Oil rig work shifts are typically 12 hours long, and most workers do them back to back for an extended rotation period before heading home. The most common schedule is 28 days on, 28 days off, though this varies depending on where you work and what role you’re in. So if you’re weighing up whether offshore jobs fit your lifestyle, here’s everything you need to know about how the hours actually work.
What is a typical oil rig work shift?
A typical oil rig work shift is 12 hours long. Workers are assigned either a day shift (usually 6am to 6pm) or a night shift (6pm to 6am), and they work that same shift every single day throughout their rotation. There are no weekends, no days off mid-rotation, and no eight-hour days.
This might sound intense, but the structure is designed to keep operations running continuously. Oil and gas production doesn’t stop, so the workforce is split into two crews that hand over to each other twice a day. The handover itself is a key part of the shift, making sure the incoming team knows exactly what’s happening on the rig before they take over.
Most roles follow this 12-hour pattern, whether you’re a driller, a roughneck, a medic, or an engineer. Some specialist or supervisory roles may have slightly different arrangements, but 12-hour shifts are the industry standard across offshore jobs worldwide.
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How long is a typical offshore rotation schedule?
The most common offshore rotation is 28 days on, 28 days off. You work 28 consecutive days on the rig, then return home for 28 days of leave. Some operations run shorter rotations of 14 days on, 14 days off, and others use longer cycles of up to 6 weeks on and 6 weeks off.
The rotation you get depends on the operator, the region, and the type of installation. Here’s a quick overview of the most common schedules:
- 14/14: Common in the North Sea and for shorter-term projects. Good for workers who prefer more frequent time at home.
- 28/28: The most widespread rotation globally. Balances operational efficiency with reasonable rest periods.
- 6 weeks on / 6 weeks off: More common in remote locations or where travel costs are high. Longer time away, but also longer breaks.
One thing worth knowing: the 12-hour daily shifts mean that a 28-day rotation equals 336 hours of work. That’s a lot of hours packed into a short calendar period, which is partly why offshore pay rates tend to be higher than onshore equivalents.
Do oil rig shifts differ by region or job type?
Yes, oil rig shifts do vary by region and job type. The North Sea (UK and Norway) typically runs 14/21 or 28/28 rotations, while regions like the Middle East, West Africa, and Southeast Asia more often use 28/28 or longer cycles. Local regulations, travel logistics, and operator preferences all play a role.
Job type also matters. Offshore drilling crews tend to stick closely to the standard 12-hour, fixed-rotation model. But roles like marine surveyors, inspection engineers, or project-based specialists may work on shorter mobilisations tied to specific scopes of work rather than ongoing rotations. If you’re browsing offshore job vacancies, you’ll often see the rotation schedule listed alongside the role description, so you know what you’re signing up for before you apply.
What does a typical day on an oil rig look like?
A typical day on an oil rig follows a structured routine built around the 12-hour shift. It starts with a handover briefing, then moves into the main work period, with a meal break in the middle, and ends with another handover to the incoming crew.
Here’s a rough breakdown of how a day shift might look:
- Wake up and breakfast (around 5am)
- Shift handover briefing (5:45am to 6am) where the outgoing night shift updates you on progress, incidents, and priorities
- Work period (6am to 12pm) focused on your specific role and tasks
- Lunch break (around 12pm) in the rig canteen
- Work period continues (1pm to 6pm)
- Handover to night shift (5:45pm to 6pm)
- Dinner, downtime, sleep in the accommodation block
Life on a rig is structured and disciplined. Meals are provided, accommodation is on-site, and most rigs have a gym, TV room, and internet access. It’s not glamorous, but it’s functional and comfortable enough for people to do it for years.
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How many days off do oil rig workers get?
On a standard 28/28 rotation, oil rig workers get 28 consecutive days off for every 28 days they work. That works out to roughly six months off per year, which is one of the most attractive aspects of offshore work for many people.
This is very different from a regular job where you accumulate holiday days gradually. Offshore workers effectively live in two distinct phases: an intense work period followed by a genuine, extended break. Many people use their time off to travel, spend time with family, pursue other projects, or simply recharge.
It’s worth noting that you’re not paid during your time off in most offshore contracts. Your total earnings are calculated based on your daily or monthly rate during the working rotation, so understanding your contract structure matters. If you’re new to offshore work, it’s worth reading up on the different industries we operate in to understand how contract types can vary across sectors like oil and gas, renewables, and maritime.
Is working long offshore shifts worth it financially?
For most people, yes, working long offshore shifts is financially worth it. Offshore workers typically earn significantly more than their onshore counterparts in equivalent roles, largely because of the demanding conditions, remote locations, and extended hours involved.
A few reasons why offshore pay tends to be higher:
- You work more hours per rotation than a standard monthly employee, so your effective hourly rate translates to higher total earnings.
- Many offshore roles include tax advantages depending on your country of residence and where you work. International contracts often come with favourable arrangements worth exploring.
- Accommodation, meals, and transport to and from the rig are usually covered by the employer, which reduces your personal living costs during the work period.
- Specialist skills are well rewarded. Engineers, drillers, and technical specialists in offshore jobs command strong rates in the current market.
The financial picture depends heavily on your role, your experience level, and your contract type. But broadly speaking, offshore work offers strong earning potential precisely because of the lifestyle trade-off involved.
How iPS Powerful People helps you find the right offshore job
We’ve been connecting professionals with offshore jobs for over 35 years, and we know that finding the right role isn’t just about the job title. It’s about finding the right rotation, the right region, the right contract structure, and the right support when you’re working far from home.
Here’s how we make that easier for you:
- We work across oil and gas, renewables, maritime, and civil sectors, so we have a wide range of offshore and marine roles at every level
- Our database includes over 100,000 qualified professionals and a strong global network of clients actively looking for people like you
- We handle international payroll and contracts, including A1 certificates and full compliance with local regulations, so you don’t have to figure out the admin yourself
- We have offices and representatives in the Netherlands, the Baltics, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Dubai, and the US, which means we understand the local markets and regulations wherever you’re heading
- Every candidate we place is screened against QHSE requirements and international safety standards, because your safety matters as much as the placement itself
Whether you’re just starting out in offshore work or you’re an experienced specialist looking for your next rotation, we’re here to help. Learn more about who we are and how we work, or get in touch with our team directly and let’s find the right fit for you.