Your Guide To Getting An Oil Field Job
Are you looking forward to working in oil extraction in an oil field? This is a place where oil is extracted from underground, done by professionals. The exciting part is that it can also be done in the ocean and at length.
It is a very versatile job and a lucrative career. If you are looking forward to working in the oil field, you will have to get more information. After that, you will be able to decide if it will be an appropriate choice of career for you or not.
This article will provide you with a complete guide to getting an oil field jobs and how many doors of opportunities it will open for you if you choose it as a career.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and discuss it!
What is an Oil Field?

An oil field is where crude oil is extracted from the ground or ocean. These fields utilize ample space, but it mainly depends upon the reservoir’s size under the drilling field. All that needs to be done is to locate the extractable oil area.
After that, an oil field is created in that area, and skilled experts use their knowledge to extract the oil. The petroleum industry is highly lucrative, and it has a lot of potential and high-paid opportunities for oil field workers.
All kinds of professionals are required in an oil field, including laborers like oil drillers and engineers, to crude oil extractors.
Oil Field Divisions
The oil field industry is divided into three sections which include the following:
1- Upstream
It is associated with finding where the crude oil exists and producing it.
2- Midstream
This area is associated with transporting crude oil from one place to another. It also includes different ways to shift crude oil to other destinations.
3- Downstream
The downstream means the part where the crude oil is refined. This process also includes marketing and branding crude oil and then selling it. The distribution of crude oil in a specific ratio is also determined in this stage.
Is it Hard Working in Oilfields?

The straightforward answer to this question is yes. Oil field life is indeed backbreaking and challenging. It is because the working conditions are callous and demanding.
There is a lot of physical work involved in oil fieldwork, and most people have to pull twelve hours a day when they are working in the oil field.
Wondering how to work in the oil field? There is no doubt that the petroleum industry is very demanding and not for the faint-hearted. But if you are passionate enough and hardworking, you will be able to go through the night shifts.
It will be a tricky field for you when you are at an entry level. But once you get promoted to a better position, you will not have to work as hard.
Which Oil Field Jobs Provide Opportunity?

Working in the petroleum industry in the oil field is a very lucrative career. It has a lot of opportunities for different kinds of people. The best part about this industry is that you can join this industry if you have a degree in engineering or are just a laborer looking to lift some heavy objects and make some money.
The oil field has something for everyone, and if you are passionate and hardworking, you will be successful in it for sure.
So, on the lookout for an oil field job search? Let’s have a look at the oil field job description and working in the oil fields salary below.
1- Derrick Hand
Derrick Hands are responsible for helping out in drilling the oil. Their job description includes working on a drilling derrick. If you join this position, you will be liable for rigging pipes and rising to the underground well.
This is a very challenging task because you also have to work with hydraulics. For working with hydraulics, a person needs to be well aware of all the equipment and parts involved in getting the job done. Here is a Derrick Hand job if you are looking for a job in this field.
Moreover, they are also responsible for maintaining drill safety when working in the oil field. Overall, they make a pretty good amount of money annually. If you want to pursue a career as a Derrick Hand but don’t know much about this field then read our complete blog on how to become a Derrickhand.
National average salary: $44,000 plus per annum
2- Driller
If you want to know what’s the role of an oil Driller and how to become an oil driller, let us tell you what it’s like to be a driller. Drillers are responsible for completing all the drilling tasks in the oilfield. They need to keep safety protocols in their mind when they are working. This is one of the entry-level jobs in the oil and gas industry and you can easily start your career as an oil driller. If you are looking for a job in this field, here is a Driller job in Calgary.
National average salary: $48,000 plus per annum
3- Floor Hand
Floor hands are responsible for setting up and cleaning the raids on the oilfield. They also perform the duties assigned to them by superior members of the team. To become a Floor hand, you will need to have a diploma or degree, a driver’s license, and somewhat experience working on a land-based rig. If you are looking for a job in this field, here is a Floor hand job in Alberta for you to apply.
National average salary: $49,000 plus per annum
4- Process Operator
A Process Operator is liable to ensure all the equipment is working properly. If you are looking for a job in this field, here is a Process Operator job in Calgary.
National average salary: $53,000 plus per annum
5- Oil Field Roustabout
They are responsible for transporting equipment and tools and cleaning the oil rig. If you are looking for a job in this field, here is a Roustabout job in Alberta.
National average salary: $63,000 plus per annum
6- Chemical Engineer
They define the utilization of resources and natural gases in the oil field.
National average salary: $63,000 plus per annum
7- Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum Geologists work regarding the hydrocarbon fuels extracted in the oil mine.
National average salary: $70,000 per annum
8- Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers are responsible for finding the location of hydrocarbon deposits in the oil field. If you want to know more about the Petroleum Engineering field then read our separate guide on is Petroleum Engineering a good career path.
National average salary: $76,000 per annum
9- Pipeline Engineer
They are liable for creating a strategy about how they will be transported and extracted.
National average salary: $160,000 plus per annum
10- Oil and Gas Attorney
These professionals are responsible for dealing with property and mineral rights.
National average salary: $118,000 plus per year
11- Oil and Gas Regulatory Inspector
They ensure compliance with legislation that is associated with the usage of land.
National average salary: $46,000 plus per annum
How do I Get a Job in the Oil Fields?
Are you wondering how to get a job in the oil field? You can get a job in the oil field by following the steps mentioned below:
- Enroll in a trade school
- Be physically fit
- Find a suitable location
- Have connections with professionals and field workers
- Have an understanding of working in the oilfield
What Oil Field Jobs Pay the Best?
The highest paid oil field jobs include:
- Chemical Engineer
- Petroleum Geologist
- Gas Plant Operator
- Well Tester
- HR Advisor
Conclusion
If you are looking forward to working in the oil field, you will need skills and professionalism. Different types of professional people work in the oil field, including engineers and laborers. Thinking about what oilfield workers do? They combine their expertise and knowledge to extract crude oil from land or the ocean.
It is a challenging career choice, but without any doubt, working in oil fields is very lucrative. You can make a lot of money by understanding working in an oil field. If it suits your skills and background, you are good to go.
We have discussed all you need to know about an oil field job and how to get a job in the oil field. Good luck in your future endeavors.

The Primus Workforce team is proudly built on hands-on industry knowledge and experience.