Oil Field Jobs Overview
The oil industry provides a leading source of energy to consumers. Without oil, millions of people across the U.S. wouldn’t be able to heat their homes or drive their cars. Oil industry workers help to make that happen. They’re responsible for extracting and refining oil and ensuring that facilities are kept safe and in compliance with state and federal regulations. There are several different types of blue-collar oil field jobs available to candidates with at least a high school diploma and some experience.
You might want to choose a job in the oil industry if you enjoy working with your hands and prefer not to work in an office. In oil field jobs, you may develop plans for drilling, extracting, and refining oil. You may also oversee the oil wells after drilling is completed or ensure that machinery and equipment are in proper working order.
Expand your search for extraction jobs by considering these similar positions:
Oil Field Worker Training and Skills
The educational and training requirements for oil field jobs vary by job type. For example, oil rig workers and other blue-collar oil field employees must have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. Most oil field employers prefer to hire candidates who have oil rig training and certification that covers OSHA regulations, safety practices, pipe laying and winching. There are several institutions around the U.S. that offer oil field training.
Petroleum engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field that includes lab work and field studies in engineering, geology, and thermodynamics. While not required, having a Professional Engineer (PE) license can help boost your skills and give you an advantage over the competition.
When hiring oil field workers, employers look for candidates with:
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to make sense of technical information.
- The ability to communicate with team members, supervisors, and customers.
- Exceptional mathematics skills.
- The ability to solve problems and prevent potential risks.
- Keen attention to detail.
Update Your Oil Field Worker Resume
Do you have the skills and qualities oil field employers are looking for? Make sure they stand out on your resume. If you’re not sure where to begin, try using Monster’s resume samples and writing best practices to learn how to write and format your resume. Many oil field employers will want you to submit a cover letter with your resume. This gives potential employers the opportunity to screen applicants to ensure that they’re the right fit before reviewing their resumes. Learn how to maximize your chances of getting an interview by referring to our cover letter samples and writing tips.
Interviewing for Oil Field Jobs
A solid resume and cover letter are only half the battle when getting hired in the oil industry. A potential employer will likely schedule an interview to learn more about you. While job interviews are often nerve-wracking, Monster can help you prepare.
We have a comprehensive list of potential interview questions and interview advice. Employers may ask about your background, experience, and ability to solve problems and work with others. Being prepared with strong answers can boost your likelihood of getting hired.
How Much Do Oil Field Jobs Pay?
The amount of money you can make in an oil field job depends on your experience level and the job type. For example, the median pay for oil field and rig workers in the U.S. is $19.63 per hour. Petroleum engineers earn a median yearly salary of $65,682. Find out how much you will likely earn at your job by using Monster’s Salary Tool. All you have to do is enter the job title and your location. You’ll also see a list of locations where your job is in the highest demand, potential next career steps, and top oil field job postings.
Learn More About Companies Hiring
Want to know more about an oil company before applying? Look them up on Monster’s company profiles to find basic information such as size, locations, benefits, job listings, and much more.
Dig for the Right Job on Monster
Ready to mine for the best oil field jobs? Check them out right here. Then create your free profile at Monster and start getting custom job notifications. We also offer valuable tips on how to excel in your career and the opportunity to connect with recruiters.