These are the highest oil rig salaries in 2024

How much do oil rig workers make in 2024?

The oil and gas industry consistently provides some of the top salaries worldwide. Although wages may vary due to factors such as experience, location, and specific roles, the overall prospects remain highly competitive.

Read our article to learn more about salary trends in the industry and the top-earning oil rig occupations.

And if you are looking for an oil and gas job, you can find plenty on our candidate portal.

Oil rig jobs salary trends 2024

According to the GETI report, 48% of oil field workers reported a pay increase this year—a 4% rise compared to previous years. This positive trend also extends to hiring managers, with 62% noting pay increases, up from 54% in 2023.

Optimism around salary growth is rising, with 69% of professionals expecting further increases, compared to 66% last year. Hiring managers share this optimism, with 72% anticipating pay hikes in the near future.

The energy sector's ongoing growth promises continued financial opportunities for professionals in the field.

What is the average oil rig worker salary? 

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Working on an oil rig offers competitive salaries across a variety of roles, providing excellent earning potential even for those just starting out. As skills develop and experience grows, professionals in the industry can see significant increases in their pay, with some salaries starting in the six-figure range.

Whether you're entering the field with no prior experience or bringing specialised qualifications, the oil and gas industry offers rewarding financial opportunities for all levels of expertise.

Entry-level roustabouts can earn over $50,000 per year, with opportunities for training and career advancement.

Experienced professionals such as drilling engineers and underground pipefitters can earn up to $224,359 annually.

The following charts from the GETI 2024 report highlight regional variations in day rates and annual salaries for oil and gas professionals, offering insights into global compensation trends across key roles in the industry: 

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Where are oil rig salaries the highest?

Salary growth is less steep as oil and gas prices fall from last year’s record highs, but pay everywhere is still rising in line with inflation. Previously large swings in salary are being replaced by stable growth based on a solid foundation of long-term projects.
Janette Marx - CEO, Airswift

Highly experienced oil and gas professionals command lucrative salaries. Here are the highest-earning oil platform jobs according to GETI:

Top 5 highest-earning salaries for permanent workers

Top 5 highest-earning rates for contractors

What is the average oil rig starting salary?

The starting pay for oil rig workers is surprisingly competitive, especially for those with technical skills or relevant certifications. For newcomers, roles like Welding Engineer or QA/QC Inspector are excellent starting points, offering a solid salary and plenty of room for career growth.

Over time, Welding Engineers can move into senior technical roles, including Maintenance Supervisors or Engineering Managers, which come with higher responsibilities and pay scales.

Meanwhile, a QA/QC Inspector is essential to the smooth operation of the rig and offers a clear pathway toward leadership positions in health and safety, quality control management, or even operational oversight.

With experience and further training, these entry-level roles can evolve into highly specialised positions, such as Drilling Engineers or Project Managers, where salaries can easily surpass six figures.

Many oil companies also offer extensive training programs, allowing workers to specialise in areas like subsea engineering or environmental compliance, further expanding career opportunities.

See below for figures on what an oil rig welder salary can look like according to region:

• Africa: Up to $66,261 annually
• Asia: Up to $53,811 annually
• Australasia: Up to $114,520 annually
• Europe: Up to $97,836 annually
• Latin America: Up to $42,819 annually
• Middle East; Up to $34,628 annually
• North America: Up to $76,220 annually

For QA/QC inspectors, salaries range from $49,627 to $132,071 depending on location and experience.

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Often, offshore oil rig jobs pay higher than land-based roles due to the hazardous nature of the work. You may also have opportunities to travel globally, working where production demand is highest.

Airswift supports international travel logistics and relocation services to help you take advantage of these opportunities.

Download the 2024 GETI report

Learn about the impact of AI on the oil and gas sector

Despite lower rates of AI adoption compared to other energy sectors, many oil and gas workers see the upsides of automation in freeing up time for families, increasing career opportunities and boosting innovation and production.

Watch our webinar on the impact of AI transformation in oil and gas below:

Airswift: Your path to lucrative oil and gas careers

Airswift is a global leader in recruiting for the energy sector, offering exceptional opportunities for professionals at all stages of their oil and gas careers. Whether you're just starting out or aiming to boost your salary, we can connect you with roles that match your skills and goals.

We’re dedicated to helping job seekers climb the oil rig salary ladder. With our global network and strong partnerships with major companies, we provide access to unique opportunities to advance your career.

From polishing your resume to ensuring you're positioned to attract top employers, we support your growth every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step? Upload your CV or visit our job portal to explore new oil rig opportunities and elevate your career today.