Roughneck salary in China

Average Yearly Salary of Roughneck in China is approximately 84,951 CNY (10,614 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Roughneck do?

A roughneck is a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, responsible for assisting in drilling operations on offshore or onshore rigs. This physically demanding occupation involves manual labor and heavy machinery operation to ensure smooth drilling operations. Roughnecks work as part of a team under the supervision of drillers and are involved in tasks such as assembling and disassembling drilling equipment, maintaining drilling mud systems, and operating machinery like pumps and derricks. They also assist with the installation and maintenance of wellhead equipment, perform routine maintenance on drilling equipment, and handle general rig maintenance duties.

Skills: roughneck, oil and gas industry, drilling operations, offshore rigs, onshore rigs, heavy machinery operation
Job industry: Oil and gas

How much does Roughneck make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Roughneck a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Roughneck is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Roughneck?

High salary for Roughneck would be somewhere between 93,446 CNY and 123,179 CNY. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Roughneck in China?

Living in China the approximate monthly expenses are: 514 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 84,951 CNY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,079 CNY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,634 CNY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 41 CNY per hour
By working as Roughneck a person can save up to 371 USD per month or 4,446 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in China, see costs of living in China.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam, North Korea.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Roughneck

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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