JOBS on oil rigs can be a popular choice for people looking for a career that offers a good salary but doesn't require a university degree.
There are a variety of different roles available on oil rigs, with opportunities for progression and higher salaries.
What is an oil rig worker's salary in the UK?
According to the National Careers Service an oil rig worker's salary will vary depending on experience.
Those starting out on an oil rig can expect a salary of £20,000 .
Those with more experience can take home up to £30,000.
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Oil rig workers are different to offshore drilling workers.
Both jobs require individuals to work on an oil rig, but they are two separate roles with different salaries.
An oil rig worker maintains equipment, unloads supplies and assists the drilling team, whereas an offshore drilling worker will drill for undersea oil and gas.
Offshore drilling workers have a starting salary of £20,000 but they can get up to £60,000 with more experience.
How can I become an oil rig worker?
There are two routes you can take to become an oil rig worker.
The first option is to apply for an apprenticeship in your local area.
For example, you could do an engineering apprenticeship before applying to work on offshore rigs, such as an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship, or a maintenance and operations engineering advanced apprenticeship.
The second route is to apply directly to a company of your choice.
This may first require experience and qualifications from engineering, construction or other areas of the oil and gas industry.
To become an offshore drilling worker, the process is slightly different.
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The routes you can follow to get in that role include:
- Applying to a college course
- Completing an apprenticeship
- Gaining experience while working towards this role
- Applying directly
An engineering related course like, a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering, can help you to get started if you're hoping to attend college in order to gain the necessary qualifications for this role.
What qualifications do I need to become an oil rig worker?
Becoming an oil rig worker might be the job for you if you're looking for a role that requires no previous qualifications.
An oil rig worker does not generally need any formal qualifications such as GCSEs or A-Levels - though this may vary depending on the company you apply to.
You will, however, need to complete basic offshore safety induction and emergency training course.
You also need to be over 18 years of age and have an offshore medical certificate.
Employers will put you through safety training, and with experience, you could become a crane operator, or a roughneck - working on drilling operations.
You could become a derrickhand, driller, or be a commercial diver - repairing drill pipes underwater - with further training.
For offshore drilling workers, you could progress to work for operating companies with their own exploration and production licences, or for drilling and maintenance contracting companies.
With further experience, you could be promoted from driller to toolpusher or rig manager.