The oil and gas industry employs millions of people around the world, including over 6 million in direct roles and tens of millions more across its wider supply chain. Those roles span everything from roughnecks on drilling rigs to petroleum engineers designing extraction systems.
This guide covers what you need to know about working in oil and gas: the positions available, the qualifications required, and the practical steps to land your first role.
What this guide covers
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Whether oil and gas is a good career choice based on lifestyle, pay potential, and long-term demand
- The most common entry-level, technical, and professional roles in the industry
- What qualifications and safety certifications are typically required to get hired
- How upstream, midstream, and downstream roles differ, and which might suit your background
- Where oil and gas jobs are most commonly located across the UK, US, and internationally
- Practical steps to improve your chances of landing your first role
- Common mistakes candidates make when applying, and how to avoid them
Is oil and gas a good career choice?
Working in oil and gas offers some of the most competitive salaries in the energy sector, alongside strong long-term demand for technical and operational talent.
The industry spans upstream (exploration and production), midstream (transportation and storage), and downstream (refining and distribution). That means roles range from remote rig sites to corporate offices and processing facilities.
Even as the energy transition reshapes the market, oil and gas companies continue to recruit actively for engineers, technicians, field operators, and support staff to maintain global supply.
The realities of working in oil and gas
Oil and gas careers can be financially rewarding, but they are not the right fit for everyone. The work can be physically demanding, schedules are often long and irregular, and employment levels rise and fall with global energy prices.
Many field roles require extended periods away from home, particularly in upstream and offshore environments. Work is commonly organised around rotational shifts, meaning weeks on site followed by time off, rather than a traditional Monday to Friday routine.
It’s also worth understanding that oil and gas is a cyclical industry. Hiring tends to increase when commodity prices are high and slow during downturns. The people who succeed long-term are usually those who are flexible, mobile, and prepared to navigate periods of change between projects or contracts.
Positions in the oil field: what jobs are available?
The oil and gas industry is broader than most people realise. Before applying, it helps to understand where the roles sit across the value chain.
Entry-level and field positions
Entry-level roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and a willingness to work long rotational hours. Common starting points include:
- Floorhand / Roughneck: the most common entry-level rig position; requires a school leaving qualification and basic safety certifications
- Roustabout: general labourer on a rig or platform; no formal qualifications typically required
- Mechanic Helper: supports equipment maintenance; requires a school leaving qualification
- Mud Logger: monitors drilling fluid and formation data; a relatively accessible entry point
- Field Technician: monitors gauges, flow meters, and equipment; 1 to 2 years of experience preferred, but entry-level roles exist
Is an oil and gas career right for you?
Oil and gas will suit candidates who:
- Are comfortable working long shifts in physically demanding or industrial environments
- Can adapt quickly to new locations, teams, and project timelines
- Take safety seriously and follow procedures consistently
- Are motivated by practical, hands-on work rather than predictable office routines
It may not be a good fit if you need fixed working hours, are unable to relocate or travel, or are looking for a role with minimal physical or environmental demands.
How to get a job in oil and gas: step by step
1. Meet the baseline requirements
Before applying for oilfield positions, make sure you can meet standard industry requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old with a valid driving licence
- Pass a pre-employment drug test and medical assessment
- Be physically able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly and work in outdoor conditions
- Be willing to work 12 to 14 hour shifts on rotational schedules
- Be open to relocation. Major oil-producing regions include Texas, North Dakota, and New Mexico in the US, and internationally the Middle East, West Africa, and Southeast Asia
2. Understand which segment fits you
Oil and gas is divided into upstream, midstream, and downstream. Upstream (exploration and drilling) tends to have the most field-based, physically demanding roles. Midstream and downstream offer more plant, pipeline, and logistics-based positions. Knowing which segment suits your background helps you target the right employers from day one.
3. Build relevant qualifications
You don’t need a degree to get started in the oil field, but targeted training gives you a measurable edge over other applicants. Consider:
- Vocational or trade school programmes in oilfield technology, instrumentation, or electrical systems
- Safety certifications such as OSHA 10/30, H2S Alive, First Aid/CPR, and BOSIET (for offshore roles)
- Industry-recognised courses through providers like IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors) or OPITO
- A degree in petroleum, mechanical, or chemical engineering if you’re pursuing professional or corporate roles
Certification requirements vary by country, employer, and whether a role is onshore or offshore. Before enrolling in training, review current job postings in your target region or speak with a specialist recruiter to confirm which certifications are genuinely required, and which are optional or provided by the employer.
4. Choose your target location
Oil and gas employment is geographically concentrated. In the US, the Permian Basin (Texas/New Mexico), Eagle Ford Shale, Bakken Formation, and Gulf of Mexico are the primary hiring hubs. Internationally, the Middle East, Norway, and Africa are major markets for experienced technical professionals.
If you’re not yet willing to relocate, focus on midstream or downstream roles. Refineries, LNG terminals, and pipeline infrastructure are distributed more broadly than upstream drilling operations.
5. Build your CV for the oilfield
A strong oil and gas CV should highlight:
- Physical capability and any relevant safety training
- Mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, and adaptability
- Any experience operating heavy equipment or working in industrial environments
- Certifications; list every safety and technical credential clearly
- Willingness to travel and work rotational schedules
Tailor your CV to each role and company. Large service companies often have structured entry-level pathways and dedicated career portals.
6. Use the right job boards and recruitment partners
General job boards are a starting point, but energy-specific platforms get you in front of the right hiring managers faster. Strong options include:
- Worldwide Recruitment Solutions (WRS): specialist recruitment across oil and gas, offshore marine, renewables, and construction, with hubs in the UK, US, Singapore, Iraq, and East Africa
- Direct company career portals: apply directly to operators and major service companies
- Industry-specific energy job boards for international roles
Uploading your CV to specialist platforms also allows employers and agency recruiters to find you directly.
7. Network actively within the industry
LinkedIn is one of the most important networking tools for oil and gas career-seekers. Build a profile that reflects your target role, connect with hiring managers, project managers, and technical recruiters, and engage with industry content consistently. Industry events such as OTC (Offshore Technology Conference), SPE conferences, and regional energy forums are also valuable for meeting hiring contacts in person.
Partnering with a specialist recruiter can open doors to positions that are never publicly advertised, especially for contract and international placements.
8. Consider starting with a contract role
Contract work is extremely common in oil and gas, particularly for field-based roles. For candidates new to the industry, accepting a short-term contract placement is often the fastest route to building the field hours and industry credentials that permanent employers expect.
How long does it take to get into oil and gas?
Entry-level oilfield roles such as roustabout, floorhand, and field technician can be secured within weeks for candidates who meet the physical requirements and have completed basic safety certifications.
Professional engineering or geoscience roles typically require a four-year degree plus internship experience.
Career changers with transferable technical skills (military, construction, manufacturing, utilities) often find oil and gas relatively accessible, as many of these skills can be quickly applied to energy roles.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without safety certifications. Even basic H2S and first aid credentials signal seriousness to hiring managers.
- Targeting only the largest companies. Smaller contractors and service companies are often more accessible entry points.
- Ignoring location flexibility. The most jobs are in specific geographies; limiting yourself dramatically narrows your options.
- Sending generic CVs. Hiring teams review high volumes of applications, so tailoring your CV to the specific role is essential.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a job in oil and gas with no experience?
Yes. Entry-level positions such as roustabout, floorhand, and mechanic helper typically require only a school leaving qualification, physical fitness, and basic safety certifications. Many companies provide on-the-job training.
What qualifications do I need to work in the oil and gas industry?
Requirements vary by role. Entry-level oilfield positions require a school leaving qualification and safety certifications (H2S, OSHA). Engineering and technical roles typically require a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, geosciences, or a related field.
What are the best entry-level positions in the oil field?
The most accessible entry points are roustabout, floorhand, mud logger, and mechanic helper, all available to candidates with no prior oil and gas experience.
Is the oil and gas industry still hiring?
Yes. Despite the energy transition narrative, global oil and gas demand continues to support significant ongoing hiring, particularly for field operators, engineers, HSE professionals, and project managers.
How do I get into oil and gas from another industry?
Focus on transferable skills such as mechanical aptitude, safety culture, equipment operation, and project management. Obtain relevant certifications and connect with a specialist energy recruiter who can match your background to suitable openings.
Where are most oil and gas jobs located?
In the US, major hiring regions include the Permian Basin (Texas/New Mexico), Gulf of Mexico, and Bakken Formation. Internationally, the Middle East, Norway, Australia, and West Africa are significant markets.
Work with WRS to launch your oil and gas career
Worldwide Recruitment Solutions is a global specialist recruitment and workforce solutions company connecting talented people with leading employers across oil and gas, offshore marine, renewable energy, and construction. With hubs spanning the UK, US, Singapore, Iraq, and East Africa, we match candidates with both short-term field contracts and long-term professional placements at the world’s leading operators and service companies.
People are our purpose. Get in touch to take the next step in your oil and gas career
