You might be surprised to learn that there is still a shortage of oil rig workers in the petroleum industry. The demand for oil rig jobs are greater than the current supply of workers. These jobs are physically demanding but usually financially rewarding. A job in the oil and gas industry may just fit you like a glove.

The most entry level jobs are found in petroleum production. This is generally the process of extracting oil from the various reservoirs on land and offshore. Oil rig platforms are used to extract petroleum from reservoirs located underneath the water. These platforms are big steel structures that holds the drilling equipment and gives housing to oil rig workers. The crude oil that is extracted is sent to oil refineries via sub-sea pipelines.

An oil rig is usually a very dirty and noisy place to work. The living quarters may be a bit cramped, so if you like your privacy, it may not be for you. You will however have a place to sleep and rest. Meals are served in the dining area. Normally you work for six months on the rig followed by six months onshore leave.

What are the possible benefits of oil rig jobs?

There is currently a shortage of oil workers and thus job vacancies that needs to be filled.

Your oil employer normally pays for your room and board. Many oil companies can offer you benefits such as various insurance and profit sharing plans. Petroleum production is a global industry.

You do not need to have a college education to get a job in the oil and gas industry. You can start at the bottom with a roustabout or roughneck job on an oil rig. You can then work your way up from there if you want to. Other types of oil rig jobs that you can learn to do are driller, derrickhand, motorhand or toolpusher.

You may also start your career by working onshore before moving to the higher paying offshore oil jobs. This way you can gain some experience in the oil industry before applying for oil rig jobs such as engineer, sub-sea engineer, drilling supervisor, mud engineer and others.

Keep in mind that oil rig jobs can be dangerous because of the volatile substances and difficult weather conditions involved in the extraction of petroleum from the sea bed. In the past accidents and storms have led to people being injured and killed. It is a risky yet adventurous career path to follow.

There are thousands of oil platforms scattered around the world and there is a demand for oil rig jobs that needs to be satisfied. You may or may not be interested.

Daan Theron