Energy and utilities
How to become an oilfield hand
Work on drilling rigs and well sites.
About $50,000 and up with overtime typical pay. Training time: Hired on with a few days of safety training. How to start: Get paid while you learn.
Take the career quiz See first steps
What does an oilfield hand do?
Oilfield hands work on drilling rigs and well sites, handling equipment and supporting the crew. Companies often hire entry-level workers with a few days of safety training. Schedules can be long, with rotations of several days or weeks on and off.
What the work is like
- Physical: Very physical. Expect lifting, standing, and moving all day.
- Heights: Some ladder or rooftop work.
- Blood and medical: No medical tasks.
- Schedule: Nights, weekends, long shifts, or rotations are common.
- Travel: Expect to travel, sometimes for days or weeks at a time.
- Math: Little math beyond the basics.
Good to know: You usually need to be 18 and pass a drug test.
Steps to become an oilfield hand
Training: Hired on with a few days of safety training. You can earn while you learn.
- Get OSHA 10 and a basic safety card like SafeLand.
- Get your driver’s license; a CDL later raises your pay a lot.
- Apply to oilfield service companies hiring entry-level hands.
Not sure this is the one? Take the free quiz to compare it with 43 other careers.
Where oilfield hand jobs are in demand
Texas
- West Texas and the Permian Basin: Oil and gas drive the economy, along with the trucks, power lines, and shops that support it.
Wyoming
- Wyoming: Oil, gas, mining, and wind energy, plus the power lines, trucks, and heavy equipment that keep them running.
Regional demand is a general guide. Check with your local workforce office for current openings.
How to pay for oilfield hand training
Many people start this career through a paid apprenticeship or an employer who trains you, so training can cost little or nothing.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for a Pell grant. Since 2026, Workforce Pell can also cover some short programs of 8 to 15 weeks. High school CTE and dual credit classes are often free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an oilfield hand make?
Typical pay is about $50,000 and up with overtime, based on approximate national medians. Starting pay is usually lower, and pay varies by area and experience.
How long does it take to become an oilfield hand?
Hired on with a few days of safety training.
Can you get paid while training?
Yes. Many people in this career are paid while they train, through a paid apprenticeship, an employer who covers training, or on-the-job learning.
Do you need a college degree?
No. This career doesn't require a four-year degree.
Is there an age requirement or anything else to know?
You usually need to be 18 and pass a drug test.
Similar careers to explore
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- Solar installer: About $51,000. Weeks to months. Many companies train you on the job
- Process technician (plant operator): About $70,000. 2-year process technology degree at a community college
Is oilfield hand the right fit for you?
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