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Drilling and Service Rig Personnel

Drilling and service rig personnel work on oil and gas rigs. They perform general labourer duties and operate specialized equipment.

Also Known As

Derrickhand, Driller, Drill Operator, Floorhand, Leasehand, Motorhand, Roughneck

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 8232.1: Oil and Gas Well Drillers and Well Servicers
  • 8412.1: Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers
  • 8615: Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers

2006 NOC-S

  • I132: Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers, Testers and Related Workers
  • I142: Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers and Services Operators
  • I215: Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers

2011 NOC

  • 8232: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
  • 8412: Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
  • 8615: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers

2016 NOC

  • 8232: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
  • 8412: Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
  • 8615: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers

2021 NOC

  • 83101: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
  • 84101: Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
  • 85111: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers

2023 OaSIS

  • 83101.01: Oil and gas well drillers and well servicers
  • 84101.01: Oil and gas well drilling workers
  • 85111.00: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers
Duties
Updated Feb 12, 2021

Drilling rig personnel set up and use drilling rigs to explore viable sites for producing oil and gas. Each rig consists of a derrick, draw-works, and other surface equipment to provide the forces needed for a drill pipe to bore a hole into the earth. After the drilling rig reaches the layer of earth that contains oil or gas, it is removed from the site, and then service rig personnel complete the well construction.

Service rigs maintain, complete, and abandon oil and gas wells. They are fully mobile units, carrying the derrick and rig floor to well sites. Service rig personnel drive rig equipment in convoy with other service rig vehicles from one well location to another.

In Alberta, drilling and service rig personnel may fall into 2 groups:

  • Drilling and Service Rig Labourers
  • Drilling and Service Rig Operators
Drilling and Service Rig Labourers

Drilling and service rig labourers are the most junior members of the crew.

Leasehands work on drilling rigs. They:

  • Do housekeeping activities, such as:
    • Cleaning ice from walkways
    • Cleaning tools and equipment
    • Putting rig tools and equipment away after use
  • Help other crew members do odd jobs
  • Help other crew members fulfil rig manager requests
  • Watch for and remove hazards, such as debris and objects that are in the way of travel
  • Load and unload casing, tubing trucks, or mud trucks after they are trained and certified on load equipment

Floorhands work on drilling rigs and service rigs. There are usually 2 floorhands on a crew of 5. They:

  • Clean and organize tools, tool sheds, and rig equipment work areas
  • Learn to operate power tongs, which connect and disconnect the lower thread ends of tubing or drill pipe (when it is being lowered into and pulled from the cased or open-hole wellbore)
  • Catch samples of circulation returns or drilled cuttings on a drilling rig (to be analyzed by geologists on site)
  • Help run tubing or casing into a well after drilling is completed
  • Clean and maintain equipment as per the rig manager‘s or company’s policies
  • Perform housekeeping tasks, such as:
    • Keeping the service rig work floor or drilling floor clean
    • Painting, organizing, or scrubbing around the rig
  • Help service or drilling crew members as instructed
Drilling and Service Rig Operators

Motorhands work on drilling rigs. They:

  • Regularly maintain drilling rig engines, transmissions, heating systems, diesel electric generators and motors, hydraulic systems, and other mechanical equipment
  • Maintain equipment logs and preventative maintenance records
  • Monitor inventories of fuels, oil filters, lube oils, greases, and other service items
  • Work under the direction of the derrickhand and driller
  • Supervise, train, and work with floorhands and labourers
  • Ensure floorhands and labourers safely and efficiently participate in rig mobilization and de-mobilization (rig-up and tear-out)

Derrickhands work on drilling rigs and service rigs. They:

  • Work under the direction of the driller
  • Assist the driller with crew supervision, ensuring the crew works safely and efficiently
  • Participate in rig mobilization and de-mobilization
  • On drilling rigs, derrickhands:
    • Operate and maintain drilling fluid systems and pumps during drilling
    • Mix fluid chemicals and additives as required by the program
    • Handle sections of drill string assembly from a platform on the rig derrick during tripping operations
    • Monitor and record mud flows, volumes, and fluid properties (mud weight)
  • On service rigs, derrickhands:
    • Work high above the rig floor on a platform called a tubing board
    • Guide lengths of tubing, testing instruments, or special servicing tools such as fishing tools or paraffin scraping devices as they are raised from or lowered into the well
    • Steady items while they are connected or disconnected
    • Inspect the derrick before it is raised or lowered
    • Operate the rod basket, which is used to store sucker rods pulled from the well
    • Pump fluid and maintain the pump and tank on location

Drillers or operators work on drilling rigs and service rigs. They:

  • Operate the draw-works, rotary equipment, and pumps, and supervise the assembly of drill string (on drilling rigs)
  • Operate hoisting equipment control panels (on service rigs)
  • Ensure that safety and support equipment is functioning properly
  • Keep a current record of operations and drilling progress
  • Supervise rig mobilization and de-mobilization
  • Supervise rig crews and the operation of equipment, ensuring they work safely and efficiently
  • Train crew members
  • Introduce procedures to help the crew work more safely and effectively
  • Report directly to drilling and service rig managers
Working Conditions
Updated Feb 12, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Working conditions vary with the tasks performed, rig location, and weather conditions. Rig personnel mostly work outdoors, often year-round in remote locations. They may be exposed to extremes in weather as well as the dirt, dust, noise, and fumes common around a rig.

Work schedules vary with industry demand. Some personnel work 2 weeks followed by a week off. Drilling and service rig crew usually work 12-hour shifts, which include commuting time to and from work. They usually make their own way to their work site, so rig personnel may travel widely throughout the province. If the rig is in a remote location, crews operate out of a camp or stay at a nearby hotel.

The work is physically demanding and may involve lifting items weighing over 25 kilograms. Workplace hazards include working on slippery rig floors, working near or with heavy tools, and moving machinery. Rig personnel must follow standard safety practices. They must take part in safety meetings and emergency procedure drills.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Oil and Gas Well Drillers and Well Servicers

2006 NOC: 8232.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in controlling the operations of drilling and service rig drilling and hoisting machinery

DIRECTIVE

Interest in speaking with members of rig crew to direct them in setting up rigs, drilling and completing and servicing oil and gas exploration and producing wells

methodical

Interest in compiling information to maintain records of drilling and servicing operations

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers

2006 NOC: 8412.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in controlling and maintaining drilling mud systems and pumps during drilling and mixing of mud chemicals and additives; and in operating and maintaining diesel motors, transmissions and other mechanical equipment

METHODICAL

Interest in compiling information to record mud flows and volumes and to take samples; and in assisting in setting up, taking down and transporting rigs

directive

Interest in speaking with floor hands and labourers to supervise their activities

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers

2006 NOC: 8615

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in comparing information to handle, sort and move drill tools, pipes, cement and other materials, and to clean up rig areas; may drive trucks to transport materials and well service equipment

OBJECTIVE

Interest in operating equipment to manipulate sections of pipes and drill stems at rig floors during drilling and for removal and replacement of strings of pipes, drill stems and bits

innovative

Interest in maintaining drilling equipment on drill floors

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Feb 12, 2021

Drilling and service rig personnel need:

  • Quick thinking
  • Emotional stability
  • Physical strength, stamina, and agility
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Manual dexterity
  • A safety-conscious attitude
  • Leadership and management skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to work as a team and take instruction daily
  • The ability to understand the chain of command on work sites
  • The ability to judge distances and spatial relationships
  • The willingness to remain drug free
  • An interest in working outdoors, away from home, and in remote areas

They should enjoy working with equipment and machinery, compiling information, and keeping records. They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work.

Individuals who are not at ease at heights should not become derrickhands.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers

2016 NOC: 8232

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 78 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2021 and Mar 24, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Health benefits: Vision care benefits
Work Site Environment: Outdoors
Health benefits: Disability benefits
Long term benefits: Life insurance
Construction Specialization: Dependability
Teleworking Information: On the road job
Hand-eye co-ordination
Attention to detail

Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators

2016 NOC: 8412

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2021 and Mar 24, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Health benefits: Vision care benefits
Long term benefits: Life insurance
Construction Specialization: Team player
Attention to detail
Work Site Environment: Outdoors
Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence
Teleworking Information: On the road job
Computer Systems: Willing to travel

Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers

2016 NOC: 8615

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2021 and Mar 24, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Work Site Environment: Outdoors
Construction Specialization: Team player
Attention to detail
Cranes (Assemble, Erect, Jump, Dismantle): Alberta
Security and Safety: Drug test
Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence
Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Hydrogen Sulphide Awareness (H2S) Certificate
Handling heavy loads
Health benefits: Health care plan
Experience: Will train
Educational Requirements
Updated Feb 12, 2021
  • Minimum Education At least Grade 10

Drilling and service rig personnel acquire the skills and knowledge they need by learning on the job and taking courses. Often the minimum education required for an entry-level job is grade 10. However, a high school diploma may be an asset for advancement.

Employers require applicants to:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Hold a first aid certificate with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
  • Hold an H2S Alive certificate (specialized hydrogen sulfide training for rig crews)

Motorhands, derrickhands, and drillers need to have an unrestricted Class 5 driver’s licence.

Once employed, workers earn additional required certifications through in-house training:

  • Petroleum Safety Training (PST) or equivalent
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
  • Fall protection
  • Well control
  • Confined space entry

To access and work in the oil and gas industry, employees must complete the Energy Safety Canada Common Safety Orientation (CSO) course. Some employers may provide this training in-house. Energy Safety Canada also provides training for drilling and service rig crews. It is the industry’s safety association, but other organizations also offer this training.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Feb 12, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Feb 12, 2021

Drilling and service rig personnel work for contractors who own and operate oil and gas well drilling rigs. These employers contract with oil and gas producers to drill wells.

Some rigs operate year round, but employment in this occupation may be seasonal. Winter is the busiest season for drilling activity. Late fall and early winter are the best times for applicants with no experience to ask about openings.

Drilling and service rig personnel has few requirements for entry and can be a stepping-stone to other employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

New employees on a drilling rig start as leasehands or floorhands. With on-the-job training, a positive attitude, and the ability to learn quickly, they can advance to motorhand, derrickhand, and driller positions.

Experienced drilling and service rig personnel may become rig managers or move into management positions in other sections of the oil and gas industry. For example, a conscientious, hard-working person with leadership skills can move from leasehand to rig manager in 8 to 10 years. Some experienced drilling rig personnel may be hired by specialist companies as mud technicians or directional drillers. Others may move into related equipment sales or training, regulatory, or safety positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 8232: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers occupational group, 79.0% of people work in:

In the 8412: Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators occupational group, 85.0% of people work in:

In the 8615: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers occupational group, 79.7% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 8232: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 332 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

In Alberta, the 8412: Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

In Alberta, the 8615: Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Frequent recruitment is needed to deal with employment turnover, especially as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years. Experienced employees are in high demand to deal with vacancies.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Feb 12, 2021

The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) has a recommended wage schedule. However, wages may vary by employers. Some employers also offer bonuses but employment may not be year-round.

The CAODC recommended wages for service rig crews in 2018 were:

  • Floorhands: $25.70 an hour plus daily subsistence
  • Derrickhands: $28.25 an hour pus daily subsistence
  • Operators: $32.00 an hour plus daily subsistence
  • $12.50 an hour for travel time

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers

2016 NOC: 8232
Average Wage
$40.40
Per Hour
Average Salary
$78,201.00
Per Year
Average Hours
41.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
10.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 8232 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $21.63 $50.30 $33.53 $30.00
Overall $27.33 $50.00 $40.40 $42.00
Top $28.00 $86.54 $57.67 $51.96

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
42%
42%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
40%
40%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
4%

Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators

2016 NOC: 8412
Average Wage
$33.54
Per Hour
Average Salary
$65,187.00
Per Year
Average Hours
42.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
10.7
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 8412 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $17.69 $48.08 $29.09 $28.00
Overall $21.72 $55.52 $33.54 $32.00
Top $26.50 $66.67 $37.55 $36.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
51%
51%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
42%
42%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
10%
10%
Vacancy Rate
7%

Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers

2016 NOC: 8615
Average Wage
$27.33
Per Hour
Average Salary
$51,834.00
Per Year
Average Hours
42.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
10.6
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 8615 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $18.00 $31.00 $22.83 $22.00
Overall $20.00 $34.65 $27.33 $27.70
Top $23.12 $39.75 $30.29 $29.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Transportation and Warehousing

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
67%
67%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
26%
26%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
15%
15%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Feb 12, 2021

Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) website: caodc.ca

Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com

PetroLMI, Careers in Oil and Gas (COG) website: careersinoilandgas.com

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Feb 12, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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