Roustabouts

Employment for roustabouts is expected to grow 25 percent, much faster than the average for all careers, through 2029, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Continuing demand for oil and natural gas resources, which will continue to be primary energy sources for decades, will spur employment growth. Turnover is high among roustabouts, especially in offshore drilling. The work is difficult and dirty enough that many people stay in the job only a short time. The need to replace workers who leave will account for many job openings. Workers who have experience or formal training in the field will have the best chance of being hired.

Fluctuating prices of oil and natural gas greatly affect employment in this industry. When oil and gas prices rise sharply, companies invest more money in new technology and employees in order to increase their profits. When oil and gas prices fall, companies may be less inclined to expand domestic and international exploration and production of oil and gas, thus decreasing the number of jobs available.

This industry is greatly affected by environmental concerns, especially when drilling and exploring are limited in sensitive or federally protected areas. In addition, many companies have moved drilling and exploration to locations outside of the United States, which decreases the number of workers needed in this country. However, companies are likely to continue to restructure and look for cost-effective technology that permits new drilling abroad and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, which would provide jobs for U.S. workers.