Roustabouts, oil and gas
SOC Code: 47-5071Also known as:
Casing Crew Pusher, Cathead Operator, Connection Worker, Derrick Hand, Drill Rig Operator
Median Annual Salary
$47,510
+2.5% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
46K
Current Jobs
What Roustabouts, oil and gas Do
Assemble or repair oil field equipment using hand and power tools. Perform other tasks as needed.
💰 Salary
$47,510
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.5%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
46,000
Projected Employment (2034)
47,100
Related Careers
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
$65,010 •
+0.2% growth
Service unit operators, oil and gas
$57,980 •
+0.4% growth
Helpers--extraction workers
$48,400 •
-1.7% growth
Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
-1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Unscrew or tighten pipes, casing, tubing, and pump rods, using hand and power wrenches and tongs.
- Dismantle and repair oil field machinery, boilers, and steam engine parts, using hand tools and power tools.
- Guide cranes to move loads about decks.
- Walk flow lines to locate leaks, using electronic detectors and by making visual inspections, and repair the leaks.
- Lay gas and oil pipelines.
- Bolt together pump and engine parts.
- Move pipes to and from trucks, using truck winches and motorized lifts, or by hand.
- Clean trucks used in the fields.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do roustabouts, oil and gas make?
The median annual salary for roustabouts, oil and gas is $47,510.
What education do roustabouts, oil and gas need?
Most roustabouts, oil and gas positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming roustabouts, oil and gas a good career choice?
Roustabouts, oil and gas is projected to see +2.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 4,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for roustabouts, oil and gas?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to roustabouts, oil and gas?
Roustabouts, oil and gas may also be known as: Casing Crew Pusher, Cathead Operator, Connection Worker, Derrick Hand, Drill Rig Operator, Dumper Bailer Operator, Field Service Engineer, Field Service Installation Technician (Field Service Installation Tech), Field Service Roustabout, Field Service Technician (Field Service Tech), Field Specialist, Field Technician (Field Tech), Floor Hand, Fuel Farm Operator, Gang Worker, Gas Floor Hand, Generator Field Service Technician (Generator Field Service Tech), Gun Perforator Loader, Oil and Gas Roustabout, Oil Field Laborer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.