What is the difference between drilling jobs and completions/frac jobs?

Drilling and completions are two separate phases of getting a well into production, typically handled by two entirely different types of companies. Drilling contractors operate the rig that bores the well itself — that's where floorhand, derrickhand, and driller roles live. Once drilling is done, pressure-pumping and completions companies come in to prepare the well for production, which includes hydraulic fracturing (frac) using specialized pumping equipment — a distinct set of jobs like frac hand and equipment operator, working for a completions company rather than the drilling contractor. It's a common mix-up for people new to the industry: assuming "oilfield job" means one type of work, when drilling and completions involve different employers, different equipment, and often different physical demands. Knowing which phase interests you helps target the right type of company when applying.