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ConstructionStable

Roustabout, Oil and Gas

Operational-level

Also known as: Casing Crew Pusher, Cathead Operator, Connection Worker, Derrick Hand

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Roustabout, you'll work outdoors on oil fields, often in hot or cold weather and exposed to the elements. Your daily tasks include assembling and repairing oil field equipment using various hand and power tools. You'll always wear protective gear, collaborating closely with your team through face-to-face discussions. This job suits those who enjoy physical, hands-on work and are comfortable in challenging outdoor environments.
Oil and GasPetroleum EngineeringOilfield OperationsIndustrial RiggingConstructionSkilled TradesMechanical MaintenanceTechnicalBuildingSkilled Trade

A Day in the Life

You pull up to the remote Pecos, Texas oil field before the sun cracks the horizon, the desert air already carrying the smell of crude. Donning your hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and heavy gloves, you join the crew for the morning brief. The foreman outlines the day's tasks: primarily assembling new flow lines and maintaining pump jacks. You grab your tools from the truck – a trusty crescent wrench and a pipe wrench – ready to start another physically demanding day in the elements.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordSAP software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

4,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

45,500

in 2025 → 47,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
Low
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career has a stable outlook, with about 4,100 job openings projected each year through 2035. Employment is expected to see a 3.6% increase during this period. The median annual wage for roustabouts is about $46,960. With experience, you could advance into roles such as an Oil Field Foreman or an Equipment Maintenance Technician.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • General Laborer
  • Oil Field Assistant
  • Material Handler

Where it can lead

  • Rig Operator
  • Oil Field Foreman
  • Oil Equipment Maintenance Technician

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will primarily impact roustabouts by accelerating the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems for repetitive and dangerous tasks like heavy lifting and equipment movement on oil and gas sites. This will likely reduce the demand for purely manual labor, shifting the nature of work towards overseeing automated operations and specialized maintenance. Consequently, while complete replacement is unlikely, the number of entry-level roustabout positions may decrease over the next 5-10 years.

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Salary

$46,960

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Installation Technology

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Mechanics and Repairers, General

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Construction Technology

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Construction Technology

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

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