What was the average hourly wage for oilfield-services workers in May, and how did it change from April and year-over-year?

Average hourly earnings for oilfield-services workers who drill and frack wells rose 1.6% in May from April to $38.01, and were up 5.2% compared to a year ago, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Why did oilfield-contractor wages hit a fresh record in May, and what role did the Iran conflict play?

Wages hit a fresh record in May due to increased drilling activity spurred by higher crude prices—averaging nearly $100 a barrel—caused by the Iran war, which trapped about 20% of the world’s oil supply in the Persian Gulf and prompted U.S. shale companies to boost output.

Oilfield-Contractor Pay Hits Fresh Record as War Spurs Drilling

Jul 2, 2026

Oilfield service worker wages hit a record $38.01 per hour in May as Iran conflict-driven crude price spikes spurred increased drilling activity. Demand surged among major contractors like SLB and Halliburton despite slight wage dips in upstream exploration sectors.

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Oilfield-Contractor Pay Hits Fresh Record as War Spurs Drilling

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