What High School Graduates Need to Know About Becoming an Oil Rig Crane Operator

If you’ve recently graduated from high school, you might be wondering what your next step is. There are several different paths you can choose, but one in particular stands out: becoming an oil rig crane operator. 

Oil rig crane operators play a large role in ensuring the safe movement of heavy materials and supplies both onshore and offshore. If recent high school graduates are looking for high-demand, rewarding career opportunities, becoming a crane operator in the oil and gas industry is a smart choice. Let’s take a closer look at this job option and how PTS can help fast-track your success.

Why Crane Operators are Essential on Oil Rigs

Oil rig crane operators play a critical role in safety and logistics. They are responsible for lifting and moving heavy equipment, which on an oil rig can include pipes and drilling components. Crane operators must follow important safety protocols in order to avoid accidents, which includes communicating with ground personnel via hand signals or radio. 

Crane operators in the oil industry may work in different settings, like offshore oil rigs, onshore drilling sites, refineries, and construction sites designed for oil and gas projects. These types of jobs might require extended stays on rigs or rotational shifts, especially when working offshore. 

Being an oil rig crane operator involves a lot of coordination, maintenance skills, and operational expertise, but it is also one of the highest-paid crane operator positions. The average pay of an offshore crane operator is about $96,204 per year. While exact pay depends on experience and location, it’s worth noting that the national average salary is $63,795, which is considerably lower than what typical experienced oil rig crane operators make annually. The oil industry is always busy, and specialized crane operators are in high demand because of their skills and experience. 

It’s clear that picking this career is a long-lasting and rewarding choice. How do you get started? PTS can help.

How PTS Can Help You Join the Oil Industry

When you’re ready to figure out your next step after graduation, we’re here to support you. PTS is one of the nation’s leading heavy equipment and mobile crane operator training schools, and we’re prepared to provide you with the tools for success. 

If you’re looking to become an oil rig crane operator, we’ve got you covered. In our mobile crane operator training course, you can learn:

• How to operate both mobile hydraulic telescopic boom swing-cab and telescopic boom fixed-cab cranes
• Crane safety and preventative maintenance
• Wire rope and basic rigging practices
• And more!

If you’ve recently graduated from high school, we understand that getting back into the classroom might not be your first choice. That’s why we balance our class instruction with in-the-seat practical experience so you’ll feel comfortable operating a crane out in the field. And our program is only three weeks long! In just 120 hours, you’ll be on your way to building a rewarding, high-paying career.

At PTS, we’ve designed our courses to prepare you for the certifications you’ll need to find successful employment as an oil rig crane operator. Once you’ve passed the written and practical NCCCO exams, you’ll receive an in-demand certification for oil rig crane operation. 

We know that life after high school can seem uncertain. PTS has helped countless individuals, including high school graduates, veterans, and disabled workers, prepare for their new careers, and we’re eager to help you, too. Are you ready to figure out your next step in the oil industry? Connect with the team at PTS today to learn more. Or better yet, schedule a tour at our facility and earn a $500 tuition reduction discount.