Just like all kinds of jobs, offshore oil rig jobs have their benefits and drawbacks. It is worth looking at both sides of the coin before you decide to search for available positions. You have to be certain that you have made the right choice.
In general, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals with different backgrounds, skills and experience. You can readily find employment as a roustabout and roughneck, as a derrickhand or drilling operator, as a mud engineer or geologist. Mechanic, electrician, welder, cook, radio operator and medical positions are readily available as well.
The general pros and cons of offshore oil rig jobs are as follows:
Pros
Higher Pay
The salaries of all oil rig workers working offshore tend to be between 5% and 20% higher than the remuneration of those that work onshore. This is mainly due to the more demanding work environment. Additionally, only the most highly skilled workers are chosen to work offshore. Just to give you an idea of how much larger salary you can get, we can take the example of a tool pusher. On land, the salary of this professional is around $80,000 to $85,000 per year. Offshore, the tool pusher can make as much as $105,000 annually or even more.
More Benefits
The transportation to and from the rig is covered by the company and so are the accommodations and meals prepared freshly for the workers. Often, offshore rig workers get larger allowances and bonuses. A medic is always on duty at the rig and this is another superb benefit. In general, the workers working offshore are entitled to very good health insurance and social benefit plans.
Cons
Longer Shifts
While onshore workers usually have regular 8-hour work shifts during the work week, people holding offshore oil rig jobs have a more demanding work schedule. You can expect to have 8 to 12-hour shifts followed by 12-hour breaks. Since there is a set period during which you work on the platform, you will not get whole days off. In most cases, a worker remains on the rig for a period of 2 weeks with another 3 off, but this schedule may be subject to changes.
Tougher Conditions
The environmental conditions are much harder at sea than onshore. Besides, you are completely isolated from the rest of the world and there is little to do in your free time when it comes to recreational activities. Even though the food is usually good, the accommodation is usually crowded with very little personal space available.
Evaluate all pros and cons of offshore oil rig jobs to make up your mind.
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