Oil Rig Jobs in the UK

How to Find High-Paying Offshore Oil Rig Jobs in the United Kingdom

So how much can you expect to earn as an offshore oil rig worker in the United Kingdom? Well, it depends on the job. To give you an example, a person who is hired as a roustabout can earn approximately £65,000 annually -- or about $101,500. Keep in mind that a roustabout, also known as a general labourer, is considered the one of the lowest positions on an oil rig, and that many employers do not require applicants to have previous experience in the oil industry to be hired for the job.

Plus, it isn't like you do not get any time off; on the contrary, a roustabout typically works just six months in a year. Work rotates on a two-week cycle: you are on the offshore oil rig for two weeks and then spend the next two weeks on land to enjoy your time off. How well you perform can lead to an even higher-paying job and a step up on the oil rig job ladder.

Make no mistake, working on an oil rig in the middle of an ocean is very hard work. It can also get lonely, especially if you are not used to being away from home and family for long periods of time. But it is reassuring to know that the comfort of employees is not neglected by employers. Workers' rooms are clean and comfortable. For relaxation and recreation, workers can watch films, play pool or snooker, and enjoy nourishing and delicious food.

There are other entry-level positions, aside from roustabouts, that you might be interested in learning about if you want to get your foot in the offshore oil rig door. There are dishwashers, deckhands, cleaner painters, oilers, etc. As mentioned earlier, salaries or wages vary depending on the job.

So, what are the things you have to keep in mind if you are serious about getting a UK oil rig job? One thing that is required of all offshore oil job applicants is completion of the Basic Offshore Survival and Firefighting course. It is a rigorous course that involves various physical activities. But this is necessary since one of the most important requirements of working as an offshore oil rig employee is physical fitness.

To improve your chances of getting any one of the oil rig jobs in the UK or in neighboring countries, you might also want to consider Europe-wide courses that will prepare you for working in areas in the North Sea. Look for organizations that provide Offshore Survival Courses, and/or those that offer certifications for drilling, lifting, and handling.