Oil field jobs that require a commercial driver's license are mostly transport and hauling roles

Oil field CDL jobs center on moving equipment, materials, and personnel across drilling sites and between locations. The most common positions are vacuum truck operators (hauling waste and fluids), water truck drivers (delivering water for drilling operations), crude oil tanker drivers (transporting extracted oil), and heavy equipment haulers (moving drilling rigs and machinery). Some positions also involve driving personnel to remote sites or shuttling crews between camps and work areas.

These roles exist because oil operations happen in remote areas — deserts, swamps, mountains, offshore staging areas — where standard commercial trucking routes do not reach. The work is seasonal in some regions and year-round in others, depending on whether the field operates through winter. Pay is typically higher than standard trucking because of the remote location, irregular hours, and the hazardous nature of the cargo or environment.

Key Takeaways

  • Oil field CDL jobs require a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license depending on the vehicle weight and cargo type, plus a hazmat endorsement for most positions.
  • Vacuum truck and water truck operators are the most common entry points, and many oil companies hire drivers with less than one year of experience if you have a valid CDL.
  • You will need to pass a Department of Transportation medical exam, a background check, and often a drug screening before you start work.
  • Oil field work is physically demanding and involves long hours in isolated locations, so the job suits people who can work independently and handle irregular schedules.

What CDL class and endorsements you need

A Class A CDL is the most common requirement for oil field driving. This license lets you operate any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,001 pounds, which covers most oil field trucks — vacuum trucks, tankers, and heavy haulers all typically fall into this category. Some smaller water truck or personnel shuttle roles may only require a Class B CDL, which covers single vehicles over 26,001 pounds, but the employer will specify this in the job posting.

Nearly all oil field CDL positions also require a hazmat endorsement, which means you have passed a written test on transporting hazardous materials. Vacuum trucks carry crude oil and produced water (which contains chemicals), tankers carry crude or refined products, and even water trucks sometimes carry additives. The hazmat endorsement is added to your existing CDL through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles — you study the hazmat manual, pass a written exam, and pay a fee (usually $10 to $25 depending on your state).

Some positions also require a tanker endorsement, which is a separate written test covering the physics of liquid cargo in a moving tank. This is most common for crude oil tanker drivers and some water truck roles. A few specialized positions may require a doubles/triples endorsement if you will be pulling multiple trailers, though this is less common in oil field work than in standard trucking.

How to get a CDL if you do not have one yet

If you do not already hold a CDL, you will need to attend a commercial driver training school, which typically takes four to six weeks and costs $3,000 to $7,000. Some oil companies partner with training schools and may cover tuition or reimburse it after you complete a contract, so ask during the hiring process. The school teaches vehicle operation, safety procedures, and prepares you for the written and driving tests required by your state's DMV.

After training, you take the CDL written exams at your state's DMV — one general knowledge test, one air brakes test (if your truck has air brakes, which most oil field trucks do), and one vehicle inspection test. You then take a practical driving test with an examiner. Once you pass all three, you receive your CDL. The entire process from enrollment to license typically takes six to eight weeks if you pass on your first attempt.

Some oil companies will hire you before you have your CDL and allow you to attend their own training program or reimburse an outside school. This is more common for larger operators like Halliburton, Baker Hughes, or regional companies with high turnover. Smaller operators usually require the CDL before you start.

Medical certification and background checks

Before you drive commercially, you must pass a Department of Transportation medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner. This exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. You will receive a medical certificate (valid for two years) that you carry with your CDL. If you have conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, severe sleep apnea, or certain heart conditions, you may be disqualified or require special certification.

Oil companies also run background checks that look at your driving record, criminal history, and employment history. A clean driving record is critical — multiple moving violations, DUIs, or reckless driving charges will disqualify you from most positions. Many companies will not hire drivers with more than two moving violations in the past three years. Criminal convictions vary by company; some will not hire anyone with a felony, while others evaluate on a case-by-case basis depending on how long ago it occurred and what the offense was.

You will also take a drug screening, usually a urine test, before your first day. Oil sites are safety-sensitive environments, and any positive result for controlled substances will end your hiring. Some companies also conduct random drug tests during employment.

What the work actually involves day-to-day

A vacuum truck operator's day typically starts before dawn. You arrive at the yard, perform a pre-trip inspection of your truck (checking brakes, lights, fluid levels, and the vacuum system), then drive to the drilling site. Once there, you connect hoses to the wellhead or tank and pump out waste fluids — produced water, drilling mud, or crude oil — into your tank. The work is repetitive but requires attention to pressure gauges, hose connections, and safety protocols. You then drive the full tank to a disposal facility or transfer station, unload, and return for another load. A typical shift is 10 to 14 hours, and you may work six or seven days a week during peak drilling seasons.

Water truck drivers follow a similar pattern: load water at a central facility, drive to the site, pump it into the drilling operation's tanks, and return for another load. The work is less hazardous than vacuum trucking but still involves long hours and remote locations.

Crude oil tanker drivers transport extracted oil from the wellhead to a refinery or storage facility. These routes can be longer — sometimes 200 to 400 miles — and involve navigating to unfamiliar locations. You must follow strict safety procedures for transporting flammable cargo, including not smoking, avoiding static discharge, and following designated routes.

All oil field driving involves working in harsh weather, on unpaved roads, and in isolated areas where cell service is spotty. You will spend time away from home — some jobs are day-shift local routes, but many involve staying in a camp or motel near the site for weeks at a time.

Pay, hours, and seasonal patterns

Oil field CDL drivers typically earn $50,000 to $75,000 per year, with experienced drivers and tanker specialists earning up to $90,000 or more. Pay varies significantly by region — Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota typically pay more than other states because of higher drilling activity. Signing bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 are common when hiring is competitive.

Hours are long and irregular. Most positions are 10 to 14 hours per day, six or seven days a week during active drilling. Some companies offer a schedule like 14 days on, 7 days off, which means you work intensively for two weeks and then have a full week at home. Others run continuous operations with rotating shifts. During slowdowns — when oil prices drop or weather closes sites — hours may be cut or you may be laid off temporarily.

Work is seasonal in some regions. In the Permian Basin (Texas and New Mexico), drilling continues year-round. In the Bakken (North Dakota) and some Canadian fields, winter weather can shut down operations for weeks. If you work in a seasonal area, you may earn more per hour during the active season but have unpaid downtime in winter.

How to find oil field CDL jobs

The largest employers are major oil and gas operators like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, but they rarely hire drivers directly — they contract with oilfield services companies that provide transportation. The biggest services companies are Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, and regional operators like Weatherford and Superior Energy Services. These companies post jobs on their websites and on general job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter.

Specialized job boards for oil and gas work include OilGasJobs.com, PetroleumClub.com, and Rigzone.com. These sites list positions by region and company and often have filters for driver roles. Many also allow you to upload your CDL information and get matched with companies actively hiring.

Staffing agencies that specialize in oil and gas placement can also connect you with employers. These agencies handle the initial screening and may place you faster than explore directly, though they take a commission from the employer. Search for "oilfield staffing" or "oil and gas recruitment" plus your state or region.

Networking is also effective. If you know other drivers or have contacts in the industry, ask them which companies are hiring and which are good to work for. Referral bonuses ($500 to $2,000) are common, so your contact may also earn money if you are hired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience as a truck driver before explore for an oil field CDL job?

No. Many oil field companies hire drivers with a valid CDL and no trucking experience, especially for vacuum truck and water truck roles. You will receive on-the-job training for the specific equipment and procedures. However, a clean driving record is essential — any major violations will disqualify you regardless of experience level.

What happens if I fail the CDL driving test?

You can retake it, usually within a few weeks. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. If you fail multiple times, you may need additional training. Some training schools offer a may provide where they will retrain you at no cost if you do not pass within a certain number of attempts.

Can I work oil field jobs if I have a DUI on my record?

Most oil companies will not hire drivers with a DUI within the past five to seven years. Some may consider it if it was longer ago and you can show rehabilitation. Your best option is to contact the company's hiring department directly and ask about their policy before you spend time on an process.

How long does it take to get hired after I explore?

If you already have your CDL and pass the background check and medical exam, hiring can take two to four weeks. If you need training first, add six to eight weeks for the CDL program. During busy drilling seasons, companies may move faster and offer signing bonuses to speed up hiring.

What is the difference between working for an oil company directly versus a services contractor?

Most drivers work for services contractors like Halliburton or Baker Hughes, not for the oil company itself. Contractors handle hiring, scheduling, and payroll. Pay and benefits are similar across major contractors, but job security can vary — if a contractor loses a contract with an oil company, you may be laid off even if drilling continues. Direct employment with an oil company is rare for drivers but offers more stability.