Oil riggers historically get paid much more than a land based worker performing the same basic duties. This is generally because the working environment on an offshore oil rig is much different than an onshore working environment, and there are a lot of other risk factors to take into account. Obviously, the biggest risk factor that affects oil riggers salaries is the fact that offshore oil rigs are located miles away from land, sometimes up to 100 miles, and the ocean in itself can be a very dangerous place. Aside from the fact that oil riggers are working with machinery, there is the constant possibility of being hit by a tropical storm or even a hurricane. Any time there are unusual work conditions involved, in any occupation, there is going to be a higher salary to go with it. Oil rigging is no different.
What follows is a list of the basic oil and gas industry wages for entry level positions on an offshore oil rig. Note that there in no gender pay gap in oil industry companies; men and women receive the same pay as long as they can both perform the duties required of them. All of these annual salaries are based on a basic 7/7 schedule, which is 7 days on the rig and 7 days off, with 12 hours of work per day. This is a total of 6 months of work per year,
How Much Do Off Shore oil Riggers Get paid?
Roustabout – Roustabouts, or roughnecks as they are sometimes called, are the lowest position aboard an oil rig. Their duties include cleaning the gear and equipment and scraping away any rust buildups. They are also required to mop, paint, or clear away obstacles on the deck as needed. Roustabouts are also needed to help guide the loading cranes on the deck and assist the drill crew. Annual salary is approximately $54,000.
Maintenance Roustabout – This is a roustabout who is only needed for cleaning and maintenance work. Annual salary is approximately $47,000.
Scaffolders – These workers often transfer from rig to rig as they are needed. Their main job is to set up or disassemble scaffolding on the rig. Annual salary is approximately $57,000.
Mud Engineer – This position does not require previous experience on an oil rig, but it does require a chemistry degree. Annual salary is approximately $72,500.
Storeman – This is the person who manages the supply stores and orders new supplies if they are needed. A high school diploma is all that is needed but he or she must be computer literate to do the job. Annual salary is approximately $59,000.
Welder – Multiple welders are needed on every rig out there, making this one of the positions with the current highest demand for qualified workers. All that is needed is an understanding of welding practices. Annual salary is approximately $62,000.
These professional salaries at oil and gas companies are some of the highest for entry level positions found in any occupation, which is why offshore oil drilling is becoming such a popular career choice.
