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 ...
Experienced Workover Rig Derrickhand
Dickinson, ND · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
A Workover Rig Derrickhand is responsible for all activities conducted from an elevated position in ... Verifies the derrick is properly scoped out, anchored, and devices are properly deployed * Assist ...
Quick apply
Experienced Workover Rig Derrickhand
Dickinson, ND · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
A Workover Rig Derrickhand is responsible for all activities conducted from an elevated position in ... Verifies the derrick is properly scoped out, anchored, and devices are properly deployed * Assist ...
Drilling Rig Floorhand/Derrickhand
El Dorado, KS · On-site
$20 - $24/hr
The Floorhand & Derrickhand are responsible for performing these duties safely and efficiently ... This includes the monitoring and operation of the shakers. * Assist the Derrickman with mud-mixing ...
Quick apply
Drilling Rig Floorhand/Derrickhand
El Dorado, KS · On-site
$20 - $24/hr
The Floorhand & Derrickhand are responsible for performing these duties safely and efficiently ... This includes the monitoring and operation of the shakers. * Assist the Derrickman with mud-mixing ...
A Workover Rig Derrickhand is responsible for all activities conducted from an elevated position in ... Verifies the derrick is properly scoped out, anchored, and devices are properly deployed * Assist ...
A Workover Rig Derrickhand is responsible for all activities conducted from an elevated position in ... Verifies the derrick is properly scoped out, anchored, and devices are properly deployed * Assist ...
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 ...
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 ...
... * 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 ...
Experienced Workover Rig Derrickhand
Dickinson, ND · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
A Workover Rig Derrickhand is responsible for all activities conducted from an elevated position in ... Verifies the derrick is properly scoped out, anchored, and devices are properly deployed * Assist ...
Experienced Workover Rig Derrickhand
Dickinson, ND · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
A Workover Rig Derrickhand is responsible for all activities conducted from an elevated position in ... Verifies the derrick is properly scoped out, anchored, and devices are properly deployed * Assist ...
Floorhand - Lower Rockies
Fruita, CO · On-site
$27/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 ...
Floorhand - Lower Rockies
Fruita, CO · On-site
$27/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 ...
... * 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
... * 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 ...
Floorhand - Permian Basin
Midland, TX · 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 ...
Floorhand - Permian Basin
Midland, TX · 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 ...
Driller - Permian Basin
$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 - Permian Basin
$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 - 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 · 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 ...
When trained and authorized, assist or relieve the Derrickhand in the derrick. * Observe equipment closely to detect unusual sounds or behaviors that may indicate issues requiring maintenance.
When trained and authorized, assist or relieve the Derrickhand in the derrick. * Observe equipment closely to detect unusual sounds or behaviors that may indicate issues requiring maintenance.
Driller - Lower Rockies
$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
$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 - North Dakota & Wyoming
$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 - North Dakota & Wyoming
$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 ...
Assistant Derrickhand information
See salary details
$12.26 - $13.55
4% of jobs
$13.55 - $14.84
6% of jobs
$14.84 - $16.13
10% of jobs
$16.47 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.13 - $17.42
18% of jobs
The median wage is $18.43 / hr.
$17.42 - $18.71
15% of jobs
$18.71 - $20
10% of jobs
$20.92 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$20 - $21.28
17% of jobs
$21.28 - $22.57
10% of jobs
$22.57 - $23.86
6% of jobs
$23.86 - $25.15
3% of jobs
$25.15 - $26.44
1% of jobs
$12
$19
$26
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What is the difference between Assistant Derrickhand vs Derrickhand?
| Aspect | Assistant Derrickhand | Derrickhand |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | OSHA safety training, basic oilfield certifications | OSHA safety training, advanced certifications, experience |
| Work Environment | Support role on drilling rigs, assisting with equipment and safety | Leading role on drilling rigs, operating equipment, overseeing crew |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Oil and gas drilling companies, offshore and onshore | Oil 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?

$32.50/hr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 15 days ago
Patterson-UTI rating
4.4
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.
What Patterson-UTI employees say
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About Patterson-UTI
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Oil and gas extraction
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Houston, TX, US
Year founded
1978