can I expect to earn?"
The answer is complex, but the potential is significant. An oil field laborer's salary can range from a solid entry-level wage of around $45,000 to well over $75,000 per year for experienced workers, especially when factoring in the industry's significant overtime opportunities.
This article will break down the salary you can expect as an oil field laborer, the key factors that drive your earning potential, and the long-term outlook for this essential profession.
What Does an Oil Field Laborer Do?
Often referred to as a Roustabout or Roughneck, an oil field laborer is the backbone of the drilling and production site. These are the hands-on professionals responsible for the general maintenance, assembly, and operation of oil and gas equipment. The role is physically intensive and requires a strong work ethic and a commitment to safety.
Key responsibilities often include:
- Assembling and repairing oil field machinery and equipment.
- Moving, stacking, and handling pipes and other heavy materials.
- Cleaning and maintaining the rig floor, equipment, and work areas.
- Assisting more specialized workers like derrickhands, motormen, and drillers.
- Digging trenches, mixing chemicals, and performing other manual labor tasks as needed.
Work is almost always outdoors, in all weather conditions, and typically involves long shifts in a rotational schedule (e.g., 14 days on, 14 days off).
Average oil field laborer Salary
When analyzing compensation in the oil and gas industry, it's crucial to look beyond the base hourly wage. Overtime, hazard pay, and various bonuses can significantly increase total earnings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for "Oil and Gas Workers," a category that includes roustabouts and other laborers, was $50,580 as of May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,290, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,570.
Salary aggregator data provides a similar picture and highlights the typical range:
- Salary.com places the average salary for an "Oil Field Roustabout" between $46,268 and $63,059, with the median around $54,930 (as of late 2023).
- Glassdoor reports a total pay average of around $60,500 per year for a "Roustabout," which includes an estimated base pay of $51,000 and additional pay (bonuses, overtime) of around $9,500.
It's important to remember that these figures represent a national average. As we'll explore next, your specific salary will be heavily influenced by several key variables.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your paycheck in the oil field is not a one-size-fits-all number. It’s a dynamic figure shaped by your background, location, and the specific nature of your work.
### Level of Education
For an entry-level oil field laborer position, a four-year degree is not required. A high school diploma or GED is typically the standard educational requirement. However, further training can provide a competitive edge. Individuals who complete a vocational program or earn an associate's degree in fields like Petroleum Technology or Process Technology may be positioned for higher starting pay and a faster track to more specialized, higher-paying roles.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant factor in determining an oil field laborer's salary. The industry has a clear and well-defined career ladder, with each step bringing more responsibility and higher compensation.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Often called a "Green Hand" or Roustabout, these workers perform general labor and assist the rig crew. They are at the lower end of the salary spectrum, typically earning in the $45,000 - $55,000 range, including overtime.
- Mid-Career (2-5 years): With experience, a laborer can move up to become a Floorhand (or Roughneck) on the rig floor. This is a more skilled and dangerous position that commands higher pay, often in the $55,000 - $70,000 range.
- Senior/Experienced (5+ years): Seasoned professionals can advance to roles like Motorhand (maintaining rig engines) or Derrickhand (working high up in the derrick). These specialized positions can push annual earnings well into the $70,000 - $90,000+ range.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Salary levels are dictated by the concentration of drilling activity and the cost of labor in a specific region. According to BLS data, the states with the highest employment and often the highest pay for oil and gas workers are:
1. Texas: The epicenter of the U.S. oil industry, offering the most jobs and highly competitive wages.
2. North Dakota: The Bakken Shale formation drives high demand and some of the highest wages in the country to compensate for the remote location and harsh climate.
3. Oklahoma: A historical hub for oil and gas with consistent demand for skilled labor.
4. New Mexico: The Permian Basin's expansion into New Mexico has created a boom in high-paying jobs.
5. Louisiana: A major center for both onshore and offshore drilling operations.
Working in a remote or offshore location often comes with a significant pay premium to compensate for the demanding rotational schedules and time away from home.
### Company Type
The type of company you work for also impacts your compensation package.
- Major Oil & Gas Companies (e.g., ExxonMobil, Chevron): These integrated "supermajors" often offer excellent benefits, strong safety protocols, and more stable employment, though their base pay might be slightly more conservative than contractors.
- Drilling Contractors (e.g., Nabors Industries, Patterson-UTI): These companies own and operate drilling rigs. They may offer very high pay, especially during industry booms, but can be more susceptible to layoffs during downturns.
- Oilfield Service Companies (e.g., Halliburton, Schlumberger): These giants provide specialized services like cementing, fracking, and wireline operations. Roles within these companies can be highly specialized and come with lucrative pay scales.
### Area of Specialization
As mentioned under the experience section, moving from a general laborer to a specialist is the primary path to higher earnings. A roustabout is a generalist. By focusing on a specific area of the rig's operation, you increase your value. Specializations include:
- Drilling Crew: Floorhand, Motorhand, Derrickhand
- Well Completion & Servicing: Fracking Operator, Wireline Operator, Wellhead Pumper
- Pipeline: Pipeline Technician, Welder's Helper
Each of these specializations requires unique skills and training, and they all offer a significant pay increase over a general laborer role.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for oil field laborers is closely tied to the global price of oil and gas, which can be volatile. However, the fundamental need for energy remains.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for oil and gas workers will grow by 1 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Despite this slow growth, the BLS anticipates about 10,600 openings for oil and gas workers each year, on average, over the decade. Most of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
This indicates that while the industry isn't expanding rapidly, consistent opportunities will exist for new workers willing to step into these demanding roles.
Conclusion
A career as an oil field laborer is a challenging path that rewards hard work and resilience with a very competitive salary. While the national average provides a good baseline, your ultimate earning potential is in your hands.
Key takeaways for anyone considering this profession:
- Expect a Strong Salary: Even at the entry level, earnings are competitive, with total compensation often exceeding $50,000 thanks to overtime.
- Experience is King: The clearest path to a higher salary is through on-the-job experience and moving up the established career ladder from Roustabout to more specialized rig positions.
- Location and Specialization Drive Earnings: Working in a high-demand state like Texas or North Dakota and developing a specialized skill set will maximize your pay.
- It's a Lifestyle, Not Just a Job: The rotational schedules and physical demands require a significant commitment, but the financial rewards can set you up for long-term success.
For those ready to embrace the challenge, the oil field offers a direct and powerful route to a prosperous and hands-on career.