Because new jobs have been scarce in recent years, however, advancement opportunities have been limited. Job Outlook Job opportunities for roustabouts are expected to be limited. Employment of roustabouts is expected to decline through the year 2005 as a result of reduced exploration and falling production in the domestic oil industry, as well as increasing automation of oil field operations. Replacement needs will account for virtually all job openings in this occupation, but as employment of roustabouts declines, many of those who leave these jobs will not be replaced. Like many entry level occupations, turnover among roustabouts is relatively high, particularly for those workers involved in offshore drilling.
Some roustabouts find the work too strenuous or dirty and leave the occupation.
Many people take roustabout jobs to earn money for a specific purpose for example, a college education and quit after a short time. Still others stay only long enough to acquire the minimum skills to advance into more highly skilled jobs. In recent years, there has been a worldwide surplus of oil. Major oil finds around the world and increased production by key foreign oil producers, such as the Middle Eastern and North Sea nations, have increased the supply of oil. At the same time, domestic conservation of oil by industry and the public has reduced the demand for oil.