Roustabouts, Oil and Gas Salary Guide 2025: $46,960 Median, Top States $60K+

How much Roustabouts, Oil and Gas earn

The national median salary for roustabouts is $46,960. Half of all workers earn more than that, half less. The typical range runs from $36,420 at the low end to $64,530 at the high end. Entry-level positions often start around the 10th percentile, while experienced roustabouts in high-paying regions can top $64,000.

Pay varies significantly by industry. Roustabouts working in oil and gas extraction tend to earn higher wages than those in support activities for mining. The BLS reports that the top-paying industries include crude petroleum extraction and natural gas extraction, where mean wages often exceed $55,000.

Pay by state

Location makes a big difference for roustabout pay. The five highest-paying states are: Alaska ($60,810), North Dakota ($60,480), Montana ($58,800), Florida ($57,080), and Nebraska ($53,340). In Alaska and North Dakota, the remote work and harsh conditions drive up wages.

Lower-paying states include Texas ($45,950), Arkansas ($44,960), and Louisiana ($44,850). Texas employs the most roustabouts, which pulls its average down. Louisiana’s concentration of offshore and coastal operations keeps wages below the national median.

If you're willing to relocate, states like Alaska or North Dakota can boost your earnings by $13,000 to $14,000 above the national median.

How to become Roustabouts, Oil and Ga

No formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED is required. Most roustabouts learn on the job. Employers typically provide short-term training—a few weeks to a few months—covering safety procedures, equipment operation, and basic maintenance.

A valid driver’s license is often required. Many workers also obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for access to ports and offshore sites. Some employers prefer or require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for hauling equipment.

• Step 1: Get a high school diploma or GED.
• Step 2: Obtain a TWIC card (about $125) and, if needed, a CDL.
• Step 3: Apply for entry-level positions with oil field service companies, drilling contractors, or operators.
• Step 4: Complete on-the-job training and safety certifications (e.g., H2S, fall protection).
• Step 5: Gain experience; advancement to positions like derrickhand or floorhand may take 1–3 years.

Job outlook

Employment of roustabouts in oil and gas is projected to grow 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 4,300 job openings each year, mostly to replace workers who leave the occupation.

The BLS expects about 44,970 roustabout jobs in 2024. Growth is tied to oil and gas prices and exploration activity. When prices are high, companies drill more, increasing demand for roustabouts. The occupation is cyclical, so job stability can vary with the energy market.

Frequently asked questions