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Assistant Derrickhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Motorhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK · On-site

Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities * Assist Derrickhand with mixing chemicals and other mud maintenance as needed * Assist with rig up / down procedures * General upkeep of the rig ...

Patterson-UTI

Motorhand -Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities * Assist Derrickhand with mixing chemicals and other mud maintenance as needed * Assist with rig up / down procedures * General upkeep of the rig ...

Highlands Drilling LLC

Derrickhand

Weston, WV · On-site

Derrickhand Reports To : * Driller Department: * Operations Location: * Various/Field-Based ... Clean and inspect mud tanks as required. * Assist rig floor crews to make up test string, tools and ...

Patterson-UTI

Derrickhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK

The Derrickhand is responsible for the mud systems. This includes measuring mud weight and ... General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area * Assist with rig up / down procedures * Support ...

Patterson-UTI

Derrickhand - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area * Assist with rig up / down procedures * Support ... 3 months of Derrickhand experience Preferred Qualifications * 6 months of experience as a ...

Patterson-UTI

Motorhand - Permian Basin

Midland, TX

Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities * Assist Derrickhand with mixing chemicals and other mud maintenance as needed * Assist with rig up / down procedures * General upkeep of the rig ...

Patterson-UTI

Motorhand - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities * Assist Derrickhand with mixing chemicals and other mud maintenance as needed * Assist with rig up / down procedures * General upkeep of the rig ...

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Assistant Derrickhand information

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$12

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$26

How much do assistant derrickhand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant derrickhand in the United States is $19.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Derrickhand, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Derrickhand, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by safety certifications like H2S and First Aid. Familiarity with rig equipment, drilling fluid systems, and safety management systems (such as IADC or IWCF) is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly are crucial soft skills in this physically demanding role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and help prevent accidents in hazardous work environments.

What are Assistant Derrickhands?

Assistant Derrickhands are entry-level workers in the oil and gas drilling industry who support the Derrickhand and drilling crew. Their main responsibilities include handling drilling fluids, maintaining equipment, assisting with pipe handling, and ensuring the worksite is safe and organized. They often work long shifts in challenging outdoor environments. This role is essential for the smooth operation of drilling rigs and can be a stepping stone to more advanced positions on the rig.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Derrickhands, and how can they be managed effectively?

Assistant Derrickhands often face physically demanding work conditions, including exposure to extreme weather, high noise levels, and the need to work at heights. Managing these challenges involves maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and participating in regular safety training. Good physical fitness, clear communication with team members, and staying alert to potential hazards are essential for success and safety in this role.

What is the difference between Assistant Derrickhand vs Derrickhand?

AspectAssistant DerrickhandDerrickhand
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic oilfield certificationsOSHA safety training, advanced certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role on drilling rigs, assisting with equipment and safetyLeading role on drilling rigs, operating equipment, overseeing crew
Employer & Industry UsageOil and gas drilling companies, offshore and onshoreOil and gas drilling companies, offshore and onshore

The Assistant Derrickhand primarily supports Derrickhands by assisting with equipment and safety tasks, requiring basic certifications. Derrickhands take on more responsibility, operate equipment, and oversee operations. The roles are part of the same drilling team, with the Assistant Derrickhand serving as a support position to gain experience before advancing to Derrickhand.

More about Assistant Derrickhand jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Derrickhand jobs? The most popular types of Derrickhand jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Derrickhand jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Derrickhand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Derrickhand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Derrickhand jobs are:
Assistant Derrickhand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Derrickhand job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,596 per year, or $19 per hour.
Motorhand - Oklahoma

Motorhand - Oklahoma

Patterson-UTI

El Reno, OK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 75 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Patterson-UTI Drilling
The New Standard for Drilling Performance
Drill safer, smarter and faster with Patterson-UTI Drilling's comprehensive fleet of pad-capable rigs featuring advanced walking systems to enhance your operations so you can reach your apex.
The Motorhand's primary duty is to ensure that all equipment is operating and functioning properly and execute minor repair work on equipment. The Motorhand is responsible for the generators, equipment, and systems that power the rig and drilling activities. Additional responsibilities include off-loading materials, maintaining equipment, and assisting in rig up and rig down. The Motorhand works closely with and oversees Floorhands on the rig floor, assists the Derrickhand as needed, and assists the Driller in day-to-day operations.
Detailed Description:
  • Lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person occasionally during the tour work shift
  • Independently use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
  • Regularly inspect, maintain, and repair generators, equipment, and SCR or VFD house
  • Responsible for hydraulic and electrical systems and equipment
  • Ensure that all preventative maintenance is performed on all equipment and that all log sheets and maintenance sheets are filled out correctly and are up to date on all required equipment
  • Responsible for daily inspection of the following: working order of all main engines, air compressors and air system, electrical equipment, BOP and accumulator, engine radiators, circulating water pumps, oil transfer pumps, and the running order and blow down of the boiler
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Inspect main engines every tour for proper working order by checking the following: oil level, coolant, gauges, possible oil leaks, noise and vibrations and changing oil as needed
  • Provide instructions, train, and oversee Floorhands during drilling activities
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
  • Use forklift to off-load and move materials
  • In charge of all lock-out/tag-out of breakers
  • Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities
  • Assist Derrickhand with mixing chemicals and other mud maintenance as needed
  • Assist with rig up / down procedures
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Support other crew members as needed, ensure compliance with safety procedures, and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand
  • Ability or aptitude to maintain and repair various types of equipment, engines and machinery
  • Able to stand or stand and walk for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

Minimum Qualifications
  • Internal applicants will need at least 3 months experience as a Floorhand and the external applicant will need at least 3 months of Motorhand experience

Certification
  • Forklift Certification or willingness to complete Forklift Certification training within 60 days

Preferred Qualifications
  • 6 months of experience as a Motorhand on a land drilling rig
  • High School Diploma or GED

Additional Details:
This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80° to low 100° with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20°. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as -40°.

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