Derrickhand looking to move to alaska (Anchorage, Kenai: how much, houses, camps)

[ZacWoj]

Hey, I am currently a derrickhand working on a workover rig in ND, my wife and I are considering moving to Alaska. What I would like to know about is what I can expect for wages (hourly and annually) starting on drilling rigs (I only have experience on workover rigs, and 9 months cementing with schlumberger, so class A license with HNT endorcements). I am making approximately 90K right now, and want to know if I am going to have to take a cut how much to expect. Should I expect having a hard time finding work on the slope, or with my experience working in hights, cold, and oilfield should I be alright? Also what should I expect as far as living situations at the camps? We would be moving to Anchorage and I assume the north slope is where I would be working. Also any special clothing or equipment I should expect to need working on the slope? We work in cold here, but at about -30 we usually shut down. Thanks for any answers you can give me

[Rance]

Expect high 20's for a rate of pay. If your going to be pushing toward slope work...you'll need bunny boots, parka, longjohns, plenty of dry gloves etc. The rigs on the slope are winterized beyond what you've ever experienced. Extra tall windwalls, heated derrickhouse, insulated walls and lot's of steam heat throughout modules, pit's etc.
Most of the rigs that are going to run this winter have started up already...but there are a few yet to go.
There is also limited rig activity on the Kenai Peninsula, with another being moved up from Canada hopefully in April or May for work on the west side of Cook Inlet.
Contact Nabors, Doyon, Parker or Nordic-Calista in Anchorage or Inlet Drilling in Kenai.
Many of the rigs shut down come spring on the slope. The roads go to heck and they can't move the rigs without spending millions. The peninsula has less rigs, but they can work through summer months because of the way they break down and can be trucked. Once ambient temps hit -45 operations may slow down...but they don't stop. You have to watch forklift loads etc so as not to blow any hoses...but all components of the rig are heated and inside...even indoor pipesheds...so the rigs keep on running. The only time they do stop is in high wind situations called phase 3...where no rescue or medical could get to the rigs due to drifted in roads or zero visability. Most any of the camps are good enough to live for 2 or 3 weeks. I have yet to live in a camp I couldn't deal with.

I've got some local rig pictures here if you want to have a look see at what we have to work with in this state.
Drilling Rigs Kenai, Alaska | Spotted®

[ZacWoj]

Rance, thanks for the fast responce I am surprised you Can you wear bunny boots on the rig? We are no longer allowed to due to their lack of steel toes. You mentioned that most companies shut down in the spring on the slope? How much does that affect their annual salary? Because if your looking at X on X off with high 20s for pay that's already only in the 60s to 70s for pay. I am just curious if I am going to have to look at around 50k per year?

[Rance]

Most but not all. With the overtime the wage is more than you think. Bunny boots are legal for derrickmen while on the board...and anyone during a rig move. Once your spotted over the well it's steel toe time. Alot of the derrick houses are heated well enough you won't need them.

Google those compny names and give any of them a call. Might be they will tell you right to the nickle how much a derrickman makes an hour. It's been nearly ten years since I've worked derricks so I'm just guessing.