How do I become Roughneck?

Roger asks:How do I become Roughneck?

The largest and most important industry in the world today, is the oil business.  It will continue to grow with the fact; they provide over 80% of the world’s fuel and approximately 50% of the world’s energy needs.  The oil business heavily relies on skilled workers and provides a wide variety of opportunities. The jobs on the offshore oil rigs require physical strength, a lot of guts and definitely determination.  There are advantages to working in the oil industry and of course; there are also career advancement opportunities.

A Roughneck is a person who does oil rig labor.  This is a very demanding job both mentally and physically.  Different types of duties are required related to equipment and machines.  Roughneck jobs are not entry-level jobs; these are more advanced and will have to worked up to.  Many of the oil rigs require a roughneck to work on a piece of equipment called tongs.  Tongs are used to loosen or tighten the drill pipe that is used when drilling for oil.
Most of the oil rig companies do not require you to have experience to get hired on the rigs.  You usually start as a roustabout and work your way up. A roughnecks duties can include anything from connecting pipes to general work.  Included in this list, are tool pusher, driller, derrick hand, motorman, boiler man, and ginsel.

Many people choose to work on an offshore oil rig for the adventure, but another good reason is for the salary.  Offshore oilrig salaries surpass the general population of on-land salaries.  The average roughneck salary you will be happy to know is approximately $55,000 a year.  This salary will depend on which company you work for because the different companies pay different salaries.  There are companies who place people in these positions in the United States and throughout the world.  The competition for these positions is getting harder and finding these jobs is getting more challenging, but they can definitely be obtained.  If you are looking for a change, with adventure and good salary, then by all means, contact a company and see what is available.  Be brave and find a new life.