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Time for a change

JonJon

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2025
Messages
6
I'm a mechanical engineer and have worked at Halliburton BSS for three years. I moved into the office, but got more work...not more pay. I'm still a subcontractor, even after months of promises. I want to switch to a more hands-on, mechanical role like hydraulics, which service line pays the most?
 
I've been through that, a few years back, I transitioned from office work to more hands-on roles. In many oilfield service companies, positions in Coil Tubing, Wireline, and Frac generally offer the best pay, especially if you're open to traveling or taking international assignments. Roles in hydraulics tech are also great, but make sure to find out if they're based in a shop or in the field, since field positions can come with some nice bonuses. And don't linger on promises, go where the money and respect align.
 
I'm a mechanical engineer and have worked at Halliburton BSS for three years. I moved into the office, but got more work...not more pay. I'm still a subcontractor, even after months of promises. I want to switch to a more hands-on, mechanical role like hydraulics, which service line pays the most?
I mean if you're chasing paychecks, I agree with @PipeDreamer on Coil Tubing or Wireline... Also, if you're tired of empty promises, it's definitely time to move on. Also agree with the previous comment regarding the field roles. The ones overseas or remote always seem to come with fat checks and quicker promotions. That's just life.
 
In my experience, field service lines like pressure control or hydraulic fracturing tend to pay more for hands-on mechanical roles. They usually offer higher rates than office-based positions, but expect long hours and frequent travel
 
I've been through that, a few years back, I transitioned from office work to more hands-on roles. In many oilfield service companies, positions in Coil Tubing, Wireline, and Frac generally offer the best pay, especially if you're open to traveling or taking international assignments. Roles in hydraulics tech are also great, but make sure to find out if they're based in a shop or in the field, since field positions can come with some nice bonuses. And don't linger on promises, go where the money and respect align.
Thanks, I'll look into Coil Tubing, Wireline, and Frac roles, and weigh field versus shop positions.
 
I mean if you're chasing paychecks, I agree with @PipeDreamer on Coil Tubing or Wireline... Also, if you're tired of empty promises, it's definitely time to move on. Also agree with the previous comment regarding the field roles. The ones overseas or remote always seem to come with fat checks and quicker promotions. That's just life.
'm definitely considering field roles, especially overseas or remote ones, if the pay and growth are better, it is time to stop waiting on promises and focus on real opportunities.
 
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