A tool pusher is a supervisory employee who is in charge of all operations on an oil rig. You must start at the bottom and work your way up through the various jobs on an oil rig to become a tool pusher. This means you’ll most likely start out as a roughneck on an oil rig, doing manual labor. This is the first step in a long process that will lead to you becoming a tool pusher; most importantly, you must be willing to spend a significant amount of time away from home and maintain peak physical condition.
It’s a good idea to do some research into the specific steps you’ll need to take to become a tool pusher once you’ve been hired an oil drilling company. Don’t be surprised if the process takes several years because you’ll need to spend several years in each position to advance to the next level. Because most oil companies hire from within, it’s best to stay with the same company for as long as possible. Before you can become a tool pusher, you’ll need at least four years of drilling experience, so be prepared to put in the time and effort required.
It is best to develop a good work ethic as well as good relationships with other rig employees while working in various positions on an oil rig. Take on leadership roles whenever they are available, and work hard as part of a team to demonstrate to senior employees that you are ready for advancement. Remember that every position you take on an oil rig requires extensive training, and tool pushers are no exception; once you reach that level in the company, you will be expected to complete job-specific training.
If you accept such a position, be aware that you will be expected to take on additional responsibilities and job tasks, which means you may be required to work long hours. You will most likely spend a significant amount of time away from home and family, and you may be required to fill in for employees on the rig if there is a manpower shortage. This means that, despite the fact that a tool pusher’s job is primarily managerial and not physically demanding, you will need to maintain your physical fitness.