Oil Field Jobs

[Renesis]

So how many guys here work at the Oil Fields, what is the job like? Do you like it at all? I know the money is good almost in any position, but the jobs are also some of the toughest and most dangerous jobs out there. "Oil Field workers, missing fingers and wearing a Rolex." Mainly though I am looking at something to do for the time being and start saving up some cash as I do have a kid on the way and I know two guys that can hook me up with 70-80k jobs a year. I just want to hear some experiences though.

[jasc]

My buddy works in an oil field in WV. He's the head on-site electrical tech. He's 2 yrs out of the Navy n making unreal $. The hours are long, hell he works 100+hrs a week some weeks, but typically 40-50 hrs a week. Many of the laborers in the field never even graduated highschool and are pullin 100k+ a year after a couple yrs on the job. Except for the long hrs he really enjoys it. Most of the guys in the field are real down to earth ppl and love to joke around n have a good time so it makes for a good work environment.
If you don't mind long hrs, some hard work, and a bit of traveling (he usually stays on site and travels 1-2 weeks a month) it'd be a great job imo. Best of luck with the job if you decide to go for it.. I've been trying to get into the oil fields myself.

[xXthehulkXx]

If you like being tired, dirty, and treated like machines. Go for it. I highly doubt you will go in with a cushy position. Most start from the bottom and if you stay long enough you might get promoted. Unless you know people that can change that for you. The only reason there is money in the oil field is, because of all the hours, 80-120. Most guys don't even make $15 an hour. Another thing, you are away from home most of the time.

You guys are trying to get in it, I'm wanting to get out. Lol.

[Skyrinegt]

I wouldn't do it again I just moved from Alberta in the oil sands workin 21 days straight and having 7 days off and working my ass off,
To working in open pit mines now I do 5 on and 5 off and I make more money an people are way more relaxed.

Just a side note in the oil sands they have a divorce rate of something like 89% basically if you work there your going to be single to heh

[kif]

Manal labor got to love it! I worked in a Forge for 14 years,forced over time worked 47 days straight once 12-16 hour days all the time, and yea divorce rate was through the roof Shit makes you a man though, spits out all the bitchs lol. True story!

[Renesis]

Well I am single >.> I just need some money for a bit, def would not be a permanent thing.

[lovbyts]

If I was young, dumb and single again I would consider either commercial fishing or the oil field if I wanted to beat myself up or I would try to find something I could use my brain more and back less so i would not be in the condition I am now and been paying for working hard in my 20s and suffering the consequences for the last 20+ years.

Now if I could get a job overseas on an oil rig that would be different.

[Renesis]

Yeah one of the offers I got was to build the actually oil pumps.

[Nooomoto]

My younger brother works for a drilling company. He's a complete moron and making quite a bit of money right now for doing nothing more than walking around in the mountains with a helicopter following him around. He's working 12 hour shifts, 12 on 12 off with no days off for 6 weeks. After the NY job is done he's going to Utah. His job isn't technical, it's unskilled labor so if you have can perform skilled labor you'd probably be making quite a bit more than he is.

If you need quick money and can deal with the safety issues, and being away from home for an extended period of time then there's no reason not to do it.

Gotta love that oil money!

[tapout417]

Well I am single >.> I just need some money for a bit, def would not be a permanent thing.

I started traveling 4 years ago, I don't work the oil field but do heavy construction and 60 hours a week is a slow week, no time for anything and always gone, you think it won't be permanent until you try and find a job at home making a 3rd of what you make a week doing this kinda work, the money is addicting, I would explore other options, I know the first chance I get I'm done, there's no place like HOME

[wmaousley]

I work in the Oilfields as you say, of the Middle East. Pay is great, job not as glamorous as most people think, but its definetly a growing field with great job security no matter where you are in the world.

My advice to you is to try to get a Wireline, Slickline, Well Testing, Wellhead Maintenance, Coiled Tubing, Artificial Lift, or EOR positions and avoid drilling. Most of those missing fingers you are talking about most likely come from working on a drilling rig. My company operates all the services mentioned including drilling and most of the guys are home daily unless they are on the rigs.

Wireline and Slickline operators work mostly inside cabins connected to the rig/unit, so you will always have AC or Heat depending on what tie of year it is.

Wellhead Maintenance pretty much goes in conjunction with all the services and is an on call position that works 7 days a week.

Coiled Tubing is another dangerous job, but pays well. Most likely you will remain outside for the duration of a job unless there is room in the cabin of the semi.

Well Testing or Seperation is an easy job, and you have the luxury of a cabin to keep you out of the elements.

Artificial Lift is a broad category, which includes services for sucker rod maintenance/repair, ESP (Electrical Submersible Pumps), PCP (Progressive Cavity Pumps-Top Drive) etc.
EOR or Enhanced Oil Recovery is a very technical job depending on what your doing. We have EOR services which include Co2 Injectioin, Polymer or Chemical Flooding and our pride Steam Injection for Heavy Oil Sands production.

Drilling- If you have to get on with a drilling company ask to be on a workover rig first so you can learn at a slower pace than just throwing yourself into the mud on a med depth rig or even a deep rig. Also note that when a drilling rig is layed over as we say in the business, its operators are on the unemployment line.

Bro I could speak for days about the oil business. Its a great career that will always keep a roof over your head and food on the table, and the occasional tropical vacation.

Ask about a rotational position also, 35 on 35 off or whatever they are doing in the US now

My experience is great as I have learned the technical and operational side of most all services and now I am on the executive side of the house. The pay is great, I can pretty much do and afford what I want when I want. I am able to travel the world and see new things that the Manager of Home Depot will never see, just an example lol.

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Oil & Gas is an endless Ocean of information and over your lifetime you will learn something new daily. The jobs never get boring. Good Luck whatever you choose.

[Kawigirl]

I wouldn't do it again I just moved from Alberta in the oil sands workin 21 days straight and having 7 days off and working my ass off,
To working in open pit mines now I do 5 on and 5 off and I make more money an people are way more relaxed.

Just a side note in the oil sands they have a divorce rate of something like 89% basically if you work there your going to be single to heh

Sounds like your one of the few lucky ones who decided to get out while they can. Certainly isn't a life...IMO.

A reason a gal like me won't date anyone in the oil field industry. Tough life....glad you switched.

[spywizard]

Housing construction North Dakota...

If you have any experience, go there.. period.. not in the oil field persay, but if you have the skills you can write your own ticket..

[Renesis]

Yeah reason I ask is because I never get much experience in anything dealing with manual labor. I am more of a brain who can memorize ridiculous amounts of information quickly, so I usually end up manager of a store/job within the same month I start working. I have been a college student on and off for about 4 years but I cannot seem to stay focused long enough to do anything. When I am working focus is easy and I can stay on task with zero problems, when I do get to do manual labor though I usually learn it all within that same day. I am just needing some info is all really and some of you guys have given great advice so thanks for that as well.

[DeadlyD]

I work in the Oilfields as you say, of the Middle East. Pay is great, job not as glamorous as most people think, but its definetly a growing field with great job security no matter where you are in the world.

My advice to you is to try to get a Wireline, Slickline, Well Testing, Wellhead Maintenance, Coiled Tubing, Artificial Lift, or EOR positions and avoid drilling. Most of those missing fingers you are talking about most likely come from working on a drilling rig. My company operates all the services mentioned including drilling and most of the guys are home daily unless they are on the rigs.

Wireline and Slickline operators work mostly inside cabins connected to the rig/unit, so you will always have AC or Heat depending on what tie of year it is.

Wellhead Maintenance pretty much goes in conjunction with all the services and is an on call position that works 7 days a week.

Coiled Tubing is another dangerous job, but pays well. Most likely you will remain outside for the duration of a job unless there is room in the cabin of the semi.

Well Testing or Seperation is an easy job, and you have the luxury of a cabin to keep you out of the elements.

Artificial Lift is a broad category, which includes services for sucker rod maintenance/repair, ESP (Electrical Submersible Pumps), PCP (Progressive Cavity Pumps-Top Drive) etc.
EOR or Enhanced Oil Recovery is a very technical job depending on what your doing. We have EOR services which include Co2 Injectioin, Polymer or Chemical Flooding and our pride Steam Injection for Heavy Oil Sands production.

Drilling- If you have to get on with a drilling company ask to be on a workover rig first so you can learn at a slower pace than just throwing yourself into the mud on a med depth rig or even a deep rig. Also note that when a drilling rig is layed over as we say in the business, its operators are on the unemployment line.

Bro I could speak for days about the oil business. Its a great career that will always keep a roof over your head and food on the table, and the occasional tropical vacation.

Ask about a rotational position also, 35 on 35 off or whatever they are doing in the US now

My experience is great as I have learned the technical and operational side of most all services and now I am on the executive side of the house. The pay is great, I can pretty much do and afford what I want when I want. I am able to travel the world and see new things that the Manager of Home Depot will never see, just an example lol.

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Oil & Gas is an endless Ocean of information and over your lifetime you will learn something new daily. The jobs never get boring. Good Luck whatever you choose.

great read W! , very interesting career opportunities, what do the welders get paid? if your company hires welders.

[wmaousley]

great read W! , very interesting career opportunities, what do the welders get paid? if your company hires welders.

We hire welders, however they are 6G welders as we have presently a 124KM 30" Pipeline being constructed. For drilling we hire basic welders to do whats needed around the rigs, but they are usually from India, or phillipines and the salary is in no way comparable to a western salary.

[wmaousley]

I wouldn't do it again I just moved from Alberta in the oil sands workin 21 days straight and having 7 days off and working my ass off,
To working in open pit mines now I do 5 on and 5 off and I make more money an people are way more relaxed.

Just a side note in the oil sands they have a divorce rate of something like 89% basically if you work there your going to be single to heh

Thats because you were working for the wrong company my man. Working in Heavy Oil Production, you should be home every night, and if your not then you choose not to be. What company did you work for so the members here can avoid it????????

[DeadlyD]

We hire welders, however they are 6G welders as we have presently a 124KM 30" Pipeline being constructed. For drilling we hire basic welders to do whats needed around the rigs, but they are usually from India, or phillipines and the salary is in no way comparable to a western salary.

where abouts are you? I'm in BC Canada, I work in a shipyard now, but thinking of a change!

[wmaousley]

I am in Kuwait