How to Get Started as an Oil Rig Technician
If you’re interested in becoming an oil rig technician, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enter the field:
1. Obtain the Necessary Education
While some entry-level oil rig jobs don’t require formal education, becoming an oil rig technician typically requires:
✅ High School Diploma or GED – Minimum requirement.
✅ Technical Diploma or Associate’s Degree (Preferred) – In fields like:
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Electrical or Electronics Engineering Technology
- Instrumentation & Control Technology
- Marine or Industrial Maintenance
Some universities and technical schools offer specialized oil & gas programs, which can be an advantage.
2. Gain Relevant Work Experience
You can start in entry-level oilfield jobs to build experience before moving into a technician role. Consider positions like:
🔹 Roustabout – General labor role; helps with rig maintenance and equipment handling.
🔹 Roughneck – Works on the drilling crew; assists with drilling operations.
🔹 Mechanic or Electrician Assistant – Supports maintenance teams on rigs.
If you already have experience in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance, transitioning to an oil rig technician role is easier.
3. Get Industry Certifications
Certifications are crucial for safety and job qualification. Here are the most important ones:
Basic Certifications (Mandatory for Most Rig Jobs)
📌 BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training)
- Covers offshore survival, firefighting, and first aid.
- Required for working on offshore oil rigs.
📌 HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training)
- Training for surviving a helicopter crash at sea (common transport to rigs).
📌 H2S Awareness Training
- Teaches safety measures for handling hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas.
📌 OSHA or NEBOSH Safety Training
- Occupational safety courses covering workplace hazards.
Technical Certifications (Recommended for Career Growth)
📌 Mechanical Technician Certifications
- API (American Petroleum Institute) Mechanical Maintenance Certification
- NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in Mechanical Maintenance
📌 Electrical Technician Certifications
- CompEx Certification (for working in hazardous/explosive environments)
- IEEE or IEC Electrical Safety Certification
📌 Instrumentation Technician Certifications
- ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
- NVQ Level 3 in Instrumentation & Control
These certifications make you more competitive and can lead to higher salaries.
4. Apply for Oil Rig Technician Jobs
Once you have education, experience, and certifications, you can apply to oil and gas companies. Some major employers include:
✔ Schlumberger
✔ Halliburton
✔ Baker Hughes
✔ Transocean
✔ Weatherford
✔ Saipem
Search for jobs on platforms like:
🔹 Rigzone
🔹 OilandGasJobSearch
🔹 Indeed & LinkedIn
5. Be Prepared for the Lifestyle
- Work schedules are usually rotational (e.g., 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off).
- Expect long shifts (12 hours per day).
- Offshore rigs require living on-site for weeks at a time.
If you’re comfortable with physically demanding work and a high-salary career with travel opportunities, this could be a great path!
