A rig is the machinery used to drill for oil, either on-shore or off-, including the derrick framework and the drill itself. A variety of workers, from leaders and planners to manual laborers, are needed on a rig to ensure smooth, safe operation and the extraction of valuable oil from the earth. What does an offshore drilling worker do? Offshore drilling workers work in a variety of roles on oil or gas rigs. You could be working as a driller, assistant driller or a derrickman. You’ll be looking after the drill and other tools used to explore and extract gas and oil from a well. Different workers perform different tasks on oil rigs. Derrick operators rig derricks and operate equipment to extract oil from the earth, while roustabouts assemble and repair oil rig equipment. Just as their jobs differ, so do their salaries. In general, derrick operators earn a higher wage than roustabouts but