Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Oil and Gas Worker 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 & 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.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of oil and gas workers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 9,900 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 Domestic oil and gas production is expected to support employment of these workers. In addition to many domestic uses, 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. Oil and Gas Workers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Total, all occupations 3% Oil and gas workers 2% Extraction workers 1% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
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.
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
Work Environment
Oil and gas workers held about 112,700 jobs in 2025. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up oil and gas workers was distributed as follows:
| Roustabouts, oil and gas | 45,500 |
| Service unit operators, oil and gas | 43,800 |
| Rotary drill operators, oil and gas | 12,700 |
| Derrick operators, oil and gas | 10,700 |
The largest employers of oil and gas workers were as follows:
| Support activities for mining | 72% |
| Oil and gas extraction | 16 |
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.
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.
More Information
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.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.