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What does a Tool Pusher do?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

A tool pusher works on-site at an oil or natural gas drilling rig to coordinate and supervise operations. He or she performs a number of important administrative duties to ensure workers fulfill their job duties. People in this job also schedule regular preventive maintenance on machinery and personally inspect rigs to ensure they are kept safe and in proper working order. Most begin their careers as laborers on rigs and advance within their companies to managerial positions with years of experience and proven leadership skills.

Land and offshore oil rigs can be very busy, dangerous places to work. It is the responsibility of the tool pusher to make sure workers are kept on task at all times. The supervisor explains daily duties and monitors the quality of workmanship. He or she performs many of the same duties as administrative professionals in other settings, such as setting workers' schedules and distributing paychecks. In addition, a supervisor regularly meets with workers to address performance issues and discuss safety concerns.

A tool pusher can work on an oil drilling platform.
A tool pusher can work on an oil drilling platform.

A knowledgeable tool pusher is able to identify and remedy minor problems before they become major setbacks. A professional regularly inspects rigs to make sure tools, machines, and drills are clean and in good shape. If machinery needs to be repaired or replaced, the tool pusher coordinates with mechanics to get the job done as quickly as possible.

Tool pushers may work as supervisors on offshore oil rigs or on drilling sites on land.
Tool pushers may work as supervisors on offshore oil rigs or on drilling sites on land.

In addition to supervising laborers and performing quality control, a tool pusher may also be responsible for hiring and training new workers. He or she might determine the need for additional labor, create advertisements, conduct interviews, and place new workers in appropriate positions. He or she often leads classroom instructional courses and practical, on-site training programs to prepare workers for their new jobs.

There are no set educational requirements to become a tool pusher, though most professionals hold at least high school diplomas. The majority obtain their positions after proving their skills in other rigging jobs. It is important for a person in this position to gain experience as a laborer so he or she can fully understand the mechanics of oil rigs. In addition to gaining practical experience, some tool pushers decide to pursue associate's or bachelor's degrees in business administration to improve their credentials and their understanding of management. With a degree, a skilled tool pusher may have the opportunity to advance further within a company to the ranks of head supervisor or executive officer.

Discussion Comments

anon341432

@anon335566: Yes, it's true. A toolpusher, senior toolpusher, driller, ROV pilot, ROV Supervisor in an offshore field or onshore field makes about $300, $500 or $1000 a day. It depends on their experience or system that they are using on an offshore rig.

I am from a global recruitment company that supplies personnel like ROV (Remoted Operations vehicle) toolpusher, offshore surveyor, marines, etc. But it's very difficult to work on an offshore rig. Scary. That's why positions like that get high pay.

anon339554

Tool pushers on offshore rigs make anywhere from 150k-300k. It's a rough job and it takes experience.

anon335566

Are you kidding? most tool pushers makes $1000/day or more.

Frances2

@kangaBurg – A tool pusher can make anywhere from $28,000 to $69,000 and up. It all depends on the company he or she works for, education, experience, and danger of the job. Naturally, a tool pusher’s salary should increase with experience.

Frankly, I’m surprise that such an important job has such low pay.

kangaBurg

Being a tool pusher sounds like an intense job! How much do they get paid? I’d like to have an adventurous job like that.

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    • A tool pusher can work on an oil drilling platform.
      By: eyeidea
      A tool pusher can work on an oil drilling platform.
    • Tool pushers may work as supervisors on offshore oil rigs or on drilling sites on land.
      By: Kovalenko Inna
      Tool pushers may work as supervisors on offshore oil rigs or on drilling sites on land.