Roustabouts

High School

Little or no formal training or experience is required to get a job as a roustabout. However, there are more applicants than there are jobs, which allows employers to be selective, choosing people who have previous experience as a roustabout or formal training in a related area. While in high school, classes in mathematics, shop, and technical training will be helpful in preparing to work as a roustabout.

Postsecondary Training

More and more applicants have earned an associate's degree in petroleum technology, which demonstrates their familiarity with oil field operations and equipment. In general, any technical training, specialized courses, or pertinent experience can be a definite advantage in securing a job and later in getting promotions to more responsible positions.

To learn the skills they need, some newly hired roustabouts take courses at junior colleges or self-study courses such as those offered by the University of Texas at Austin (https://extendedcampus.utexas.edu/continuing-education-ut-austin). Some employers, particularly the major oil companies, help pay for job-related courses that employees take during their own time. Because the turnover rate among roustabouts is fairly high, however, employers are usually reluctant to invest a great deal in specialized training for beginning workers.

Other Education or Training

Roustabouts can learn about continuing education (CE) conferences, tradeshows, professional meetings, and social events by checking out The Rigzone Events Calendar (https://www.rigzone.com/events). Additionally, the American Petroleum Institute, Association of Energy Service Companies, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers provide CE opportunities that will be of interest to roustabouts. Contact these organizations for more information.