Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers
(NOC 8615)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningLabourers in this group carry out a variety of general labouring duties and use equipment to help drill and service oil and gas wells. This group also includes labourers who help in geophysical prospecting for oil and gas. They work for drilling and well servicing contractors and by petroleum producing companies.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing, and Related Labourers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 11% of Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing, and Related Labourers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $51,122. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$28.00
Median$35.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$11,051
Minimum$39,196
Median$98,211
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.84
Median$32.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Labourers in this group carry out a variety of general labouring duties and use equipment to help drill and service oil and gas wells. This group also includes labourers who help in geophysical prospecting for oil and gas. They work for drilling and well servicing contractors and by petroleum producing companies.
Job duties
Labourers in this group:
- Manipulate sections of pipe or drill stem at the rig floor during drilling and during the removal and replacement of strings of pipe or drill stem and drill bit.
- Maintain drilling equipment on the drill floor.
- Handle, sort and move drill tools, pipe, cement, and other materials.
- Clean up rig areas.
- Help set up, take down and transport drilling and service rigs and service equipment.
- May drive trucks to transport materials and well service equipment.
Sample job titles
- floorhand - oil and gas drilling
- leasehand - oil and gas drilling
- oil field labourer
- roughneck
- seismic survey helper
- service rig helper - oil field services
- shakerhand - oil and gas drilling
- well treatment helper - oil field services
Skills
- You should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school may be required.
- Introductory college or petroleum industry-approved training courses may be required.
- Certificates in hydrogen sulphide awareness, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) or transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) may be required.
Other considerations
- Most workers in these jobs work for part of the year and typically earn less than half the yearly income of employees who work for the whole year. The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time. Progression to more senior operating positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Cape Breton
$32,599 median annual incomeHalifax
$39,350 median annual incomeSouthern
N/ANorth Shore
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
55-64
45-54
35-44
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$42,151 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$40,639 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$30,970 median annual incomeLess than high school
$39,247 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Petroleum Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of oil and natural gas extraction and processing facilities. They include courses in principles of petroleum extraction and related geology, petroleum field mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, laboratory analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance, environment and safety monitoring procedures for oil/gas fields and facilities, facility inspection procedures, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.