Overview
Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers carry out a variety of general labouring duties and operate equipment to assist in the drilling and servicing of oil and gas wells. This unit 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.
This group performs 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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$52,140
$66,739
$79,253
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
52expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary 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.
Additional information
Progression to more senior operating positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers in B.C.
- Energy Safety Canada Certification - Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers
Energy Safety Canada Certification - Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a labourer in oil and gas drilling and servicing in B.C., you may need to complete training and gain certification through Energy Safety Canada. Eligibility is achieved by completing required prerequisite Energy Safety Canada courses.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in BC that are related to this career. Please see the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors website for other options.