Oil rigs are large drilling platforms that conduct offshore digging of crude oil and natural gas reservoirs in seas and oceans. A number of job types containing managerial, supervisory, engineering and technical functions are associated with oil rig work. As it is mainly offshore type of work, people in this profession have to work on-site for months at a stretch.
The crude oil extracted is temporarily stored on the rig before being transported onshore to different locations. There are a number of different platform rigs such as permanently fixed rigs, semi-submersible rigs and drill ships. Oil rig work is an important field because of the role it plays in securing oil resources for fuel generation.
Description
Skills
Oil rig work professionals should possess excellent equipment handling skills. With time, handling of the machinery on a rig becomes second nature to them, however initially they have to put in serious efforts to learn the overall functioning of a drill machine of a pump. Managers and supervisors should possess excellent personnel management, interpersonal and communication skills because a major portion of their job profile involves interaction with technicians regarding the delegation of tasks.
Requirements
The educational requirements necessary for this field of work depends on the specific job type. For those working as entry level workers, although specific educational requirements are not necessary, a high school diploma or equivalent certification is expected. Those working as engineers need to possess a bachelor's degree in geology, mining or mechanical engineering. Those opting for managerial jobs should have a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration with prior experience in oil rig work as a supervisor or worker.
Work Conditions
Oil rig professionals work in a physically demanding environment where a number of health hazards are present. Oil rigs are known to be extremely volatile on some occasions and there have been instances of the entire rigs being blown up. Besides this, the workers have to work in hot and humid conditions with constant exposure to grease, dust and water. They also have to lift heavy equipment and transfer them from one place to another on a regular basis. They have to live for months away from home at a stretch in the company of strangers and this type of life is not easy by any means. Owing to the relatively better salary packages earned by oil rig professionals, some people choose to overlook these problems.
Salary and Benefits
Oil rig workers earn anywhere between $45,000 and $55,000 depending upon their experience, skill level and specific organization. Engineers working on an oil rig earn around $75,000 and this figure can go higher depending on various factors. Rig managers earn between $175,000 and $250,000 per year as a result of their higher job responsibilities. They receive additional benefits in the form of medical insurance plans due to the volatile nature of the work.
Thus, oil rig work can be physically stressful type of work which involves staying several months away from home in adverse conditions. However, for those who like challenges, it is also a rewarding career choice with good career advancement options and salary packages.