Oil Rig Jobs in Canada

An important part of Canada’s economy for a long time, the oil and gas sector provides a variety of job options, particularly on oil rigs. Jobs on oil rigs in Canada may be both financially lucrative and personally difficult, regardless of your level of experience as a tradesperson, your interest in the energy industry, or your age. From the busy oil sands of Alberta to the offshore rigs in the Atlantic, these jobs require mental toughness, physical stamina, and a readiness to work in isolated and occasionally challenging conditions. For many, however, the experience and financial rewards are well worth the investment.  Oil rig jobs can be found across Canada, especially in Western Canada, and with a variety of firms, including Precision Drilling, Ensign Energy, and Nabors Industries. Entry-level jobs like Floorhand and more specialized jobs like Driller, Derrickhand, and Motorhand are among the opportunities available.

What is an Oil Rig?

 An oil rig is a building that sits atop a drilling or oil well. Special instruments and equipment for extracting and storing oil are found in these structures. On land or in the ocean, professionals can work on oil rigs. Professionals operate on oil platforms, which are floating oil rigs, to collect oil from underwater wells, whereas drilling rigs are oil rigs located above land deposits.

Read Also: Health and Safety Jobs in Canada

Oil Rig Job Environment 

On land or in the sea, oil rig workers operate oil rigs. All specialists in this industry receive training to help ensure safety during drilling because this work environment can be hazardous. Professionals in the oil drilling industry may work 12-hour shifts that alternate, and the job frequently takes place at night. They might, for instance, work for twelve hours and then take a twelve-hour break. For the length of their shifts, which typically last several weeks, this pattern is repeated.

Those who work in this field frequently reside on or close to an oil rig. If they labor on the land, they may have to go to the drilling site, or if the location is far enough, their employer may arrange for them to stay at a nearby hotel. Professionals typically spend the entirety of their shifts living on offshore floating oil rigs. They might take a boat back to land if the oil rig is near the coast. They might take a helicopter to get to the oil rig if it’s distant from land.

Related: Counselling Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

What Types of Jobs are Available on an Oil Rig?

 To assist you in understanding your earning potential in this industry, here are some typical jobs on an oil rig along with statistics on their average salaries: 

• The hand of Derrick 

Notably, to direct pipes into the well, derrick hands operate the derricks, which are lifting apparatuses situated high above an oil platform that raise or lower machinery. To make sure this procedure runs successfully, they collaborate closely with drillers. On a drilling crew, derrick men frequently have additional duties like keeping an eye on the mud mixture in a well to maintain precise chemical qualities that stop the pipes from corroding. $105,648 annually is the national average wage.

• Roughnecks

include supervising the drill pipe connections into the oil well for extraction while working on the floor of an oil rig. To make sure it keeps working properly, they fix the drill floor and Derrick’s equipment. These experts also maintain and clean the mudroom, which holds the drilling fluid, and the equipment. $82,132 annually is the average pay nationwide.

•  The Roustabout 

 On an oil rig, roustabouts carry out a range of general duties, such as unloading equipment and cleaning drilling gear. By doing visual inspections, fixing pipe leaks, and cleaning up oil spills, they support drilling activities. On a rig, roustabouts prepare, maintain, and inspect oil drilling equipment. They carry out a variety of physical tasks, including loading equipment, maintaining the rig clean, and securing the drilling apparatus. These experts help keep the drilling crew’s workspace tidy and clean. The average pay nationwide is $80,139 annually. 

• Driller 

In addition to maintaining drilling equipment and keeping an eye on gas and pressure levels, drillers supervise the drilling operation into an oil well. They produce reports on the crew’s work, monitor drilling conditions, and test equipment at different phases of drilling. For other crew members to adhere to safety rules, they offer safety instructions on drilling techniques. Professionals who run the drilling apparatus on the rig are known as drillers. 

• Rig Manager 

Drilling operations are managed by rig managers, who also keep an eye on drilling workers, which include roughnecks, roustabouts, and derrick hands. They enforce safety protocols and ensure that teams conduct drilling operations under corporate policies. They assign tasks to a team in order to achieve performance standards, and they keep an eye on rig operations in order to adhere to time and financial constraints. The average compensation nationwide is $76,904 annually.

• Engineer

To create and examine drilling plans, engineers may operate on an oil rig. They might be experts in fields like chemical storage, drilling, or pipeline systems. Healthcare personnel known as “rig medics” are employed on the rig to treat team members. Also, mechanics fix and maintain tools, drilling equipment, and machinery. 

• Electrician

To maintain and fix the electrical systems used in drilling, electricians may work on a rig. Welders might operate on an oil rig to secure or weld metal tools and equipment, like pipe fittings. Crane 

• Operator

On an oil rig, crane operators transport big items like pipes, storage devices, and drilling supplies using cranes. While for offshore oil rig jobs, certain oil firms may employ rig cooks. These experts assist in preparing and serving meals to team members.

9 Ways to Get Oil Rig Jobs in Canada

 If you want to work on an oil rig, think about doing the following: 

• Make sure you fulfill the requirements. 

To help assure safety throughout the extraction process, oil corporations may establish their own norms and regulations. Make sure you fulfill the prerequisites before applying, while you research your options for a profession. Companies may have different standards, though there are requirements that must be followed to work on an oil rig. You must be at least eighteen years of age, and complete a physical fitness test For weeks at a be prepared to work 12-hour shifts and nights.

• Study up on the oil sector

You might be able to start your career by researching the oil sector. To learn more about the oil field and industry, think about doing research online, getting in touch with contacts, enrolling in a college course, or finishing an online training course. This could assist you in identifying the ideal position on an oil rig. For instance, you may determine that you want to work as an engineer or welder after learning about the extraction process. Additionally, speaking with people in your network who have worked on oil rigs may help you decide if this is the correct career route for you.

• Select a course

To aid in the development of important technical abilities, think about picking a career route early on. For instance, before applying for a job on an oil rig, you can start a training program to help you hone your electrical skills if you decide you want to work as an electrician. Additional schooling is also necessary for some oil rig professions. For example, a medical professional may require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. You can assist in developing a plan for your intended professional path by investigating other roles early in your career.

• Acquire relevant work experience 

When deciding on a career path, think about accumulating work experience relevant to your position. For instance, gaining applicable skills through employment as a mechanic, electrician, or physician could be beneficial. Gaining professional experience in machine maintenance or repair could be beneficial for oil rig personnel, as many of them operate with oil equipment.

• Examine your options for an apprenticeship

Depending on the direction you want to take, you might look at apprenticeships. For mechanics and electricians, this is typical. New professionals receive training during an apprenticeship under the guidance of seasoned or accomplished experts in the industry. Apprenticeships outside of the oil business are completed by some workers on oil rigs. You might, for instance, finish an apprenticeship with a home electrician.  Apprenticeships on land-based oil platforms are completed by other oil rig professionals. These positions might be excellent for new professionals looking to obtain experience because they frequently require less training than offshore sites. If you want to work on a rig’s electrical or mechanical systems, look into apprenticeship possibilities in your area.

• Apply for jobs at entry levels

You can start applying for entry-level jobs on oil rigs after you have finished writing your cover letter and résumé. Furthermore, you can apply for jobs as a roustabout, cook, or medic. You can apply for these positions if you have specific training, such as becoming an electrician. While working in entry-level positions, new professionals might gain experience through on-the-job training offered by certain oil corporations. Think about looking into opportunities on the internet.

Instead of applying for offshore platforms first, think about applying for drilling rigs. To keep people safe on the ocean, offshore drilling sites usually require specialized training. While you pursue further training, working on an oil site on land first could help you hone your technical skills.

• Make a cover letter and resume

Think about writing a fresh cover letter and resume for the oil business as you acquire experience. A section showcasing your technical proficiency, work history, and any pertinent schooling or training may be included. When writing your cover letters, think about looking up job postings. You can use this to tailor your letters to particular roles.

• Think about pursuing further training or education. 

You might transition into new positions as you gain expertise in the oil business. Some professionals, for instance, begin as roustabouts before becoming assistant drillers and then drillers. In certain positions, you can grow in your career while working and honing your technical skills. Advanced training is necessary for some positions. For instance, you might require your Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) certificate if you choose to work on an offshore rig. Professionals are trained in offshore safety rules and procedures through this certificate program.

• Get a Degree

An additional degree may also be necessary for advanced oil rig occupations. Engineers can assist with drilling, storing, or managing oil on an oil rig, for instance. You might need to go back to school to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree if you want to work as an engineer. When planning your school and career, think about investigating your ideal role.

Skills Needed for Oil Rig Jobs

You might find the following abilities useful in an oil rig job: 

• Endurance

Working on an oil rig can entail physically demanding jobs and long hours. Physical stamina and endurance are necessary for oil rig personnel to accomplish their everyday tasks. 

• Communication

Since they frequently operate in groups, oil rig workers can efficiently cooperate with their peers by using communication. 

• Active listening

Keeping the workplace safe is a crucial aspect of working on an oil rig. A safer atmosphere can be created by professionals using active listening to properly follow instructions.

• Technical abilities

To carry out their responsibilities, oil rig workers require a certain set of technical abilities. Depending on their position, these could include mechanical, electrical, or medicinal abilities.

Salary Range of an Oil Rig Job

Level affects salary. As of September 2024, the average hourly wage for oil rig workers in Canada is about $26.57. It appears that oil rig workers make between $30,000 and $35,000 a year on average. Even though the oil and gas sector is known for paying high salaries, this still represents the average for all workers. However, yearly compensation might vary greatly based on the role and degree of experience.

Starting salaries for entry-level positions on oil rigs, such as roustabouts, derrickhands, and roughnecks, can start as low as $20,000. However, once they become mid-level and have experience, this can quickly climb. These positions need manual labor-intensive duties like pipe handling, equipment maintenance and cleaning, and drilling assistance. Mid-level employees’ earning potential significantly rises with experience. For example, subsea engineers can make up to $70,000 a year, completion engineers can make up to $100,000, and drillers or derrick operators can make up to $60,000.

The most senior positions are paid to the most experienced individuals as we advance up the experience and title ladder. Senior Vice Presidents and Technology Managers can make up to £150,000, Senior Engineering Managers can make up to £110,000, and Operations Managers can make up to £135,000.

Factors Influencing Salaries in the Industry

Like every industry, there are a variety of mitigating conditions that impact compensation, as was said at the beginning. The following are some important variables that may affect an oil rig worker’s pay: 

• Experience

Workers with more experience typically make more money. You are valuable for your knowledge and experience if you have greater experience in a certain field or niche.

• Location

Because of the difficult work environment, difficult shift patterns and conditions, and the logistics that prohibit frequent time onshore, offshore roles usually pay more than onshore employment. 

• Overtime

Many rig workers are eligible to receive hefty overtime compensation, which would significantly raise their earnings. Hazard pay: Certain jobs may provide extra money in exchange for risky working conditions.

Conclusion 

Working oil rig jobs in Canada is not for the weak of heart. It requires mental toughness, physical stamina, and a readiness to spend extended amounts of time away from home in hostile and isolated settings. However, it may be a very fulfilling career for those who pursue it, both monetarily and in terms of personal development. In addition to encouraging teamwork and developing a strong work ethic, the experience provides a unique perspective on one of the most important businesses in the nation. Even though the work is difficult, many people wouldn’t trade it for anything else because of the team spirit and pride in helping Canada’s energy industry.