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 operate equipment to assist in the drilling and servicing of oil and gas wells. This group also includes labourers who assist in geophysical prospecting for oil and gas. They are employed by 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. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
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$27.47
Median$45.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$11,051
Minimum$39,196
Median$98,211
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.88
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 operate equipment to assist in the drilling and servicing of oil and gas wells. This group also includes labourers who assist in geophysical prospecting for oil and gas. They are employed by drilling and well servicing contractors and by petroleum producing companies.
Job duties
Labourers in this group perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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.
- Assist in setting up, taking down and transporting 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
To work in these jobs, 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
- Completion of high school may be required.
- Completion of 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
Halifax
Southern
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Support for Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
Oil and Gas Extraction
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
Construction
Transportation and Warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$50,655 median annual incomeTrades certificate
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
N/ALess than high school
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$14,445 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,229 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$21,289 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$19,107 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$15,980 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Petroleum engineering
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems for locating, extracting, processing and refining crude petroleum and natural gas, including prospecting instruments and equipment, mining and drilling systems, processing and refining systems and facilities, storage facilities, transportation systems, and related environmental and safety systems.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Petroleum technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals 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. These programs 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
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Well drilling/driller
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, maintain, repair, and operate well drilling equipment; locate, drill, construct, and develop water, gas, and oil wells; and test and monitor wells to ensure adequate flow. These programs include courses with applications to home, business, and industrial uses.
Institutions providing this program
150 Peppett Street
North Sydney, NS B2A 2P6
(902) 794-1132
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
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