Oil rig workers often face long shifts offshore, making their time off on land just as important as their work at sea. Choosing the right city to live in can improve quality of life, offer shorter commutes, and provide better access to training, jobs, and support services. Here are the top cities where oil rig workers can thrive—both personally and professionally.
1. Houston, Texas
As the energy capital of the U.S., Houston is home to hundreds of oil and gas companies, making it ideal for oil rig workers who want steady employment and networking opportunities. The city offers affordable housing, international airports, and strong unions and training programs.
- Median Home Price: $270,000
- Major Employers: Halliburton, Schlumberger, ExxonMobil
- Nearby Offshore Drilling: Gulf of Mexico**
2. Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette is a hub for offshore oil and gas operations in the Gulf. Many service companies operate here, and it’s within close reach of Port Fourchon—the launch point for most Gulf oil rigs. The city also offers a low cost of living and a strong Cajun culture.
- Median Home Price: $200,000
- Key Employers: Baker Hughes, Transocean, NOV
- Proximity to Port Fourchon: ~2 hours
3. Midland/Odessa, Texas
For land-based oil workers, the Permian Basin near Midland and Odessa offers high-paying jobs and abundant housing. While it's not near the ocean, this area leads U.S. oil production and provides jobs with flexible rotations that attract former offshore workers.
- Median Home Price: $260,000
- Major Companies: Pioneer Natural Resources, Chevron, Diamondback
- Specialty: Shale and fracking operations
4. Corpus Christi, Texas
This coastal city is an ideal base for offshore rig workers due to its proximity to oil platforms in the Gulf. Corpus Christi is also a key port city with a growing petrochemical and refining sector.
- Median Home Price: $250,000
- Nearby Facilities: Port of Corpus Christi, Valero Refinery
- Lifestyle Perks: Beach access, family-friendly communities
5. Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is California’s oil capital and home to large onshore operations. It's great for those in oil field services, engineering, and environmental safety roles. While not close to offshore rigs, its economy is deeply tied to energy jobs.
- Median Home Price: $330,000
- Major Companies: Aera Energy, California Resources Corporation
- Strong in: Onshore production, fracking
6. Anchorage, Alaska
Oil rig workers stationed in Alaska’s remote drilling zones often fly in and out of Anchorage. The city offers higher wages, job security in oil production, and access to both onshore and offshore projects in the Arctic.
- Median Home Price: $375,000
- Major Employers: ConocoPhillips Alaska, Hilcorp
- Access to: North Slope, Cook Inlet offshore platforms
7. Williston, North Dakota
Located in the Bakken shale formation, Williston has one of the highest concentrations of oil jobs per capita. While it's remote and winters are harsh, wages are high and job demand is steady.
- Median Home Price: $275,000
- Strong in: Onshore fracking, horizontal drilling
- Best For: Oilfield service workers and roughnecks
Key Factors in Choosing the Right City
When choosing a city, oil rig workers should consider:
- Proximity to drilling operations (offshore or onshore)
- Cost of living and housing affordability
- Access to training and safety certifications
- Healthcare and transportation options
- Quality of life during off weeks
Conclusion
The best city for an oil rig worker depends on the type of drilling involved, lifestyle preferences, and how much time is spent offshore vs. onshore. Whether you're seeking a coastal hub like Houston or a land-based hotspot like Midland, each city offers a unique blend of opportunity and comfort for workers in the energy industry.