Careers in Horizontal Drilling: Explore Job Opportunities in Oil & Gas
Horizontal drilling is a technique used in the oil and gas industry to increase production by drilling wells that deviate from the vertical axis and follow horizontal paths within a specific reservoir layer. This method is favored for accessing hard-to-reach oil and gas deposits, especially in shale formations, as it allows operators to tap into larger areas of a reservoir, increasing the production potential from a single well.
Horizontal drilling begins like a conventional vertical well, but at a certain depth, the drill bit is turned to move horizontally. This process requires precise navigation and control, making it a highly technical and collaborative operation. A wide array of professionals contribute to every stage of a horizontal drilling project, from planning and survey to completion.
Core Drilling Crew Positions
These roles form the backbone of the drilling operation. They directly handle the machinery and tools involved in drilling the well.
Driller
The driller operates and controls the drilling rig. They are responsible for executing the drilling plan and ensuring that operations are safe and efficient. A driller must monitor equipment, make necessary adjustments, and communicate with the drilling crew.
- Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED; typically requires 3-5 years of experience as a rig hand or derrickhand.
- Salary: $70,000 – $120,000 per year, depending on experience.
- Schedule: Rotational shifts, usually 12 hours per day, 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Derrickhand
The derrickhand works on a platform high above the rig floor, guiding the drill pipe into the hole and ensuring that drilling fluids are properly circulated. This is a physically demanding job that requires coordination and balance.
- Education & Experience: High school diploma; usually requires experience as a roughneck or roustabout.
- Salary: $60,000 – $85,000 per year.
- Schedule: 12-hour shifts, rotating 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Roughneck/Roustabout (Entry-Level)
Roughnecks and roustabouts perform general labor tasks on the rig, such as handling drill pipes, maintaining equipment, and keeping the rig site clean. These positions offer a way to enter the oil and gas industry without prior experience.
- Education & Experience: No formal education required; on-the-job training provided.
- Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 per year.
- Schedule: 12-hour shifts, 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Mud Logger
Mud loggers analyze rock and fluid samples during the drilling process to monitor the well’s progress and detect signs of oil and gas. They work closely with geologists and engineers to ensure optimal drilling conditions.
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in geology or a related field.
- Salary: $50,000 – $80,000 per year.
- Schedule: On-site, typically 12-hour shifts, rotating schedule.
Horizontal Drilling Process: Job Positions at Each Stage
Stage 1: Pre-Drilling
Before drilling begins, several professionals are involved in planning, surveying, and ensuring the operation complies with regulations.
Surveyor
Surveyors provide critical data about the surface and subsurface conditions of the drilling site. They map the area and provide geospatial information to guide the drilling process.
- Education & Experience: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in surveying or geomatics.
- Salary: $55,000 – $90,000 per year.
- Schedule: Office and field work, often with travel to remote locations.
Geologist
Geologists study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth’s crust. In horizontal drilling, they help determine the best drilling locations and paths by analyzing rock formations and fluid content.
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in geology; advanced degrees for more specialized roles.
- Salary: $60,000 – $120,000 per year.
- Schedule: Office work with site visits, sometimes on call during drilling.
Environmental Specialist
Environmental specialists ensure that the drilling project complies with environmental regulations. They conduct impact assessments, monitor air and water quality, and help minimize environmental disruption.
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field.
- Salary: $50,000 – $85,000 per year.
- Schedule: Primarily office-based, with occasional field work.
Landman (Land Acquisition Specialist)
Landmen negotiate contracts and secure the land rights needed for drilling. They work with property owners, businesses, and government agencies to ensure the company has the necessary legal rights to drill on the site.
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in business or law; experience in contract negotiation preferred.
- Salary: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.
- Schedule: Office work, with travel to various properties as needed.
Stage 2: Drilling and Well Construction
This stage involves creating the wellbore using a combination of vertical and horizontal drilling techniques.
Directional Driller
The directional driller is responsible for steering the drill bit in the precise direction needed to follow the planned horizontal path. This job requires a deep understanding of drilling dynamics and high-tech navigation tools.
- Education & Experience: High school diploma or technical training; typically requires 5+ years of experience in drilling.
- Salary: $90,000 – $150,000 per year.
- Schedule: 12-hour shifts, rotating on-site.
Toolpusher
The toolpusher oversees the drilling rig’s operations and ensures that the crew, equipment, and logistics are all functioning smoothly. They are in charge of ensuring safety standards are followed and that the operation stays on schedule.
- Education & Experience: High school diploma; usually requires 10+ years of experience in various drilling roles.
- Salary: $100,000 – $160,000 per year.
- Schedule: On-site, rotational shifts.
Rig Mechanic
Rig mechanics maintain and repair the mechanical and hydraulic systems on the drilling rig. They keep the equipment running smoothly to avoid costly downtime.
- Education & Experience: High school diploma or technical training in mechanics.
- Salary: $55,000 – $85,000 per year.
- Schedule: 12-hour shifts, 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Stage 3: Completion and Production
Once the well has been drilled, the final stage involves preparing it for production and ensuring it operates efficiently.
Completion Engineer
Completion engineers design and oversee the process of finalizing the well, including cementing the wellbore, installing production equipment, and preparing the site for oil and gas extraction.
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field.
- Salary: $90,000 – $150,000 per year.
- Schedule: Office and field work.
Frac Operator (Entry-Level)
Frac operators assist in hydraulic fracturing, the process of injecting fluids to create fractures in the rock, allowing oil and gas to flow more easily. This is a hands-on role that offers entry-level opportunities for workers.
- Education & Experience: No formal education required; on-the-job training provided.
- Salary: $45,000 – $65,000 per year.
- Schedule: Rotating shifts, typically 12 hours, 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Production Operator
Once the well is operational, production operators monitor and maintain oil and gas production equipment. They ensure that the well produces efficiently and that equipment remains in good condition.
- Education & Experience: High school diploma or technical training in production.
- Salary: $60,000 – $100,000 per year.
- Schedule: 12-hour shifts, on rotation.
Supporting Operations and Equipment
The success of a horizontal drilling project also depends on numerous support positions that ensure smooth logistics, transportation, equipment, and regulatory compliance.
Equipment Manufacturer
Workers in equipment manufacturing facilities build the rigs, drill pipes, and machinery used in horizontal drilling operations. Positions in this field range from entry-level assembly jobs to specialized mechanical roles.
- Education & Experience: Varies from no experience required for entry-level positions to technical training for specialized roles.
- Salary: $40,000 – $80,000 per year, depending on position.
- Schedule: Factory shifts, typically 8-12 hours.
Truck Driver (Entry-Level)
Truck drivers transport the massive amounts of equipment, fluids, and materials needed for a drilling operation. This job is critical to ensuring the timely delivery of essential supplies.
- Education & Experience: Commercial driver’s license (CDL) required; no prior oil and gas experience needed.
- Salary: $50,000 – $75,000 per year.
- Schedule: Long hours, often away from home for extended periods.
Regulatory Compliance Officer
Compliance officers ensure that drilling projects adhere to government regulations related to safety, environmental impact, and operational standards. They coordinate with government agencies and prepare reports on the project’s compliance.
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in law, environmental science, or a related field.
- Salary: $70,000 – $110,000 per year.
- Schedule: Primarily office-based, with occasional site visits.
Horizontal drilling in the oil and gas industry offers a wide variety of career opportunities, from entry-level roles to highly specialized positions. For students and entry-level workers looking to enter this field, there are numerous pathways that can lead to high-paying, adventurous careers. Whether you’re interested in getting your hands dirty on the rig, navigating complex equipment, or ensuring the operation runs smoothly from behind the scenes, there’s a job for you in horizontal drilling.