If you are willing to work hard, get dirty, and potentially travel, the oilfield is one of the last places left where you can make $80,000 to $100,000+ a year without a college degree.
Energy Job Shop has just posted a massive “cattle call” for workers. They are looking for Oilfield Hands and Operators to fill immediate spots in the major US oil basins: North Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
These jobs move fast. If you are looking to get your foot in the door (or you are an experienced hand looking for a better rotation), this is where you look.
The Quick Details
Here is the snapshot of what you need to know:
| What to Know | The Details |
| Locations | North Dakota (Bakken), Texas (Permian), Wyoming, New Mexico |
| Roles | Roustabouts, Floorhands, Derrickhands, Equipment Operators |
| Pay Estimates | $22 – $28/hr (Entry) |
| Overtime | Heavy. Expect 60-80+ hours a week. |
| Housing | Varies. (North Dakota jobs often provide “Man Camp” housing; Texas jobs often require you to be local or have an RV). |
What Are The Jobs?
They are hiring for a few different levels, so read the specific descriptions carefully when you click through.
1. Roustabout / General Laborer (Entry Level)
- The Job: You are the “do-it-all” person. You clean the rig, dig trenches, assemble pipes, and fix fences.
- The Reality: It is hard, physical labor outside in the elements (heat in Texas, freezing cold in North Dakota).
- Experience: Usually none required. This is how you start.
2. Floorhand / Roughneck
- The Job: You work on the drilling rig floor. You manipulate the massive tongs that screw the drill pipe together.
- The Reality: Dangerous and fast-paced. You need to pay attention.
3. Equipment Operators
- The Job: Driving skid steers, loaders, or excavators.
- Experience: You usually need previous experience or a CDL for these roles.
Why Do People Do It?
It comes down to two things: The Money and The Rotation.
- The Paycheck: Because of the overtime (time-and-a-half), a “low” hourly rate adds up fast. It is not uncommon to take home $2,000+ a week when you are working.
- The Rotation: Many of these jobs offer a rotation schedule (like 14 days on, 14 days off). You work like a dog for two weeks, but then you get a two-week vacation every single month.
The Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
Oilfield companies don’t care about your resume format, but they care about these three things:
- Valid Driver’s License: You almost certainly need one, and a clean driving record helps.
- Drug Test: You will be drug tested. Often immediately. If you can’t pass a drug test (including for marijuana, even if it’s legal in your state), do not apply. Safety is too important out there.
- Physical Fitness: You need to be able to lift 50-80 lbs repeatedly.
How to Apply
Energy Job Shop is an aggregator, meaning they collect jobs from different companies (like Patterson-UTI, Nabors, or local service companies).
- Click the Link: Go to the Energy Job Shop Listing.
- Select Your State: They usually break it down by region (e.g., “North Dakota Jobs” or “Texas Jobs”).
- Read the “Housing” Part: If you are traveling from out of state, make sure you apply for jobs that say “Housing Provided” or “Per Diem” (money for food/hotel). If it says “Local Only,” they won’t pay for your place to stay.
Good luck, and stay safe out there!
