Welder

Oil rigs are in constant need of welders. Drilling operations are tough on mechanical equipment and breakdowns are usually a daily occurrence. It is the welder's job to see to the day-to-day maintenance of welding broken machinery back together. Scaffolding and derricks continually need to be repaired. Plus, what the daily wear and tear does not destroy, exposure to the harsh elements can also accomplish.

Drill rig welders are responsible for building new metal frameworks, repairs, and new construction. In the oil industry there are two main types of rig welders. The first type is one who has a permanent job at one specific site. They may even work for just one company and travel between several sites. The other type of rig welder is one who is part of a construction team that is flown in for large projects. Building new rigs within a short timetable would be one such project. Whatever type you work as, a welder must possess a good understanding of fabrication, able to read blueprints and layouts, knowledge of safety precautions, the difference between regular pipe and high-pressure pipe, and a number of other industry specific requirements.

Welding for oil rigs can be physically demanding and many times require working in high places. It is a job best suited for individuals who are physically fit and can work in a variety of environments. It also requires a lot of time away from home. Welders who are married and have families might go weeks at a time without seeing them, coming home for about two weeks out of the month.

Oil companies constantly hire welders. It is more of an entry level job, especially for onshore site. However, welders working offshore on drilling platforms can earn three times as much as welders working in the manufacturing industry. A certification is often required to be a welder and that certification must be regularly updated. Testing is conducted before a company hires you to make sure you are qualified. They don't just hire anyone. The average salary for welders is around $60,000 a year.

Leave a Comment

Derek said:

Hi, I live in Ontario and I want to work in the oil rig industry. I have welding tickets, but I dont know where to start, I am wanting to find a camp-job in or or around Ft.Macmurray I am looking for information on how or where I can start. Thankyou my email is dereks79@hotmail.com

Morgan said:

Like derek, I am also looking to find work in or around macmurray or even other areas. I am a level C apprentice welder looking to get my hours logged and get my ticket. I have high attention to detail and have been noted by my instructors to have high-quality welds. I am thinking of taking a fitters course before I take the B course, but in between I would probably go back to the the fort to work if there are positions available and good living conditions. Any information related to jobs, travel plans, living arrangements, what kind of things I would be expected to do, different areas in the patch to work in, and which companies are good to work for would be much appreciated. My email is: voodooman64_709@hotmail.com

EdwardAboabo said:

I am looking for job as rigs welder

justin stack said:

looking for a job as a welder . 22 years old with alot of experience building structual for amec syncrude suncor. Welding tickets in flux core , metal core , and stick. If interested call (519)-622-2125 or email at justinbstack@hotmail.com . look forward to hearing from you thank you

Christian Duchesne said:

Hello, I am 22 years old and a certified welder with a year of schooling and 3 years experience worth of welding. I am a level 1 Welder Apprentice and would like to log in hours on oil rigs and I am available immediately. Please contact me at cduch88@hotmail.com

dale dangelo said:

i am a 52 years old ane a certiied welder contact me at dghunter@bellsouth.net

virgilio c. garcia, said:

I am 54 years old,multi coded welder,16 years experience in welding with a different kind of metal looking for a job,contact me if interested at virgilio_garcia2008@yahoo.com

Safet Fatkic said:

Respect my name is Safet Fatkic have certified welders for welding wig and doing this job for 10 years in addition to the electric welding know the procedure and CO2 welding I'm 30 and I most radiop at high Contractors massive bridges and gas pipelines, automated warehouses and halls of my contact details evolucija@hotmail.com tell. +387 66,611,411

Serg said:

I am very interested in a job on oil platforms now as the welder (MMA). I am welder with 18 years experience and I am sure, my skills will be useful to the employer (can weld in any position). During my working activity I made next kinds of welding works: - repair of industrial equipment; - assembling of large building and industrial constructions; - welding of pipelines of high pressure (look please the site: http://my-last-job.narod.ru). I can to send my CV and the reference. E-mail: svz05@yandex.ru or tim1@inbox.ru

David Swain said:

Hello, I am a 27, have 10 years of combo welding certified experience. Looking for employment immediate will relocate anywhere. I can be reached at 252-505-2694 or 757-376-8502

jeff said:

26 year old welder/fitter with 7 years experience in structural, custom fab and manufacturing. Several CWB tickets, experienced all position flux, stick and mig welder with carbon steel, aluminum and stainless. Willing to train, willing to relocate. Looking for work in alberta. 289 489 0748 lyrical_structure_16@hotmail.com

Maurice said:

I am in USA,I have certification in welding, have a CDL licience and willing to mIove to Alberta. I can be reached at mauchanner@hotmail.com or716-308-9686

Leigh Baker said:

Hello, I am 26 years old, from British Columbia Canada, and I am very interested in welding on the oil rigs, I have completed my C Level welding, I am a fast pace worker and quick learner. If you are interested my email is Leighbaker85@hotmail.com and phone number is (250)898-4749

Cory said:

Hi there, I am 37, from BC and am a Level "C" apprentice welder currently working towards completing my hours. My goal Is to find work in the oil or mining field in Alberta. The Job situation for welders in The South coast are scarce to none and the pay doesn't cut it. I am willing I do what ever it takes to work In Alberta and I need to start some where's and start making some real money. Thanks, my email is cory-74@hotmail.com

Roughneck Definition

Roughneck Definition Roustabout

There are several job hierarchies in the oil industry. The lowest job on the team of rig employees is the roustabout. Roustabouts are unskilled laborers who are just learning their trade in the oil industry. Their primary job is cleaning and maintaining the oil rig. Roustabouts are responsible for moving...

read entire definition