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Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcAIyaFdHzU.
Quick Facts: Oil and Gas Workers
2024 Median Pay $52,610 per year
$25.29 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education No formal educational credential
Work Experience in a Related Occupation See How to Become One
On-the-job Training See How to Become One
Number of Jobs, 2024 115,900
Job Outlook, 2024–34 1% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2024–34 1,400

What Oil and Gas Workers Do

Oil and gas workers assemble, operate, and maintain equipment used for oil and gas exploration, extraction, and related activities.

Work Environment

Most oil and gas workers are full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules vary and may require workers to spend long periods away from home. Their jobs are often physically demanding and may require being outdoors in all weather conditions.

How to Become an Oil and Gas Worker

Although formal education is not typically required to become an oil or gas worker, some employers require or prefer that candidates have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Oil and gas workers learn on the job.

Pay

The median annual wage for oil and gas workers was $52,610 in May 2024.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of oil and gas workers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 10,600 openings for oil and gas workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those 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.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for oil and gas workers.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of oil and gas workers with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about oil and gas workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Oil and Gas Workers Do About this section

two oil and gas workers fixing a rig
Oil and gas workers maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.

Oil and gas workers assemble, operate, and maintain equipment used for oil and gas exploration, extraction, and related activities.

Duties

Oil and gas workers typically do the following:

  • Set up or operate equipment, such as drills and pumps, used in oil and gas exploration and extraction
  • Coordinate rig movement and processes with crew members
  • Maintain equipment, including inspecting for defects or safety concerns
  • Adjust and repair equipment
  • Perform other tasks, as needed, to ensure efficient functioning at oil and gas sites

Oil and gas workers collaborate as a crew to assemble, operate, and maintain drilling equipment and structures. Workers may help move rigs and related structures, which periodically need to be relocated. Oil and gas workers may also help load and unload supplies or equipment on offshore rigs.

The specific tasks of oil and gas workers vary with their specialization and where they work. The following are examples of types of oil and gas workers:

Derrick operators set up, operate, and maintain derricks, the tall structures used to support oil drilling equipment. Derrick operators move sections of pipe or drilling equipment as directed by the driller. They monitor mud pumps; mud returns (the mud discharged during drilling operations); and the flow of fluids used when drilling. Derrick operators are also responsible for routine inspection and maintenance of derrick equipment.

Rotary drill operators, or drillers, set up and operate drills to extract oil and gas or core samples for testing. Drillers complete routine maintenance and repairs to drilling equipment. They direct and monitor the work of derrick operators and roustabouts on an oil rig and also may assist with loading and unloading tools, equipment, and other rig parts.

Roustabouts assemble and repair oilfield equipment, such as mud pumps, shakers, and pipes. They also clean oil rigs, equipment, and work areas. On offshore oil rigs, roustabouts may work with crane operators to load and unload equipment and supplies. Experienced roustabouts may be called roughnecks.

Service unit operators operate equipment used to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipes, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells.

Work Environment About this section

Female oil and gas worker talking on a radio outside in an oil field
Oil and gas workers work in nearly all weather conditions.

Oil and gas workers held about 115,900 jobs in 2024. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up oil and gas workers was distributed as follows:

Roustabouts, oil and gas 46,000
Service unit operators, oil and gas 45,200
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas 13,300
Derrick operators, oil and gas 11,300

The largest employers of oil and gas workers were as follows:

Support activities for mining 70%
Oil and gas extraction 18

Oil and gas workers frequently travel, sometimes to remote areas, and work outdoors in all weather conditions. Some work at great heights; others work in confined spaces. Their jobs are often physically demanding and may be noisy. 

To reduce their risk of injury, oil and gas workers usually wear personal protective equipment. Their clothing and gear may include hardhats, hearing and eye protection, safety harnesses, and steel-toed shoes.

Work Schedules

Most oil and gas workers are full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules vary, depending on the job. Some crews, such as those on offshore oil rigs or in remote areas, may spend weeks away from home and work long shifts 7 days a week. Periods of working nonstandard schedules may be followed by periods of time off.

How to Become an Oil and Gas Worker About this section

Male oil and gas worker closing an industrial valve by an oil rig
Oil and gas workers wear gloves, helmets, and other protective gear.

Oil and gas workers typically do not need formal education to enter these occupations, but some employers require or prefer that candidates have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Many require work experience in a related occupation. Oil and gas workers learn on the job.

Education

There are no formal educational credentials required to become an oil and gas worker, although some employers require or prefer that candidates have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Many oil and gas workers need some related experience in oil and gas operations to enter these occupations. However, roustabout positions typically do not require experience to enter and may offer an opportunity to gain experience needed for other occupations, such as derrick operators and drillers.

Training

Oil and gas workers typically learn on the job. They may start out by shadowing experienced workers and performing tasks under their guidance. Entry-level workers usually begin with less complex tasks, such as cleaning equipment and drilling structures, organizing tools, and loading and unloading equipment.

Workers also receive training and instruction on safety protocols.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Some oil and gas workers, such as derrick operators and drillers, need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to move equipment to various jobsites. State laws governing CDLs vary.

Employers may require oil and gas workers to complete safety certification that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, before or after being hired.

Certification may be helpful or required for some jobs.

Important Qualities

The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page.

Ability to work at heights. Oil and gas workers must be comfortable working at heights on lifts, oilfield structures, and other elevated surfaces.

Communication skills. Oil and gas workers must be able to convey information to other crew members to ensure that tasks are done properly.

Detail oriented. Oil and gas workers need to follow specific instructions for drilling operations and the safe use of equipment.

Interpersonal skills. Because oil and gas workers rely on each other for safety, they must be able to collaborate as part of a crew.

Mechanical skills. Oil and gas workers must understand and be able to maintain and repair equipment used for oil and gas extraction.

Physical stamina and strength. Oil and gas workers must be able to do strenuous tasks, including lifting heavy tools and equipment, throughout the day.

Problem-solving skills. Oil and gas workers must be able to troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment and then determine the best way to repair it.

Pay About this section

Oil and Gas Workers

Median annual wages, May 2024

Extraction workers

$56,020

Oil and gas workers

$52,610

Total, all occupations

$49,500

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

The median annual wage for oil and gas workers was $52,610 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $82,100.

Median annual wages for oil and gas workers in May 2024 were as follows:

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas $65,010
Derrick operators, oil and gas 62,740
Service unit operators, oil and gas 57,980
Roustabouts, oil and gas 47,510

In May 2024, the median annual wages for oil and gas workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Oil and gas extraction $60,500
Support activities for mining 50,700

Most oil and gas workers are full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules vary, depending on the job. Some crews, such as those on offshore oil rigs or in remote areas, may spend weeks away from home and work long shifts 7 days a week. Periods of working nonstandard schedules may be followed by periods of time off.

Job Outlook About this section

Oil and Gas Workers

Percent change in employment, projected 2024–34

Total, all occupations

3%

Oil and gas workers

1%

Extraction workers

0%

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Overall employment of oil and gas workers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 10,600 openings for oil and gas workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those 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.

Employment

Projected employment of oil and gas workers varies by occupation (see table).

Domestic oil and gas production is expected to increase over the projections period, and with it, employment of these workers. Oil and gas products are expected to be needed for energy consumption in transportation, commercial activities, and residential heating. In addition, international demand for oil and gas products is expected to create more opportunities for U.S. producers to export their products abroad.

That said, improvements in industry productivity will likely limit job growth for some occupations. Better drilling capabilities mean companies can extract more oil and gas with fewer rigs. In addition, the use of robotics, automated drilling technologies, and remote monitoring in oil and gas operations is expected to dampen some demand for oil and gas workers.

U.S. oil and gas producers may scale down or increase operations based on changes in current global supply and demand or the future energy outlook, which in turn might impact employment of oil and gas workers.

Employment projections data for oil and gas workers, 2024–34
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2024 Projected Employment, 2034 Change, 2024–34 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Oil and gas workers

 — 115,900 117,200 1 1,400 —

Derrick operators, oil and gas

 47-5011 11,300 11,300 1 100 Get data

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas

 47-5012 13,300 13,400 0 0 Get data

Service unit operators, oil and gas

 47-5013 45,200 45,400 0 200 Get data

Roustabouts, oil and gas

 47-5071 46,000 47,100 2 1,100 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of oil and gas workers.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2024 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Construction equipment operators Construction Equipment Operators

Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings, and other structures.

 High school diploma or equivalent $58,320
Construction laborers and helpers Construction Laborers and Helpers

Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.

 See How to Become One $46,050
Electricians Electricians

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.

 High school diploma or equivalent $62,350
Geological and petroleum technicians Geological and Hydrologic Technicians

Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.

 Associate's degree $50,510
Hazardous materials removal workers Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.

 High school diploma or equivalent $48,490
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians

Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, and other industries.

 High school diploma or equivalent $62,740
Structural iron and steel workers Ironworkers

Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.

 High school diploma or equivalent $61,940
Petroleum engineers Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production.

 Bachelor's degree $141,280
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.

 High school diploma or equivalent $62,970
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.

 High school diploma or equivalent $51,000
Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Oil and Gas Workers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/oil-and-gas-workers.htm (visited August 28, 2025).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2024 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2024

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2024, which is the base year of the 2024–34 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2024-34

The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034. The average growth rate for all occupations is 3 percent.

Employment Change, 2024-34

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2024-34

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

2024 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.