Oil rig jobs continue to be among the most demanding yet rewarding roles in the energy sector. In 2025, with a fluctuating global economy and increased demand for energy, oil rig worker salaries have remained competitive. Whether you’re considering a career offshore or you’re already working in the field, understanding how salaries stack up, what affects pay, and the job market outlook can help guide your career decisions.
Average Salary of Oil Rig Workers in 2025
As of mid-2025, the average salary for an oil rig worker in the United States is approximately $91,000 per year, with entry-level roles starting around $50,000 and highly experienced positions exceeding $140,000 annually.
Key salary breakdown by role:
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Roustabout (Entry-Level): $50,000–$65,000
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Roughneck: $60,000–$75,000
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Derrickhand: $70,000–$90,000
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Driller: $90,000–$110,000
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Toolpusher (Supervisor): $110,000–$140,000
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Offshore Installation Manager (OIM): $140,000+
Factors Influencing Salary
Several key elements affect an oil rig worker’s salary in 2025:
1. Experience Level
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Entry-Level (0–2 years): Typically earns on the lower end of the scale.
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Mid-Level (3–7 years): Sees a significant bump in pay, especially with promotions.
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Senior-Level (8+ years): Often qualifies for leadership roles with higher salaries.
2. Location
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Offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and Middle East generally offer higher pay due to remote work conditions and hazard pay.
3. Company & Project Type
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Major oil companies (e.g., Shell, ExxonMobil) tend to offer better compensation packages than smaller contractors.
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Deepwater or exploratory drilling projects typically pay more than maintenance or support roles.
4. Certifications & Skills
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Workers with specialized certifications (see below) can command higher pay.
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High-demand skills like hydraulic fracturing, subsea operations, or electronic troubleshooting boost earning potential.
Education and Certifications That Impact Salary
While a college degree is not always required for many entry-level positions, certain educational qualifications and certifications can fast-track your career and salary:
Recommended Certifications:
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Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET)
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Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET)
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Welding Certification (for specialized roles)
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STCW Certification (for maritime safety roles)
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First Aid and CPR Certification
Many employers offer on-the-job training, but candidates with pre-existing certifications are often prioritized and paid more.
Take-Home Pay on a $103K Salary
If you’re earning $103,000/year, your take-home pay depends on factors like tax status, location, and deductions. On average:
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Federal taxes: ~$18,000
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Social Security & Medicare: ~$7,900
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State taxes (varies by state): ~$0–$5,000
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Estimated take-home pay: $70,000–$75,000/year or $5,800–$6,250/month
Keep in mind, many oil rig jobs include housing, meals, and transportation, significantly reducing living expenses.
Job Market Trends in 2025
The oil and gas industry in 2025 has shown signs of robust recovery and transformation:
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Digital transformation and automation are creating new hybrid roles requiring tech proficiency.
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Global energy demand remains strong, especially from developing nations.
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Green energy transitions are influencing job types, but offshore drilling remains crucial to global supply.
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There’s a growing labor shortage, especially for skilled and experienced rig workers.
This means experienced professionals are in high demand, and salaries are likely to remain competitive or increase in the coming years.
Benefits of Working on an Oil Rig
While the job is physically demanding and involves long shifts (e.g., 14 days on, 14 off), the benefits are substantial:
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High pay and generous overtime
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Free accommodations and meals
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Paid training and certifications
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Health and retirement benefits
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Travel opportunities
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Extended leave schedules
Final Thoughts
An oil rig worker salary in 2025 reflects not just the risk and demands of the job but also the value that skilled labor brings to the energy sector. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and strong job market trends, it’s a viable and lucrative career path—especially for those willing to work hard and gain the right certifications.