IT’S one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
But it comes with an incredible bonus – namely that you can earn thousands doing it.
Brett Chell, who is now the president, CEO and co-founder of Cold Bore Technology, started out working on drilling oil rigs.
And he opened up to close friend Jimmy Rex on his podcast about his first few years in the industry, admitting he made more money than he knew what to do with.
“I had $50,000 (£40,000) in my account by the time I was 30,” he recalled.
Brett added that on his first 24 hour shift off, he went to go and look at Cadillacs, but “didn’t end up buying one”.
Fast forward two weeks though, and he ended up buying an Cadillac Escalade SUV – and upgraded the rims to even bigger ones three weeks later.
“It’s only so motivating to work hard if your reward is paying off bills or saving money,” Jimmy replied.
A clip of the podcast was shared on TikTok, with many oil riggers also sharing their own success stories in the comments section.
“I’ve made 45k 2021 in 2022 probably made over 52k with a month of not working,” one wrote.
“Looking at going in a trade or oil to get more!”
“Made 90k at 20,” another added.
“100k a year working 14/14. Slickline,” a third commented.
“220k a year. And buy a lot of cool s**t,” someone else wrote.
“Oilfield life lol!”
“I made 107k last year out on the rigs,there’s definitely money to be made just get off your ass,” another added.
According to online magazine Industry Safety and Hygiene News, being an oil rig worker is the third most dangerous profession in the world.
That’s because to take on the role, you’re surrounded by heavy machinery, toxins and extreme weather.
And with just one spark, you could start an out-of-control fire.
“Made 45k at 17 still have some, but I have this thing called a second gen and it likes to consume money on a daily basis,” someone else commented on the video.
As another added: “I made 12k in a month (back pay from months I didn’t receive) and I spent every dollar
“I learned my lesson and I have 1/2 that a yr later”.
But one person insisted money isn’t everything, adding: “Rather start at 65k a year as a plumber then almost die, honestly!”
