tool pusher

The tool pusher is an oil drilling industry occupation.

On a land drilling rig the tool pusher may be rig manager and responsible for all operations, but on drillships and offshore oil rigs, toolpushers are Department Heads, in charge of the drilling department and reporting to the Master or OIM depending on the company - who in turn report to a shore-based rig manager. Other department heads include the Chief Mate and Chief Engineer.

Tool pushers are in charge of keeping the rig in all necessary tools and equipment, supplies, etc. They work closely in conjunction with the company man in regards to the actual drilling of the well. In recent times, toolpushers also have taken on somewhat of an administrative role, also, as they frequently do paperwork related to the rig crew regarding payroll, benefits, etc. Third party companies for services related to the drilling of the well are called by the "pusher" also.

Usually a tool pusher has started at the bottom as a roustabout and roughneck, and worked his way up over many years.