Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
Roustabouts assemble, repair, and maintain equipment at oil and gas drilling sites and production facilities. Using hand and power tools, they perform physical work essential to keeping operations running. This work takes place on oil rigs, in refineries, and at other energy production locations across the country.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against roustabouts, oil and gas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves hands-on equipment maintenance and repair work at the job site. Roustabouts might assemble pipe sections, replace worn components, operate machinery, or perform general maintenance tasks. Work often follows established procedures and safety protocols. Tasks change based on operational needs, and workers may assist other crews or respond to equipment problems as they arise throughout their shift.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel in this work if you prefer practical, hands-on tasks over abstract problem-solving and prefer following clear procedures and guidelines. You're comfortable working with tools and machinery, value straightforward work expectations, and take satisfaction in maintaining equipment that keeps operations running smoothly.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $56,380 | $60,810 | $71,930 | 430 |
| North Dakota | $48,720 | $60,480 | $64,890 | 2,460 |
| Montana | $48,300 | $58,800 | $61,420 | 200 |
| Florida | $49,570 | $57,080 | $60,450 | 40 |
| Nebraska | $49,240 | $53,340 | $59,350 | 40 |
| Indiana | $38,270 | $51,740 | $51,940 | 100 |
| Michigan | $44,320 | $51,720 | $61,450 | 290 |
| Ohio | $37,820 | $51,230 | $58,320 | 450 |
| South Dakota | $49,450 | $50,370 | $60,560 | 40 |
| New Mexico | $37,250 | $50,000 | $65,790 | 2,220 |
| Alabama | $45,150 | $49,400 | $62,150 | 70 |
| Mississippi | $39,570 | $49,240 | $60,410 | 420 |
All 23 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against roustabouts, oil and gas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-5071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.