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Assistant Derrickhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Derrickhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$32.50/hr

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Derrickhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$32.50/hr

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$28.50/hr

... * 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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$28.50/hr

... * 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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Permian Basin

Midland, TX

... * 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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK

... * 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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK · On-site

... * 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 ...

Patterson-UTI

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

$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 ...

Patterson-UTI

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

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 ...

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Assistant Derrickhand information

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$12

$19

$26

How much do assistant derrickhand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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.

USC - WE ARE HIRING! Drilling | California Region | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorha

Ensign Energy

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$37.80/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

USC - WE ARE HIRING! Drilling | California Region | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhand
Job Summary
The Drilling Team (USC) Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhand performs the duties of general manual labor on the rig and supports and assists other members of the drilling crew during all rig operations.
  • Drilling - Floorhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $27.00 an hour
  • Drilling - Motorhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $28.08 an hour
  • Drilling - Derrickhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $31.86 an hour
  • Drilling - Assistant Driller (USC) Bakersfield, California $32.94 an hour
  • Drilling - Driller (USC) Bakersfield, California $37.80 an hour

Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities
  • Works in a safe, healthy, and environmentally protective manner
  • Operates tongs, picks up/lays down pipe and latches tubing in elevators
  • Manages tools on the work floor
  • Operates the mud pump
  • Nipples up/down BOP
  • Tallys the stands (pipe)
  • Assists in daily maintenance and housekeeping
  • Reports and corrects any unsafe work practices and safety hazards
  • Participates in all safety programs, processes and requirements
  • Attends Operations Training up to two times per year and up to five days per training at designated locations
  • Performs other duties as directed by management

Technical Competencies
  • Understands and is capable of reading all safety / training requirements and materials
  • Develops an understanding of all major rig components and the necessary servicing

Behavioral Competencies
  • Works in a manner that insures personal safety and the safety of fellow crewmembers
  • Maintains a professional, effective, and polite relationship with other Ensign employees and suppliers
  • Strives continuously to develop a greater knowledge of the total operations, including the duties and responsibilities of each position
  • Works well as a team player and demonstrates willingness to share knowledge to advance knowledge and skills of others
  • Respects chain of command and follows thru on instructions

Education and Experience
  • Prior experience in oil field, heavy industry or construction is beneficial
  • High School diploma or GED is preferred

Qualifications
  • The employee must:
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Pass a post-offer physical examination, fitness testing, safety aptitude test, drug tests & background check
    • Provide proof of and maintain proper legal authorization to work in the United States
    • Arrange for reliable transportation to and from work and training locations
    • Speak and read English well enough to understand verbal and written safety postings, alerts and announcements, communicate with co-workers and be able to participate in job safety analysis meetings

Other Accountabilities
  • Business Ethics - Understands fully Ensign's ethics policy and its application in all business dealings including contractual agreements and contract negotiations
  • Business Policies - Understands and agrees to follow all of Ensign's Policy and Directives and procedures as set forth in the Ensign Company Policy and Basic Directives Handbook for Employees
  • Certifications - Maintains technical and safety certifications required by company or government agencies; remains current on all OSHA, EUSD and other required training
  • Drug-free workplace - Conforms to a drug-free workplace, not be under the influence of mind-altering prescription or non-prescription drugs, including alcohol and other drugs of abuse.

Occupational Health and Safety - Understands fully the Ensign Health and Safety policy and self-responsibility for own health and safety at work; Demonstrates responsibility to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others through any act or omission
  • Uses the correct protective clothing and equipment as provided by Ensign and guards against misuse or damage to such equipment
  • Reports any hazardous situations arising in the workplace that cannot be self-corrected, or injury incurred during the course of work, no matter how minor
  • Avoids injury resulting from manual handling tasks, by use of risk assessment, correct mechanical handling equipment and correct manual handling techniques

Ensign United States Drilling Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Ensign provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Ensign takes affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and otherwise treat qualified individuals without discrimination as required by law.

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