Oil rig workers' earnings vary widely by role, location, and experience, but the average hourly wage in the U.S. is about $26.57 as of late 2024. Annual salaries range approximately from $40,000 for entry-level roustabouts to over $100,000 for drillers and managers, with some specialized or senior roles reaching six-figure salaries, even up to $250,000 or more. Offshore work schedules with extended shifts and time off contribute to these competitive wages. Globally, pay can differ significantly across regions.
Salary by Role
- Roustabout (entry-level): $40,000 to $55,000 annually
- Roughneck: $50,000 to $70,000 annually
- Assistant Driller: $60,000 to $85,000 annually
- Driller: $75,000 to $100,000 annually or higher for supervisors and managers
- Senior roles and engineers may earn $100,000 to $300,000 annually depending on region and expertise.
Regional and Industry Trends
- Average U.S. hourly wage: $26.57 (September 2024)
- Salaries in other regions like the UK average £31,640 per year, while in Australasia, salaries can be much higher.
- The industry has seen rising wages post-2021 with many workers receiving pay increases in 2024 and beyond.
Work Conditions & Schedule
- Offshore workers often work 14 days on followed by 21 days off.
- Pay compensates for demanding labor, risk, and time away from home.
In summary, oil rig workers generally make between $40,000 to over $100,000 annually depending on their position, with top roles paying significantly more, reflecting the demanding nature of the job and varying by geography and experience level.
