Working in the oilfield is more than just a job—it’s a lifestyle marked by hard work, resilience, and steady growth. Whether you’re just starting out as a roustabout or aiming to become a rig manager, every day in the field builds your path forward. Let’s walk through what a typical day looks like for these key roles and how each step up the ladder shapes a stronger future.
Roustabout: Laying the Groundwork
The Role:
A roustabout is the entry-level position on the rig. Often called the “workhorse” of the oilfield, this job is physically demanding and vital to overall operations.
Typical Day:
• Pre-dawn start: Begin the day with a safety meeting and toolbox talk.
• Manual labor: Tasks include cleaning equipment, transporting tools, stacking pipe, and general rig maintenance.
• Learning on the job: Roustabouts often assist more experienced hands, learning terms, tools, and safety protocols.
Skills Gained:
• Physical endurance
• Oilfield safety basics
• Teamwork and communication
Roughneck / Floorhand: Taking the Next Step
The Role:
Once you’ve proven yourself, you may move up to a roughneck or floorhand—responsible for operating rig equipment and supporting drilling operations.
Typical Day:
• Rigging up and down: Help assemble and disassemble drill components.
• Drill floor duties: Operate tongs, wrenches, and other heavy tools.
• Well control awareness: Begin understanding the basics of managing pressure and safety during drilling.
Skills Gained:
• Technical equipment handling
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Hazard identification
Derrickhand: Climbing Higher
The Role:
A derrickhand works high above the rig floor, handling the upper section of the drill string and managing drilling mud systems.
Typical Day:
• Mud maintenance: Monitor and adjust drilling fluid to maintain wellbore pressure.
• Climbing the derrick: Stack pipe and ensure smooth tripping operations.
• Equipment checks: Maintain pumps, shale shakers, and degassers.
Skills Gained:
• Precision under pressure
• Deep understanding of rig systems
• Safety at heights
Driller: Leading the Crew
The Role:
Drillers manage the rig floor crew and operate the drilling rig itself, controlling speed, pressure, and depth during operations.
Typical Day:
• Shift change meeting: Communicate progress, plans, and safety concerns.
• Drill operation: Operate rig controls, monitor gauges, and respond to downhole conditions.
• Crew management: Oversee safety and task coordination.
Skills Gained:
• Leadership
• Technical mastery
• Real-time decision making
Rig Manager / Toolpusher: The Top of the Chain
The Role:
The rig manager (or toolpusher) is in charge of the entire rig operation, managing personnel, equipment, logistics, and safety compliance.
Typical Day:
• Administrative duties: Coordinate with company reps, oversee schedules, and handle reports.
• Problem-solving: Address mechanical issues, supply shortages, or safety concerns.
• Mentoring: Guide and support drillers and junior staff.
Skills Gained:
• Operations management
• Budgeting and logistics
• Strategic leadership
Climbing the Oilfield Ladder
The oilfield offers one of the clearest paths for career growth, especially for those willing to learn, hustle, and stay committed. Many rig managers started with nothing but a pair of steel-toe boots and a strong work ethic. If you’re ready to take that first step—or your next one—OilfieldGig is here to connect you with high-paying opportunities across the industry.
Ready to Start Your Oilfield Journey?
Visit OilfieldGig.com to find your next opportunity and start moving up the ladder today.