A career in the oil industry can be a demanding yet rewarding experience. The energy market is a vast network of oil and gas companies that require new talent all the time to keep up with the global demand for energy. From oil exploration and drilling to commodity trading and consulting a career in the oil business is full of opportunities for people with a high school education and Master's degrees. If you have the desire to make a career for yourself in the oil industry, consider a few tips for landing entry-level oil jobs.

Unless you have a 4-year degree or Master's degree in science or engineering the best place to look for work is an oil rig. Many positions are available on land based oil rigs that require nothing more than a high school diploma, some experience in construction and an ability to work with tools and fix machinery. Roughnecks, roustabouts, leasehands and floor hands are all entry-level oil jobs one can find in abundance on oil rigs around the world. You may be tested on certain aptitudes depending on the company you are applying with and the experience required but if you are good with tools and have a strong work ethic getting a foot in the door by way of an entry-level oil job can be a great way to start.

Before applying for a job in the oil industry understand that low-level jobs are not easy. Roughneck, roustabout and floor hand jobs involve long hours, heavy lifting and hauling, extreme weather conditions and often a lot of overtime. Dirty, demanding and tough oil jobs are not for the weak and you also have to be prepared for months away from home as you seek out an oil rig that has a position open. When starting out you may find yourself relocating to Canada, Africa or South America to find a roughneck or roustabout job but take it if you can find it.

Once you have your foot in the door and have proven yourself to be reliable and competent you can expect promotions quickly. Roughnecks and roustabouts often get promoted to other oil rig positions including Derrickman, oil rig welder and oil driller. With the promotion come higher wages and more responsibility. Many oil rig workers who start on the ground floor learn all there is to know about operating and maintaining oil rigs which is essential to reach the level of rig manager. Oil companies like rig managers to have a full understanding of the rig and how it works and the best way to learn is to start as a roughneck or roustabout since those positions require workers to be involved in every aspect of the function of an oil rig.

Not everyone is cut out for working in the oil industry. Again, the hours are long, the work is tough and dirty and you can expect to be away from family and friends for months at a time. But if you have the desire and drive you can quickly excel at entry-level oil jobs and be promoted fast to more high-paying positions that will get you on the right track to one day being a rig manager.

For a full list of oil job openings including roughneck, roustabout, floor hand and leasehand jobs visit Rig Hands where you'll get great information regarding the oil industry.