83101

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural resources & agriculture

8 › 83 › 831 › 8310

Definition

Oil and gas well drillers and well servicers control the operation of drilling and hoisting equipment on drilling and service rigs, and direct the activities of the rig crew under supervision of the rig manager. Oil and gas well loggers, testers and related workers operate specialized mechanical or electronic equipment, tools or instruments to provide services in conjunction with well drilling, completion or servicing. They are employed by drilling and well service contractors, petroleum producing companies and well logging or testing companies.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Oil and gas well drillers and well servicers
Direct rig crew in setting up rigs and drilling, completing or servicing oil and gas exploration and producing wells
Operate controls of drill or service rig drilling and hoisting machinery
Train or arrange for training of crew
Maintain records of drilling and servicing operations
Ensure safety procedures are followed.
Oil and gas well loggers, testers and related workers
Drive well service or wireline truck to well site
Assemble and attach equipment, tools or recorders to drill stem or wireline to conduct required procedures and tests
Operate or direct the operation of wireline or unit controls to lower, position and retrieve equipment and instruments
Operate recorders and computers in mobile testing or logging unit to collect data
May perform limited data interpretation.

Example job titles

•assistant driller - oil and gas well drilling
•directional drilling operator
•downhole tool operator
•drill stem tester
•driller - oil and gas drilling
•electric line operator
•logging and perforating operator
•service rig operator

Overview

National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 83101 covers oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers, and related workers in Canada. Classified under TEER 3, these skilled workers operate drilling and service rigs to drill oil and gas wells, and utilize specialized equipment to test and complete them. They are primarily employed by petroleum producing companies and drilling or well service contractors. Under Canada's Express Entry system, TEER 3 occupations are eligible for federal skilled migration programs.

To qualify under NOC 83101, candidates typically require a high school diploma along with several years of progressive experience in rig operations, such as serving as a derrickhand or assistant. Essential safety certifications are mandatory, including First Aid, Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) safety, Blowout Prevention (BOP), and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Key duties include directing the rig crew, operating drilling controls, and ensuring strict adherence to environmental and safety regulations on-site.

Experienced oil and gas workers under NOC 83101 can pursue permanent residency (PR) in Canada through several pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in energy-rich provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. For official guidelines, consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

84101Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.