How Much Do Oil Rig Workers Make​?

Discover what oil rig workers earn in the UK, qualifications needed, job levels, pros, cons, and the best offshore drilling companies to work for.

Salary, Career & Training Guide

Oil rig workers play a vital role in extracting oil and gas from deep beneath the earth’s surface—often in extreme offshore conditions. It’s a physically demanding and high-risk job, but it offers strong salaries, generous time off, and the chance to work in an international, team-driven environment.

This guide breaks down what oil rig workers do, what qualifications are needed, how much they earn, and where to find the top-paying opportunities.

Job Description: What Do Oil Rig Workers Do?

Oil rig workers perform a range of roles to help extract oil or gas offshore or on land. Rig teams are made up of technical, mechanical, safety, and support staff who keep the operation running 24/7 in shifts.

Responsibilities depend on the role but may include:

  • Operating and maintaining drilling equipment

  • Monitoring safety procedures and pressure systems

  • Carrying out routine maintenance and repairs

  • Cleaning machinery and the rig itself

  • Working with engineers to adjust drilling processes

  • Ensuring environmental and health & safety compliance

  • Emergency drills and safety checks

Jobs are often rotation-based (e.g. 2 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off).

How Hard Is It to Become an Oil Rig Worker?

Entry-level jobs like roustabout or floorhand are accessible, but roles are physically demanding and require resilience. There’s no degree requirement for most hands-on jobs, but you need to pass offshore safety and survival training.

Higher-level roles (e.g. toolpusher, driller, engineer) require technical training, experience, or degrees in engineering, geology, or similar fields.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Physical fitness and strength

  • Comfort with remote, offshore life

  • Strong teamwork and communication skills

  • Ability to follow safety protocols under pressure

  • Problem-solving mindset

  • Willingness to work in challenging weather and conditions

  • Discipline to handle long shifts (12+ hours)

Do You Need Qualifications?

For most entry-level jobs, you do not need formal education—but you must complete mandatory offshore safety training:

Required Certifications:

  • BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training)

  • MIST (Minimum Industry Safety Training)

  • OGUK Medical Certificate

  • Seaman's Book (for international roles)

  • CA-EBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System)

Courses can be completed in 1–2 weeks and cost around £1,000–£2,000.

Career Levels and Specialisations

Roustabout - Entry-level labourer, cleaning & lifting

Roughneck / Floorhand - Works on drill floor, connects drill pipes

Derrickhand - Maintains drilling fluid and pump systems

Driller - Operates drilling equipment

Toolpusher - Oversees drilling crew and operations

Rig Mechanic / Electrician - Maintains rig systems and power

Geologist / Mud Logger - Analyses rock samples

Rig Medic / HSE Officer - Handles health and emergency care

Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) - Top-level management of the rig

What Experience Do You Need?

  • No experience is required for a roustabout job

  • Experience in heavy labour, mechanical or marine roles is helpful

  • Progression requires hands-on learning, promotion, or specialised training

  • Some engineers and supervisors come from oilfield, naval or offshore backgrounds

Benefits of Working on an Oil Rig

  • High salaries, even for entry-level jobs

  • Great time off – rotations give long breaks (e.g. 2 weeks on, 3 off)

  • All expenses paid offshore (food, accommodation, flights)

  • Opportunity to travel and work globally

  • Clear career progression for motivated workers

  • No degree required for most site roles

  • Team-focused, active lifestyle

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Remote and isolated conditions

  • Risk of injury, even with safety procedures

  • Tight living quarters and limited privacy

  • Long shifts (12 hours/day)

  • Unpredictable job market tied to oil prices

  • Time away from home/family

  • Expensive training upfront for entry-level workers

Oil Rig Worker Salary Levels in the UK

Roustabout - £25,000 – £32,000

Roughneck / Floorhand - £32,000 – £40,000

Derrickhand - £40,000 – £50,000

Driller - £50,000 – £70,000

Toolpusher / OIM - £75,000 – £110,000+

Offshore Engineer - £70,000 – £120,000+

Tax Example:

An offshore worker earning £55,000/year would pay:

  • Income Tax: ~£9,432

  • National Insurance: ~£4,149

  • Take-home pay: ~£41,419/year or £795/week

Some workers may benefit from tax-free allowances or non-residency tax breaks depending on where they are based.

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Role type and responsibility

  • Experience and certification

  • Rig location – North Sea vs Middle East vs Gulf of Mexico

  • Rotation schedule – longer shifts often pay more

  • Union membership / collective bargaining

  • Hazard level – high-risk rigs may pay bonuses

  • Employer and contract type – direct hire vs agency vs contractor

What’s the Future for This Role?

While oil is a volatile sector, offshore energy jobs remain vital.

Trends:

  • Growth in offshore wind and renewables – transferable skills for ex-oil workers

  • Continued investment in decommissioning North Sea rigs

  • Tech upgrades (remote monitoring, robotics) changing on-rig duties

  • Pressure for green transition may shift roles toward hydrogen and carbon capture

Qualified, experienced offshore workers are likely to remain in demand for the next 15–20 years.

Best Companies to Work for in Offshore Oil & Gas

BP -Major UK operator with global reach

Shell - One of the world’s largest oil firms

TotalEnergies - Strong UK/North Sea operations

Wood Group - Engineering and support roles offshore

Transocean - Drilling rigs globally

Seadrill - Deep-water offshore platforms

Petrofac - Training and offshore jobs

Maersk Drilling / Noble Corp - Global contractor roles

Final Thought

Working on an oil rig isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s one of the few industries where you can earn big money with minimal academic qualifications. The lifestyle is tough but rewarding—with time off, strong pay, and rapid progression for those who stick with it and train smart.

Want help mapping your offshore career, finding accredited BOSIET training, or comparing salaries by role? I’ve got you covered—just ask.