# Oil Rig Workers Are Well Paid, but Are the Dangers Worth the Money? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Reasons Workers Are Drawn To Oil Rig Pay 2. The Significant Risks Of Working On An Oil Rig 3. Common Hazards On The Rig 4. Working Oil Rigs While Balancing Pay And Peril 5. How To Handle Oil Rigging Risks  6. Contact A Houston Oil Rig Accident Lawyer At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation ![Oil Rig Workers Are Well Paid, But Are The Dangers Worth The Money?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Oil-Rig-Workers-Are-Well-Paid-But-Are-The-Dangers-Worth-The-Money-300x200.jpg) Oil rig jobs are plentiful in Texas. Workers who don’t mind the physical nature of the job are drawn to the good pay and ample time off. Unfortunately, life on an [oil rig can be dangerous](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/texas/oil-rig-accident-lawyer/). The question is, does the pay justify the risks involved? Here’s a closer look at what oil rig workers face on a daily basis so that you can decide for yourself.  ## Reasons Workers Are Drawn To Oil Rig Pay Oil rig workers pay an [average of $43,968](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Oil-Rig-Salary-by-State) per year in Texas. However, that figure can be a bit misleading. Many [oil rig workers spend several](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-severe-oil-rig-explosions-and-disasters-in-texas/) consecutive weeks or months on a rig, followed by an extended time off. As such, they may only work roughly half the year. Entry-level jobs like roughnecks offer competitive pay. Individuals holding mid-level positions like derrickhands or drillers can earn nearly twice the Texas average or more. Senior roles may command $150,000 or more.  Workers often face rotational offshore schedules that include long shifts and substantial periods off. Compensation may include bonuses and overtime, which brings many incomes close to or above the six-figure threshold.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## The Significant Risks Of Working On An Oil Rig Oil rig work remains one of the nation’s most dangerous industries.  [Injuries sustained on oil rigs](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/oil-rig-injuries/) include: - [Eye injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/eye-injury/) - [Crushing injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/crushing-injury/) - [Broken bones](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/broken-bones/) - Degloving - Head injuries While companies may cover employees’ injuries and medical costs via workers’ compensation, that is not always enough. If a company’s negligence contributed to a person’s injuries, the injured worker could pursue additional compensation.  ## Common Hazards On The Rig Vehicle accidents, contact injuries, and explosions are the [most common fatal events](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7208a1.htm) on oil rigs. However, those aren’t the only hazards workers face. Other dangers include: - [**Slips and Falls:**Wet, uneven surfaces and elevated platforms make slips and falls a frequent cause of serious injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/falls-down-stairs-can-result-in-serious-injuries-and-substantial-recovery-for-victims/).  - **Explosions and Fires:**Flammable chemicals and volatile equipment lead to explosion risks.  - **Heavy Machinery Accidents:**Operating equipment and vehicles on tight platforms increases the likelihood of “struck-by” incidents. - **Toxic Chemical Exposure:** Gases like hydrogen sulfide and other volatile compounds can cause chronic respiratory or neurological damage.  - **Electrical Hazards:**The combination of power systems and moisture increases electrocution risks.  - **Isolation and Weather:** The remote nature of rigs delays help in emergencies, especially if bad weather is at play.  Life on an oil rig can be incredibly taxing and leave workers feeling fatigued. Extended shifts can cause impaired judgment and increase the risk of injuries.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Working Oil Rigs While Balancing Pay And Peril If you are considering applying for a job on an oil rig, you need to consider the pros and cons. Positives include: - High earning potential - Attractive schedules - Opportunity for career growth Downsides include: - Risky work - Long-term health effects - Physically and mentally demanding conditions  With that in mind, it’s critical to consider what risks you are willing to take on in exchange for the pay and time-off benefits of life as an oil rig worker.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## How To Handle Oil Rigging Risks  Oil rig jobs in [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) offer compelling financial rewards, but those benefits come with serious, sometimes fatal risks. Working in this field demands careful consideration of the hazards you’ll face.  Before signing up for a job in this field, make sure you have a plan in case you get injured. That way, you’ll be prepared to take care of yourself and your family in a worst-case scenario.  ## Contact A Houston Oil Rig Accident Lawyer At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation If you’ve been injured while working on an oil rig, you may be facing serious medical bills, lost income, and long-term health consequences. At [Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/), our team has decades of experience fighting for injured workers in Houston and across [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). We know how to investigate oil rig accidents, identify all liable parties, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. Don’t wait—Texas deadlines for [filing injury claims](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/) are strict.  Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / Linkedin / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Maritime Accidents Blog Posts: [![The Jones Act: What It Means for Injured Maritime Workers in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/The-Jones-Act-What-It-Means-for-Injured-Maritime-Workers-in-Texas-300x201.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-jones-act-what-it-means-for-injured-maritime-workers-in-texas/) [The Jones Act: What It Means for Injured Maritime Workers in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-jones-act-what-it-means-for-injured-maritime-workers-in-texas/) Being injured on the job is challenging for anyone, but it can be especially complicated for maritime workers. If [![5 Reasons Oilfield Work Is So Dangerous](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5-Reasons-Oilfield-Work-Is-So-Dangerous-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-reasons-oilfield-work-is-so-dangerous/) [5 Reasons Oilfield Work Is So Dangerous](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-reasons-oilfield-work-is-so-dangerous/) Texas leads the nation in the productivity of its oil and gas industry. It operates nearly half of the oil rigs in the [![The Physical Nature of Offshore Oil Rig Jobs](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-Physical-Nature-of-Offshore-Oil-Rig-Jobs-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-physical-nature-of-offshore-oil-rig-jobs/) [The Physical Nature of Offshore Oil Rig Jobs](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-physical-nature-of-offshore-oil-rig-jobs/) According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), there were 203 injuries on [![Jones Act & Maritime Injuries at Sea](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Jones-Act-Maritime-Injuries-at-Sea-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/jones-act-maritime-injuries-at-sea/) [Jones Act Maritime Injuries at Sea](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/jones-act-maritime-injuries-at-sea/) Individuals whose jobs require them to work on navigable waterways and platforms or structures out in the ocean face --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/oil-rig-workers-are-well-paid-but-are-the-dangers-worth-the-money/