How to become roustabouts, oil and gaseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$46,960

25th–75th pct. $38,850–$58,120

Top pay (est.)

$83,900

Top 10% $64,530

Pay in 5 years

$55,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$65,000est.

$55,900–$75,500

Outlook score

63/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.6%

4,100 openings / yr

How to become roustabouts, oil and gas

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

Key skills

Coordination

3.0

Operations Monitoring

2.9

Equipment Maintenance

2.8

Operation and Control

2.8

Repairing

2.8

Quality Control Analysis

2.8

Troubleshooting

2.6

Active Listening

2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical

5.0

Mathematics

3.2

Customer and Personal Service

3.0

Production and Processing

2.9

Building and Construction

2.8

Transportation

2.7

Physics

2.6

Engineering and Technology

2.5

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsScheduling Work and Activities

Important abilities

Static StrengthExtent FlexibilityTrunk StrengthControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationArm-Hand Steadiness

Education of workers

Training before entry

2–4 years

16%

4–10 years

15%

1–3 months

Up to 1 month

3–6 months

Related work experience

1–2 years

22%

Up to 1 month

21%

Over 10 years

15%

2–4 years

15%

4–6 years

3–6 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as roustabouts, oil and gas

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
5	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
6	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.