Occupation AtlasRoustabouts, Oil and Gas
O*NET · 47-5071.00
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
Assemble or repair oil field equipment using hand and power tools. Perform other tasks as needed.
Also called Casing Crew Pusher · Cathead Operator · Connection Worker · Derrick Hand · Drill Rig Operator · Dumper Bailer Operator · Equipment Operator · Field Service Engineer
36 more
Field Service Installation Tech · Field Service Installation Technician (Field Service Installation Tech) · Field Service Roustabout · Field Service Tech · Field Service Technician (Field Service Tech) · Field Specialist · Field Tech · Field Technician (Field Tech) · Floor Hand · Floorhand · Fuel Farm Operator · Gang Worker · Gas Floor Hand · General Service Tech · General Service Technician (General Service Tech) · Generator Field Service Tech · Generator Field Service Technician (Generator Field Service Tech) · Gun Perforator Loader · Oil and Gas Roustabout · Oil Change Tech · Oil Change Technician (Oil Change Tech) · Oil Field Laborer · Oil Field Roustabout · Oil Floor Hand · Oil Rig Floor Hand · Oil Rig Roughneck · Oil Rigger · Production Roustabout · Rig Hand · Roustabout · Roustabout Crew Pusher · Roustabout Hand · Roustabout Pusher · Terminal Operator · Well Service Floor Worker · Well Service Floorperson
Compare with another occupationCompare with Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic7.00
- C Conventional3.29
- I Investigative1.79
- A Artistic1.00
- S Social1.00
- E Enterprising1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (22%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (37%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (24%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- Operations MonitoringImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Operation and ControlImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- RepairingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- SpeakingbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- Service OrientationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- WritingbasicImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- PersuasionImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- InstallationImportance 1.1Level —
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
8 core · 5 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Unscrew or tighten pipes, casing, tubing, and pump rods, using hand and power wrenches and tongs.Importance 3.9
- Dismantle and repair oil field machinery, boilers, and steam engine parts, using hand tools and power tools.Importance 3.7
- Guide cranes to move loads about decks.Importance 3.6
- Walk flow lines to locate leaks, using electronic detectors and by making visual inspections, and repair the leaks.Importance 3.5
- Lay gas and oil pipelines.Importance 3.5
- Bolt together pump and engine parts.Importance 3.4
- Move pipes to and from trucks, using truck winches and motorized lifts, or by hand.Importance 3.4
- Clean trucks used in the fields.Importance 3.3
Show the other 5
- Dig holes, set forms, and mix and pour concrete into forms to make foundations for wood or steel derricks.Importance 3.4
- Supply equipment to rig floors as requested and provide assistance to roughnecks.Importance 3.3
- Clean up spilled oil by bailing it into barrels.Importance 3.2
- Dig drainage ditches around wells and storage tanks.Importance 3.0
- Cut down and remove trees and brush to clear drill sites, to reduce fire hazards, and to make way for roads to sites.Importance 2.9
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- MechanicalImportance 3.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- MathematicsImportance 2.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- TransportationImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- English LanguageImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- PhysicsImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Building and ConstructionImportance 2.3Level 2.8
Show all 33
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- DesignImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- ChemistryImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- AdministrativeImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- PsychologyImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- BiologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.3Level —
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
- Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
- Control PrecisionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
- Far VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
Show all 52
- Static StrengthImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
- StaminaImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
- Auditory AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Depth PerceptionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
- Rate ControlImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speech ClarityImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Response OrientationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 1.9
- Written ComprehensionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Glare SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- Peripheral VisionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- Sound LocalizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Night VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.5Level 0.6
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Getting InformationImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.7Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Processing InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
17 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (8)
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Other tools (9)
- Database management systems
- Enertia
- Inventory management systems
- Maintenance record software
- Maintenance software
- Microsoft Windows XP
- Purchasing software
- Telephony software
- Token Ring
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.8, Operations Monitoring +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.8, Repairing −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.9, Reading Comprehension +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension +1.0, Operations Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring +0.6, Installation +0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring +0.6, Equipment Selection +0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.8, Active Learning −0.4
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension +0.8, Management of Material Resources −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.