A roustabout in oil and gas installs, maintains, and repairs equipment on drilling rigs and production sites. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Roustabouts operate and maintain the machinery and equipment that powers oil and gas operations. You will inspect structures and equipment for wear or damage, control machines during production processes, and perform physical tasks like moving materials and assembling parts. You will also organize work schedules, plan tasks, and gather information to solve problems on the job site. The work happens on drilling rigs, platforms, and production facilities in varied weather and terrain.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas earn a median of $46,960 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 4,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You do not need a four-year degree to start. Most roustabouts begin with a high school diploma or equivalent and learn on the job. Employers value mechanical knowledge, so consider entry-level training in equipment operation or basic mechanics if available in your area. You will develop skills in critical thinking, monitoring equipment, and active listening as you work alongside experienced crews. Many positions require physical fitness and the ability to work in remote or offshore locations.
Most roustabouts start through direct hire or apprenticeship programs with oil and gas operators. If you are exploring whether this path fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the roustabout, oil and gas path that fits you to map out your next steps with your counselor.
You are drawn to hands-on work with machines and equipment. You like solving practical problems, staying alert to detail, and working in a team to keep operations running safely and efficiently.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).