Life & work in Extreme Conditions: This is Why Offshore Oil Rig Workers Earn So much Money (2023)

Introduction

Discovering the Highest Paying Jobs on Oil Rig Offshore: Don't Miss this Video - youtu.be/2NBvpO4EHN0"

Offshore oil rigs, floating cities in the middle of the ocean, never sleeping cities towering above passing ships, working silently 24 hours non-stop for 7 days, carrying out their tasks far away from the nearest shore.

Billions of barrels of oil and gas are produced in these oil refineries and gas wells to meet the energy demands of the world's population.
The oil industry is the center of the world's economy, and even a slight change in crude oil prices can have a significant impact on all countries.
But have you ever wondered about the lifestyle and daily routine of the people who live and work on offshore oil rigs?

While you may have heard that life on these amazing floating platforms is fascinating, there are several things you might not know.
First of all, it's important to note that life on an oil rig is not luxurious. In fact, it's a place where people's lives are at stake every day they work.
Although this may sound a bit exaggerated, the truth is that life and work on offshore oil rigs are both extremely challenging and unsafe.
Let's take a look at the extreme daily routine of a worker on an offshore oil rig, This is Why Offshore Oil Rig Workers Earn So much Money

#oilrig #oilrigoffshore #offshore

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Content

Offshore oil, rigs, floating cities in the middle of the ocean, never sleeping cities.

Towering above passing ships, working silently 24 hours non-stop for 7, days, carrying out their tasks far away from the nearest shore.

Billions of barrels of oil and gas are produced in these oil, refineries and gas wells to meet the energy demands of the world's population.

The.

Oil industry is the center of the world's economy.

And even a slight change in crude oil prices can have a significant impact on all countries.

But have you ever wondered about the lifestyle and daily routine of the people who live and work on offshore oil, rigs? While, you may have heard that life on these amazing floating platforms is fascinating.

There are several things you might not know.

First of all, it's important to note that life on an oil rig is not luxurious., In, fact, it's, a place where people's lives are at stake every day.

They work.

Although.

This may sound a bit exaggerated.

The truth is that life and work on offshore.

Oil rigs are both extremely challenging and unsafe.

Let's.

Take a look at the dangerous daily routine of a worker on an offshore oil, rig.

For, the past five hundred years.

The demand for oil has exceeded the available supply.

In, addition to collecting oil from underground pipelines and oil wells on land.

Oil companies began to explore deeper waters and develop drilling rigs to extract crude oil from the seabed using hydraulic machines.

One of the first places where offshore oil drilling was done was in the Gulf of Mexico.

News of this discovery, spread, and new fields were discovered in various waters, including Scotland.

And the North Sea.

Why has crude oil and offshore oil rigs become so important to the world today? Most equipment today still relies on conventional energy methods that use fossil fuels.

And, burning fossil fuels can power factories, industries, vehicles, homes, and more.

Environmentally-friendly, alternative energies, such as wind, water, and solar energy are currently less efficient than fossil fuels.

However.

There are consequences to using fossil fuels, as they produce greenhouse gas emissions that impact global climate change., Despite this, the crude oil industry and offshore oil rigs remain the top choice due to their efficiency of use.

Another reason why offshore oil rigs are so important is the effect of land, drilling.

To maintain these project operations, large plots of land are required, which can reduce the land available for the growing human population.

Working and living in offshore.

Oil rigs is a dramatic change for anyone who decides to step into this industry.

A person must wear appropriate clothing to start working on the rig, so safety, glasses, hard, hats, protective, clothing, and steel-toed boots are given to new crew members upon arrival.

Routine safety training is conducted before and during work.

Offshore oil, rig workers typically work 8 to 12-hour shifts with breaks for meals in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

A worker also has to work night shifts since the industry operates 24, Hours, nonstop and 7 days, a week.

It may seem tough.

But after a two-week work session on the rig, workers will get almost three weeks, off.

When living on the rig, workers.

Don't have to worry about food, laundry, or other accommodations.

Rooms with bunk beds are common on oil rigs, given the limited space and land used.

Moreover, offshore.

Oil rigs usually have a smoking area where lighters are provided for smokers, as lighters are generally not allowed outside of smoking.

Areas.

There are also cinemas, televisions in each room, fully equipped, gyms, indoor sports facilities, such as table tennis, and computers connected to the internet, which are usually available on offshore oil, rigs.

For workers who live and work on oil rigs or for staff members, such as medical personnel, catering, and others, life on an offshore oil rig can be very exciting and enjoyable.

But it also has many risks.

Thanks to newer and safer oil, rig systems.

The risks involved have decreased dramatically., However, caution and carefulness must always be emphasized by the workers.

For oil, rig crew members.

Their work shift is heavily influenced by the arrival time and work conditions at that time.

Usually, after arriving on the rig, they will work for 12 hours and have a 12-hour rest period.

However.

The work schedule can vary depending on the job field.

Since living on the rig for two full weeks with limited entertainment sources.

The company must ensure that the crew works longer hours, but still gets sufficient rest.

Time.

Although long, working hours may seem inhumane, it's important to remember that the time spent on an oil rig is called "working, time.", Meals and rest periods are included in this work period.

And this time is designed to improve the welfare of the staff.

Every crew member on an oil rig follows a detailed schedule, strictly prepared to ensure that no time is wasted.

Because.

The "day" on an oil rig starts at midnight.

And the rig operates 24/7.

A worker, who starts a night shift can follow the following schedule: At, 11:30, pm, wake up and prepare equipment for the work.

Shift., At, midnight, have the first big meal, then go to work and receive instructions for the "day." After several hours of work.

The first break is taken at 2 am, followed by the second break at 4 am.

The.

Second, big meal is served at 6, am and followed by personal time at 8 am.

The third break is taken at 10 am, followed by the fourth break at 12 pm.

At 2, pm.

The third big meal is served.

And the shift ends at 3:30.

Pm, after the final break.

Before going to sleep, the crew must prepare for the next day.

Take time to eat snacks, and communicate with their families, onshore, socialize with co-workers, or prepare snacks in the always-available kitchen.

Throughout, the schedule, although it may seem crowded, the provided rest time is crucial to give a break to the crew.

So they can stay fit and focused during their work.

Shift.

In addition, taking time to communicate with family and colleagues can be the emotional support that workers need to perform their duties well.

On offshore.

Oil rigs.

There are also training and education courses available, because working on an oil rig is not a job that just anyone can do.

The machines, used, specific to the industry.

And the nature of the work can be very different.

And physical intensity can be very challenging.

So, it's, not surprising that most oil and gas companies have strict requirements and qualifications for their employees.

For.

Those who want to work on an offshore oil rig, at least a diploma or specific training course, is required.

Salaries for oil.

Rig workers vary depending on their position and level of experience.

Specialized, drilling engineers and underground pipefitters are among the highest-paid positions, earning around 200,000 USD annually.

However, even entry-level positions, such as roughnecks and roustabouts can make a decent living, with salaries ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 USD per year.

Overall, the pay and benefits for workers on an oil rig can be very attractive, but it's important to remember that the job also comes with unique challenges and risks.

Companies also provide accommodation and benefits for families of workers, including complete insurance.

Coverage.

For, adventurous, types, working on an oil.

Rig is a dream come true, as it offers a dynamic field that rewards hard work and dedication.

Staying connected with the mainland is crucial in any offshore work.

It's, the closest source of help, supplies, and emergency aid.

That's.

Why companies in this industry give a lot of thought to how they organize logistics for mainland transportation.

One common way of transporting crew, staff, and equipment is through specially modified, VTOL, helicopters., Manufacturers like Airbus.

And the Bristow Group are well-known for their helicopter models.

There are different categories of these aircraft designed to serve various purposes.

Light helicopters are for small groups of fewer than ten passengers, including the pilot.

They're used for shuttling small teams to and from the shore or inspecting offshore pipelines with a small crew.

They can carry essential supplies, but no hanging loads.

Medium helicopters, come in two types:.

Passenger and cargo, variants.

The.

Passenger variant can handle larger groups of up to 15 people and is often used for shift-change.

Operations.

The cargo variant can carry larger loads, including mid-sized hanging loads.

Working on an oil.

Rig may be tough, but the perks and salary are worth it.

Workers get to handle advanced equipment that requires prior experience and work in different locations across the world.

They work for 2-3 weeks, straight.

But then get the same amount of time off to spend with their families.

And while they may have to report to the office occasionally.

They also have time to relax.

FAQs

Why oil rig workers are paid so much? ›

Part of the reason that offshore oil rig worker pay is high is to offset the difficult working conditions and risks associated with the job. Workers often face 14/21 shifts, meaning that they work for 14 days straight, followed by 21 days off.

Do offshore oil rig workers get paid good? ›

While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $19.23 and as low as $10.10, the majority of wages within the Offshore Oil Rig jobs category currently range between $12.74 (25th percentile) to $17.31 (75th percentile) across the United States.

Do oil rig workers get paid a lot? ›

How much does an Oil Rig make? As of Jun 16, 2023, the average monthly pay for an Oil Rig in the United States is $4,451 a month.

What are the living conditions like on an oil rig? ›

Oil rigs are close-knit communities, and you can expect to share your room with several other engineers, although some offer private rooms. Showers and toilets tend to be shared among a couple of cabins, but most bedrooms offer a washbasin and a television.

Where do oil rig workers make the most money? ›

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics , the highest paying states for oil drillers are Alaska, California, Colorado, Wyoming and Texas. Here are the average salaries for rotary drill operators in the oil and gas industry in these states: Alaska: $79,830 per year. California: $74,370 per year.

Who gets paid the most on an oil rig? ›

The Best-Paid Offshore Jobs
  • Rig Electrician. The main task of a rig electrician is to maintain and install the various electrical equipment found on an offshore oil rig. ...
  • Tanker Captain. ...
  • Workover or Completion. ...
  • Drilling Consultant.
Jan 12, 2022

Is it worth it to work on an oil rig? ›

When you work on an offshore platform, you work where you live, and you work long, busy hours. The work is often challenging, and it can also become instantly dangerous when the weather changes. But it could be highly rewarding work, with solid career growth opportunities.

How long do you stay on an offshore oil rig? ›

How long do workers stay on an oil rig? Workers on an offshore oil rig may remain on the platform for six months to one year, depending on the company they're working for, the project type and the duration of their contract.

Is it hard to get hired at an oil rig? ›

No experience oil rig jobs are a bit hard to find but not impossible indeed. You can pursue different level oil jobs depending on your educational background. See some types of entry-level oil rig jobs we have enlisted for you!

How many months do oil rig workers work? ›

Normally, from 6 to 12 months, depending on the company and the specific project.

How much does a boss make on an oil rig? ›

Average Salary for a Rig Manager

Rig Managers in America make an average salary of $134,142 per year or $64 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $238,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $75,000 per year.

How long are oil rig jobs? ›

Some oil rig crew members work a standard 40-hour workweek, while others may work longer hours, including weekends and holidays. In general, crew members on oil rigs may work long hours and irregular schedules, as the drilling operation requires constant coverage.

Are cell phones allowed on oil rigs? ›

An offshore worker cannot use a cell phone aboard an oil rig or platform in these situations: Outside of the living quarters. Due to the risk of flammable gas coming up the oil well, the use of cell phones is strictly prohibited anywhere outside of the living quarters. To take photos.

How many people can stay on an oil rig? ›

Most deepwater rigs can hold around 180-200 people at a time. Most of the people on board are employed by the rig contractor.

How much does the average person make on an oil rig? ›

What Is the Average Oil Rig Salary by State
StateAnnual SalaryHourly Wage
California$69,648$33.48
Colorado$68,536$32.95
Kentucky$68,278$32.83
Nebraska$67,887$32.64
46 more rows

What is the highest paying job in the world? ›

The Top 6 Highest Paying Jobs in the World
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • General Surgeon.
  • Senior Software Engineer.
  • Investment Banker.
  • Data Scientist.
  • IT Systems Manager.
Mar 29, 2023

What are the lowest paying oil rig jobs? ›

Stewards have the lowest paying job on the oil rig.

What is highest paying job in USA? ›

Highest-Paying Occupations
OCCUPATION2022 MEDIAN PAYPERCENTAGE INCREASE OVER NATIONAL MEDIAN
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$219,810374.60%
General Internal Medicine Physicians$214,460363.10%
Dentists, All Other Specialists$212,740359.40%
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$211,790357.30%
17 more rows

Do oil rig workers live on the rig? ›

In offshore operations, workers often work 7 to 14 days in a row, 12 hours a day, and then have 7 to 14 days off. For offshore rigs located far from the coast, drilling crew members live on ships anchored nearby or in facilities on the platform itself.

Do oil rig workers need a degree? ›

Education requirements

Plenty of entry-level job opportunities in the oil and gas production industry are available. While the best-paying jobs require a bachelor's degree or even a master's degree, you can still get a gig with your high school diploma or GED.

Do oil rig workers go home? ›

While offshore, workers work every day without a day off until they go home. Shifts sometimes run 0:00-12:00 and 12:00-0:00, but can also run 6:00-18:00 and 18:00-6:00.

Is working on an oil rig stressful? ›

High Stress: The offshore oil rig work environment can be very fast-paced, with strict deadlines. This can place a huge amount of stress on workers to meet those deadlines. Sometimes this can result in “cutting corners” or not following proper safety protocols to get the job done.

How long do employees on an oil rig stay on the rig during their deployment and how long are their shift? ›

This means that they work for 14 days straight and are then given 21 days off. Those 14 days include long, tiring hours and since the rig is operating 24 hours each day, night shifts. Offshore oil rig work often includes backbreaking labor and dirty tasks, leaving workers exhausted at the end of a long day.

What do you call someone who works on an oil rig? ›

An oil rig roughneck, as the name suggests, is a person who is employed in oil rigs to do manual and physical labour. Another name that is used for a roughneck is roustabout. It also needs to be noted that the term roughneck is also assigned to people of other professions who work very hard physically.

Do oil rig workers get weekends off? ›

Rig work is not a 9-to-5, weekday-only job; weekend work is commonplace, as is overtime. Onshore rigs may be run in several eight-hour, or two 12-hour shifts per day, with one or two roughnecks or roustabouts per shift, typically. Meals, work camp lodging or a housing allowance and benefits are often provided.

Do oil rigs have Internet? ›

Even cellular services can be accessible at some locations offshore. Specifically, the US Gulf of Mexico has cellular towers installed offshore that allow cellular communications from rigs and platforms near the coast to onshore locations, allowing offshore workers to communicate through their own private cell phones.

What is the largest oil rig in the world? ›

The Berkut oil rig, located off the Russian Pacific coast near the island of Sakhalin, is the largest oil platform in the world. Weighing approximately 200,000 tons and situated 35 meters deep from the seafloor, this engineering marvel has an estimated maximum oil extraction capacity of 4.5 million tons annually.

How much money does an oil rig make per day? ›

They have an average wage of $37.60 and can make up to $300 in one day. If they work a 40-hour work week, they can earn up to $1500 in five days time. Most oil rig workers work in sets of weeks.

How much do you get paid on the oil rig in Dubai? ›

Salary Recap

The average pay for a Drilling Rig Floor Hand is AED 148,202 a year and AED 71 an hour in United Arab Emirates. The average salary range for a Drilling Rig Floor Hand is between AED 107,594 and AED 177,397. On average, a Less Than HS Degree is the highest level of education for a Drilling Rig Floor Hand.

How much do oil rig workers make in Texas? ›

How much does an Oil Rig make in Texas? The average Oil Rig salary in Texas is $52,425 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $44,844 and $63,896.

What do oil rig workers do all day? ›

Their duties include cleaning up the "dog house" (rig office), handling drill pipes, cleaning debris, driving the crew truck, taking mud samples, and assisting crew members. Derrickhands are higher up the food chain.

Can I take pictures on the rig? ›

The permit must be signed by the rig's on-board management and posted in a central location. The permit then expires when the approver's shift ends. Even once the permit is approved, you still need to carry a gas detection device when taking pictures, to provide a warning if flammable gas is present.

What can you bring on an oil rig? ›

Make sure to pack the following items:
  • 2 PPE coveralls.
  • Steel-toed boots.
  • Work gloves.
  • Goggles.
  • Hard hat with ear protection.
Sep 19, 2022

How do oil rig workers get there? ›

For off-shore floating oil rigs, professionals usually live on the oil rig for the duration of their shifts. If the oil rig is close to shore, they may travel by boat to return to land. If the oil rig is far from shore, they may travel by helicopter.

How big is the crew on an oil rig? ›

Many rigs have around 200 people living and working onboard, and inside look like a cross between a hotel and an office. Cabins are shared, usually 2-4 to a room, with bathrooms shared by cabins. All cooking and cleaning is done for you, with a canteen providing all meals and snacks.

Do roughnecks make a lot of money? ›

Oil Rig Roughnecks in America make an average salary of $40,338 per year or $19 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $60,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $26,000 per year.

How much would they have to pay you to work on a oil rig? ›

The average Oil Rig salary in the United States is $53,332 as of May 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $45,619 and $65,001.

How long do oil rig workers stay on the rig? ›

2. How long do workers stay on an oil rig? Workers on an offshore oil rig may remain on the platform for six months to one year, depending on the company they're working for, the project type and the duration of their contract.

How long do oil rig jobs last? ›

For example, individuals on drilling rigs, which companies use to drill new wells, typically stay on the rig for two to three weeks at a time. Meanwhile, individuals on production rigs, which companies use to extract oil and gas from existing wells, typically stay for a month or two at a time.

Do oil rig workers live on the oil rig? ›

For offshore rigs located far from the coast, drilling crew members live on ships anchored nearby or in facilities on the platform itself. Workers on offshore rigs are always evacuated in the event of severe storms.

What is the top 1 job in the world? ›

So, given below is an updated list of the most paid jobs in the world.
  1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ...
  2. Medical Professionals. ...
  3. Corporate Lawyer. ...
  4. Investment Banker. ...
  5. Data Scientist. ...
  6. Project Manager. ...
  7. Senior Software Engineer. ...
  8. Web Developers.
Jun 15, 2023

What is the least paying job in the world? ›

25 of the Lowest Paying Jobs
  • Food-Preparation Workers. ...
  • Gambling Dealers. ...
  • Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers. ...
  • Parking Lot Attendants. ...
  • Non-Farm Animal Caretakers. ...
  • Maids and Housekeepers. ...
  • Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers. ...
  • Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders.
Dec 3, 2022

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