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Assistant Derrickhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area * Assist with rig up / down procedures * Support ... Six (6) months of experience as a Derrickhand on a drilling rig * Twelve (12) months of stable ...

General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area * Assist with rig up / down procedures * Support ... Six (6) months of experience as a Derrickhand on a drilling rig * Twelve (12) months of stable ...

... * Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps * Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to ...

... * Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps * Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to ...

... * Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps * Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to ...

... * Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps * Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to ...

... * Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps * Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to ...

... * Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps * Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to ...

Driller - Permian Basin

Midland, TX

$23.50 - $32/hr

Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures * Support other crew members as needed, ensure ...

Driller - North Dakota & Wyoming

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures * Support other crew members as needed, ensure ...

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures * Support other crew members as needed, ensure ...

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$22.75 - $31/hr

Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures * Support other crew members as needed, ensure ...

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Assistant Derrickhand information

See salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do assistant derrickhand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 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.

How much does a derrickhand make?

A derrickhand typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the company. They work on drilling rigs, often requiring certifications and safety training, with overtime and shift work common in the industry.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An Assistant Derrickhand in the oil and gas industry can earn around $10,000 per month with experience and specialized skills, often working long shifts in offshore or remote environments. High-paying roles in trades like drilling, pipeline construction, or certain technical positions may also reach this income level without requiring a college degree, but they typically demand certifications and physical endurance.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Assistant Derrickhands in the oil and gas industry can earn around $2,000 per day, especially when working long shifts or in high-demand locations. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience operating heavy equipment in challenging environments. High-paying jobs in this field are typically associated with offshore or remote work settings and may involve overtime or hazard pay.

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.

Who is eligible for assistant driller?

Eligibility for an assistant derrickhand position typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in oil and gas drilling, and the ability to work in physically demanding environments. Some employers may also require certifications such as OSHA safety training and basic technical skills related to drilling operations.
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:
Infographic showing various Assistant Derrickhand job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,596 per year, or $19 per hour.
Derrickhand - Lower Rockies

Derrickhand - Lower Rockies

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO

$32.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Detailed Description:

  • 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 
  • Frequently climb steep stairs 
  • Frequently climb ladders and work while wearing a harness on an elevated platform
  • Independently use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Utilize proper hand signals when working on the board to communicate with others
  • Work independently while staying on task for the majority of the tour work shift 
  • 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
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Frequently measure mud weight and viscosity using a scale and timer
  • Regularly maintain and inspect mud systems (mud levels, pumps, shakers, and tanks)
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
  • Performs preventative maintenance on all equipment above the rig floor and all equipment associated with the drilling fluid system
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • 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 
  • Inspect the following items in the derrick every tour: all hanging sheaves for wear and grease; all lights on derrick; boom and boom lines; derrick climbing device and derrick ladder; and the standpipe and Kelly hose
  • 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
  • Performs daily inspections of the following: crown block (sheaves and cables); proper working order of the shale shaker (grease bearings, check or loose bolts and replace screens as required); mud agitators; mud mixing equipment; and mud pumps
  • Quickly follow instructions from Mud Engineer and Driller to ensure operational mud systems 
  • Handle and mix hazardous chemicals into the mud as directed by Mud Engineer, while properly using required Personal Protective Equipment 
  • Prepare stands and steady and guide pipe into and out of elevators during drilling activities
  • Ensure correct mud pit valves are open / closed
  • Monitor Floorhands who are assisting in the pits or with chemical sacks
  • General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area
  • Assist with rig up / down procedures
  • 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 and Motorhand 
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Ability to frequently climb ladders and work while wearing a harness on an elevated platform. 
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English
  • Understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English; along with the ability to provide clear and understandable verbal, non-verbal and written direction to others in English.  
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of surroundings, work with moving pipe, watch and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Able to stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • 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) 
  • Rate of Pay:  Starting at $32.50/hr.
  • This role is classified as Hourly
  • The role is eligible to receive per diem
  • At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments:  Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program.  In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy
  • The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting.  All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.

Certification

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

Minimum Qualifications

  • Six (6) months of experience as a Derrickhand on a drilling rig
  • Twelve (12) months of stable related work history
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50ft. or greater) 

Preferred Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Valid Well Control Certification, IADC WellSHARP
  • Previous experience as a Motorhand on a drilling rig

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.

Rate of Pay:  Starting at $32.50/hr.

This role is classified as Hourly

The role is eligible to receive per diem

At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments:  Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance,  401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program.  In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy

The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting.  All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.


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