Tell me about jobs in the oil industry

[Nomad.2nd]

Got a buddy of mine in north Mississippi, He's 33, Worked construction during College and tired of teaching in schools where kids don't care.

I told him I'd ask around as to the jobs offshore, what they are, pay, conditions, what he should know, talk to if he does it etc...

He's exploring options.

(Barge work also... he's just done with teaching after this year.)

 

[762NATO]

Rough, filled with many vets like yourself, and not a place for the weak. Pay can be great, but that is dependent upon many, many things. Intelligence is not required. Really is a field where knowing someone is rather helpful to your employment. My mother's company in Lafayette is hiring. PM me if you want to look into that. However, he is in Mississippi.....

 

[Neil09]

As I type this, im muddy, cold, sore, and looking forward to go home Tuesday. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the pay. Im roughnecking on a land rig, starting around 55k-60k a year for us at the bottom of the totem pole. Production offshore is where the easy life is I hear, but on average the pay is less. From what I see, there are many jobs to do with oilfield that are much better than this, like a mud engineer for instance, which is attracting me at the moment. Especially beings how cold wet and dirty I am lol.

 

[Neil09]

And you prettying much have to know someone. I've been trying to get on with this company for 3the years and my father in law was finally.able to get me hired on.

 

[CEHollier]

Neil is right. Production is a better place to be. But experience in drilling can help get you into production. Being a teacher and having a college degree will help. In HS my science teacher left teaching to work offshore. He told us the money was too good to turn down.

 

[JBE]

As I type this, im muddy, cold, sore, and looking forward to go home Tuesday. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the pay. Im roughnecking on a land rig, starting around 55k-60k a year for us at the bottom of the totem pole. Production offshore is where the easy life is I hear, but on average the pay is less. From what I see, there are many jobs to do with oilfield that are much better than this, like a mud engineer for instance, which is attracting me at the moment. Especially beings how cold wet and dirty I am lol.

Don't kid yourself about production pay...esp. deepwater...Starting off at entry-level it would probably be a little less (but with a few workovers and a little OT you can close the gap fast), but you can't beat the working conditions...

 

[Guate_shooter]

Running down hole tools IS where the real money is at, but he will need drilling experience and I dont mean just being on a drilling rig ............

Since he is used to teaching I would look into safety, never get dirty and STILL make 100K a year ............

 

[Quas]

Money is great, do you have a wife or child that you are willing to lose? If so, apply for any of the jobs they list. If you know computers... not just knowing how to get on the net and look up porn, see if you can get on with the robotics. It's not easy, they will check your background. You need some kind of computer tech background or they will not even think about calling you back.

 

[CEHollier]

Running down hole tools IS where the real money is at, but he will need drilling experience and I dont mean just being on a drilling rig ............

Since he is used to teaching I would look into safety, never get dirty and STILL make 100K a year ............

Are you running wireline?

 

[dwsonar]

I'll agree with Guate, go into safety. Those jobs will never go away.
Non destructive testing(x-ray, ultrasonic) is getting busier, but you'll have to work up to good pay. I did wireline for 25 years, and for the most part, hated it. Production is very different from drilling. Usually cleaner, quieter, more laid back.

 

[CEHollier]

Money is great, do you have a wife or child that you are willing to lose?

Quas - What do you mean by losing a wife or child?

 

[Pop's son]

Intelligence is not required. What!!!!!! It's so not worth my time. Think before you type.

 

[dwsonar]

Quas - What do you mean by losing a wife or child?

He's probably refering to divorce. Offshore work usually means being away from home at least half of your life. Causes problems for many. If you and your family can handle it(and many do), not a bad way to make a living. For many, the time apart helps the marriage.

 

[Quas]

Quas - What do you mean by losing a wife or child?

I was offered a job offshore making nice money. Sharon told me if I took it, she would see me at her mom's.

I know what that meant.

 

[Guate_shooter]

Are you running wireline?

Negative ghost rider, wireline-coil has THE WORST schedulle that I have seen + working on call (NO BUENO)

 

[Neil09]

I tried 24hr call...didn't work out. Main reason I tried land before going offshore is is because I rather a 7-7 schedules rather than 14-14. Im getting the exp until decided which path to take.

 

[dwsonar]

As I said, I did wireline before. We worked 14/7 with 24 hour call. The early years, 48-72 hours straight were common, but it was more like 24-48 when I left. The money was good, especially deepwater, but I think my body is paying for it now.

 

[radney]

I was in sales for a while out of Houston and loved it really - long hours from the travel but great fun and never get dirty. However, I had to work my way into that (although it happened quickly). It really depends on your degree and who you know to start, but once you're in working up the chain does get easier.

 

[Btl_Rkt_Sci]

Why just offshore? He could make comparable money and maintain a normal home life if he works at a plant onshore too. I know some refinery operators that make six figures with overtime and still get to put their feet on the ground and ass in their own bed everyday.

 

[bayoupirate]

Intelligence is not required. What!!!!!! It's so not worth my time. Think before you type.

This is why the Safey Jobs will never go away.