subject: Employment Opportunities On Offshore Oil Rigs: 10 Entry Level Jobs [print this page] If you are the type who doesn't have a college degree but doesn't mind putting in long hours of hard physical labor in some very hostile working conditions, an offshore oil rig could just be the place to let you get employed and for some very good money too.
It is even seen that a high school graduate starts at an annual salary of $50,000 which would be unthinkable for an on land job. This is where an oil rig job differs. The following are the ten entry level jobs that are readily available in an offshore oil rig.
1. Roustabouts
A provider of general labor, a roustabout is a jack of all trade. He paints, cleans, carries goods and stores them and helps set up equipment. He may even have to work on the drill floor under supervision of course, but he is more like a peon, drone, peasant, SCV and probe in a computer game. He is paid $45,000 to $55,000 per annum, beating many white collar jobs in that respect.
2. Steward
The steward mainly helps in the kitchen, does the laundry and cleans living quarters on the rig. Since oil rig jobs are hazardous, the salary shoots up to $45,000 per annum and even more depending on experience.
3. Rig Welder
A skilled rig welder has to have either a CITB or ATW trade certification depending on his employment in the UK or the US and has to work on the rig top at considerable risk. The risk factor involved automatically doubles his salary from $30,000 on an on-land rig to $60,000 in an offshore platform.
4. Scaffolders
The scaffolder too, has to work in high places involving considerable risk. He may or may not be certified depending on company requirements but the risk factor involves an additional $10,000 more than what the roustabout is paid.
5. Radio Operator
A technically qualified man who maintains the rigs communication system and is one of the key personnel on the rig. The job is critical and carries with it a $60,000 salary.
6. Medic
An ex-nurse who is responsible for treating injuries and illnesses and gets paid around $70,000.
7. Storeman
The in-charge of all supplies to the rig and a key person in day-today operations. Fetches a $60,000 salary.
8. Painter
For one who's used to painting tall buildings and doesn't have a fear of heights, an ideal job paying about $58,000 a year because of the life risk involved.
9. Motorman
A junior mechanic who maintains and repairs all rig machines. Gets a salary of about $58,000 and may have to do repairs while being suspended from an overhead crane in high places.
10. Electrician
A key person responsible for keeping all electrical operations in order. The salary per year is $65,000.
