Which area is best for a new driver in the oilfield?

My first hazmat gig was hauling natural gas from pipelines to oil rigs in Williston, ND 3 years ago. They hired me with zero oilfield experience, zero hazmat experience. $29/hr with OT after 40. Started in December, first day I showed up it was -30 degrees, -50 including the windchill.

I decided to go to ND instead of TX because the pay was $5-6/hr higher and i had multiple job offers, the market was much tighter in TX because its easier to work there. The cold aside, it was a great experience.

 

One can dress for the cold...

 

If so desired.

 

The cold here doesn’t seem to keep the magic carpets, flip flops, and Captain Phillips pirates away anymore.

 

Times are tuff ..

 

It’s slowed down badly here in West TX. ND seems to be going strong still. The heat here is downright awful.

 

How are things up on the north slope and the haul road? From the looks of things I'm going to be down to 50k/yr here in the Northwest. I'm thinking Alaska is a good bet. I'm not going under yet but at 50k/yr I will be.

 

Coil Tube appears to be busy here in S La.
Cheap pipe to the majors. Lots of $60.00 an hour wait time.
With rates that are below operating cost plenty of bottom feeders at the table.