Roustabout May 2026

A roustabout is an entry-level, manual laborer in the oil and gas industry, responsible for maintenance, loading materials, and assembling equipment on drilling sites [1]. These workers, who often operate in harsh conditions with high-risk safety requirements, typically transition into more specialized roles like roughnecks or drillers [2]. The term also historically refers to laborers who set up traveling circus tents, and it is a common archetype in American media, including the 1964 Elvis Presley film "Roustabout". For more information on the role, visit the Maersk Training website.