Anyone interested in a little bit of adventure and excitement in the great outdoors may have already considered working on an oil rig in Alberta, Canada. Those who have not should at least give the idea some thought as there are many well paying Alberta oil rig jobs available most seasons. These jobs are not limited to Canadian citizens, but there may be hiring preferences to deal with for international job seekers. At the time of this writing there are more jobs than there are workers and therefore it would seem safe to say that favoritism based on country of origin probably only affects those applying for the top jobs in most oil rigs in Alberta.

Many news agencies including CBS have claimed that it is possible to make upwards of $100,000 per year by working oil rigs in Alberta. While that number is certainly possible, it is not common. The average salary for someone starting at the bottom rungs of a corporate run oil rig are much more modest, perhaps in the $30,000 or so range. Those workers with degrees and special skills can easily increase that figure by at least 50% and possibly even twofold depending upon demand and work history.

One factor that might make the income even more attractive is the fact that lodging and meals are typically included in most, if not all, Alberta oil rig jobs. This extends to the lowest workers on the food chain to the highest level of management that lives on site. These offers typically only apply to those working on the oil rig itself and not to dependents unless they are also employed on the oil rig. Be certain to inquire with the relevant manager and/or human resource director if interested.

Another advantage to working Alberta oil rig jobs is that one can start as a mere helper and be running a rig in only a few short years. Most oil rigs in Alberta promote and hire staff based on skill, competence and leadership ability as well as the ability to stay cool under pressure. The workloads can be demanding but the compensation is often worth it.

As the oil companies attract more workers to the jobs in Alberta it would seem unlikely that wages can stay so high. While it is true that the weather and work conditions are formidable the salaries being offered to both unskilled and skilled workers alike will eventually create competition for the job vacancies in most, if not all oil rigs in Alberta. At that time it is likely that the offers will become less attractive. At the time of this writing, however, the fact is that many of the job openings in Alberta are quite attractive, especially those in and around oil rigs.