- Rig hands usually work long shifts that may last for several days in a row, since oil and gas rigs operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If they work offshore, they may live onsite for several weeks and work 12-hour shifts. They then spend extended leave on land. The work is hazardous, though federal regulations as well as mandated safety training have reduced the rates of injuries and illness. A high school diploma is not required but preferred for entry-level workers. However, applicants must be at least 18 years old, be in good physical shape and pass medical and drug tests. They typically learn their skills on the job under more experienced workers.
- Rotary drill operators supervise rig crews. They also control the speed and pressure of the drills that either remove underground oil and gas or extract core samples for testing. They were among the highest paid of all rig hands with mean salaries at $28.84 per hour or $59,980 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $15.03 per hour or $31,260 per year, while the highest earning 10 percent got $47.31 per hour or $98,410 per year. Over 80 percent worked in mining support activities that suppied workers for companies that did not have their own staff. They made a mean $28.84 per hour or $59,980 per year. The highest wages were with petroleum and coal products manufacturing at a mean $32.64 per hour or $67,880 per year.
- Derrick operators inspect and clean rigs for correct and efficient operations. They help to run pipes in and out of well holes and operate pumps used to circulate mud through the pipes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2010, 16,930 workers in this field made a mean $21.53 per hour or $44,790 per year. The lowest pay was $14.35 per hour or $29,850 per year, while the best wages were $30.29 per hour or $63,000 per year. Over 86 percent worked in mining support activities making means of $21.20 per hour or $44,090 per year. The highest pay was in oil and gas extraction at a mean $23.72 per hour or $49,330 per year.
- Roustabouts or general laborers form the entry-level workers in the industry. They perform general tasks such as setting up, cleaning and maintaining equipment, using both hand and power tools. They made mean wages of $16.35 per hour or $34,020 per year, with lows of $10.36 per hour or $21,550 per year and highs of $24.56 per hour or $51,090 per year. Over 71 percent of the jobs were in mining support activities, where pay ran a mean $15.97 per hour or $33,220 per year. The top salaries were in natural gas distribution at a mean $18.44 per hour or $38,350 per year.
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