A U.S. federal agency that tracks wage rates, employment trends, and labour costs by trade and region. Subcontractors use BLS data to benchmark crew rates and support bid pricing. It also publishes injury and fatality statistics relevant to oil and gas and construction fields.
BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Related Terms
Spot Capacity
WorkforceAvailable labour, equipment, or service bandwidth that a subcontractor can deploy immediately without prior commitment. Primes often source spot capacity to fill urgent gaps during peak demand or project overruns. Rates for spot capacity are typically higher than contracted rates.
Circadian Science
WorkforceThe study of how the body's internal clock affects alertness, performance, and safety during shift work. Subcontractors use it to design smarter rotation schedules that reduce fatigue-related incidents. Regulators increasingly reference circadian principles in hours-of-service and fatigue management requirements.
CES (Current Employment Statistics)
WorkforceA monthly U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics survey tracking employment, hours, and earnings across industries. Field service subcontractors use CES data to benchmark wage rates and spot labour market trends. It helps inform bid pricing and crew cost projections in competitive markets.
Man Camp
WorkforceA temporary, employer-provided housing facility for workers on remote oil and gas or construction sites. Subcontractors must confirm whether camp access is included in their contract or billed separately. Costs and availability directly affect crew mobilisation planning and bid pricing.
Knowledge Continuity
WorkforceThe practice of preserving critical site knowledge when crews rotate or contracts change hands. It ensures incoming workers understand site-specific procedures, hazards, and client expectations without starting from scratch. Poor knowledge continuity leads to rework, safety gaps, and damaged client relationships.
Floater
WorkforceA skilled tradesperson or technician not assigned to a fixed crew or project, deployed where needed on short notice. Subcontractors often bill floaters at a premium rate due to their flexibility and quick availability.
Latest Workforce News
US Oil and Gas Extraction Payrolls Edge Up in May, BLS Data Shows
US oil and gas extraction employment rose slightly from 115,500 in April to 115,600 in May 2026, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The gain is modest, with May's figure ranking as the second lowest for that month in a decade of BLS records.
1 month agoWorkforceOil and Gas Extraction Employment Has Fallen in 7 of the Last 10 Years, BLS Data Shows
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals oil and gas extraction employment dropped from 187,300 in January 2016 to 115,500 in January 2026, with the decline continuing into early 2026. Here's what the shrinking labor pool means for field service companies.
3 months agoWorkforceUS Oil and Gas Extraction Jobs Fall to Lowest Level Since 2022
U.S. oil and gas extraction employment dropped to 114,600 in July 2026, the lowest level since March 2022, according to BLS data reported by Rigzone. The decline signals softer demand for upstream drilling and completions work.
11 hours agoWorkforceUS Oil and Gas Extraction Employment Drops to Lowest Point Since August 2022
BLS data shows oil and gas extraction employment fell to 115,200 in April 2026, the lowest level since August 2022 and the second consecutive April decline. Subcontractors should factor the trend into crew planning.
3 months agoRelated Guides
When Your Crew's Behaviour Becomes a Business Problem: Managing Field Conduct on Active Subcontracts
What subcontractors are liable for when field personnel create conflict on a GC-managed site, and how to protect your contracts before it becomes a termination issue.
Workforce GuideHow to Get Your First Oilfield Job: A Practical Guide for Tradespeople and CDL Holders
No oilfield experience? No problem. Learn which certifications, service lines, and job boards actually get tradespeople and CDL holders hired.
Workforce GuideFrom the Field to the Office: What Oilfield Workers Should Know Before Making the Switch
Thinking about moving from field work to an office role? This guide covers how your field experience translates into technical and operations positions, what the transition actually looks like, and the trade-offs most people do not talk about until it is too late.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews
