Who are Oilfield Workers?
The term “oil field” refers to a location where crude oil is extracted and produced. Working in the oil industry necessitates the expertise of a wide range of specialists, including day laborers, trades workers, drilling experts, and engineers.
To extract oil from a single field, multiple drill sites might be built; depending on the size of the reservoir beneath the drilling region, oil fields can cover a huge area. Oil field workers ensure that oil and gas make their way from the ground to your gas tank. They do everything from operating heavy equipment to maintaining pipes and other infrastructure in the drilling, extraction, and production industries.
Workers in the oil fields may work alone or as part of a group. Regardless of their position, they all have one thing in common: they must be able to operate complex machinery safely and successfully in adverse conditions.
For individuals in manual labor positions, oil field work can require long days and hard working conditions. Working 12-hour shifts is normal; however, they can be extended if there is still work. Night shifts are also a feature of oil field labor, and an entry-level position may require you to start on this schedule.
Oilfield Worker’s Job Description
Oil field workers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Assists roughnecks and other oil rig employees with obtaining the necessary materials and equipment.
- Assists crane operators in loading and transporting cargo.
- Using hand and power tools, assembles or repairs oilfield or natural gas equipment.
- Drilling new wells with sledgehammers and shovels, as well as power tools like rotary rigs and drilling rigs
- Oil wells are being monitored to ensure that they are producing at maximum capacity.
- Water levels in wells are monitored to ensure that underground storage spaces do not run dry.
- Maintains a clean and safe work environment.
- Follows all safety standards and recommendations.
- Compressors, separators, and storage tanks are among the primary pieces of equipment that need to be installed and repaired.
- Performs other responsibilities as needed.
- Oil spills must be cleaned up to avoid damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
- Oil samples are collected to be tested for quality and composition to see if they may be utilized as fuel.
- Oilfield machinery is dismantled.
- Loads and unloads pipe from a truck by hand or with the help of equipment.
Oilfield Workers Required Skills & Qualification
Oil field jobs do, however, require a huge number of entry-level or unskilled laborers to perform the fundamental tasks around the field. The competition in oil rig jobs is very competitive and as such, having a degree is always an added advantage. There may be certain criteria regarding the degree and specialization you possess, notably for engineering and science programs.
- Mechanical abilities are exceptional.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to follow supervisory or senior worker orders.
- Possessing the ability to use both hand and power tools.
- Complete understanding of oilfield machinery and repair.
Oilfield Worker’s Salary in Texas
Oil field workers’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the type of oil they are working with, and the company for which they work. Oil and gas extraction requires more workers per unit of output than other types of mining and as a result, employment growth will be needed to provide services to oil and gas producers.
How Much Do Oilfield Workers Make in Texas? The estimated annual average salary of Oilfield workers in Texas is $50,562
The average hourly wage for an Oilfield worker in Texas is $24.31, that’s about $50,562 per year. The lowest 10% of earners in the field make about $36,600 annually, while the highest 10% of earners make about $71,717 per year.