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Assistant Drilling Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Driller's Assistant

Rockford, MI · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

... drilling operations. They are responsible for a variety of field centric duties including, driving the drill rig or semi-truck and trailer, which requires Class A CDL with air brake endorsement ...

Rig Mechanic

ID · Remote

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is a trusted source for drilling and installation ... Work safely in MSHA-regulated mine environments. Assist with rig moves, inspections, and pre ...

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is a trusted source for drilling and installation ... Work safely in MSHA-regulated mine environments. Assist with rig moves, inspections, and pre ...

Assistant Driller

Morgantown, WV

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Maintain the desired mud weight & properties and transfers of all drilling fluid * Will be accountable for the assisting the Driller in supervising the rig crew * The Assistant Driller will ...

Assistant Driller

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Maintain the desired mud weight & properties and transfers of all drilling fluid * Will be accountable for the assisting the Driller in supervising the rig crew * The Assistant Driller will ...

Driller - Land

Houston, TX · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

... risk. * Assist in the mobilization of drilling rigs and/or cone trucks for jobs as directed. Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Lead the drilling operations of the rig by handling drill pipe ...

Driller - Land

Houston, TX · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

... risk. * Assist in the mobilization of drilling rigs and/or cone trucks for jobs as directed. Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Lead the drilling operations of the rig by handling drill pipe ...

Cleaning and performing maintenance work on the drilling rig * Assist in rigging down, moving and rigging up all parts of the rig * Miscellaneous tasks such as mixing mud, digging ditches and ...

Cleaning and performing maintenance work on the drilling rig * Assist in rigging down, moving and rigging up all parts of the rig * Miscellaneous tasks such as mixing mud, digging ditches and ...

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Assistant Drilling Rig information

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$14

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$35

How much do assistant drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant drilling rig in the United States is $24.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Drilling Rig, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and safety protocols, often supported by relevant vocational training or certifications like Well Control or HSE. Familiarity with drilling equipment, rig management systems, and safety monitoring tools is commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help you coordinate tasks and respond to changing conditions on site. These abilities are essential for ensuring efficient drilling processes, maintaining safety standards, and supporting overall rig productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by an Assistant Drilling Rig and how can they be managed?

Assistant Drilling Rigs often encounter challenges such as ensuring safety compliance in high-risk environments, coordinating with multiple teams on-site, and responding quickly to unexpected equipment or operational issues. Managing these challenges involves maintaining clear communication with the drilling crew and supervisors, staying up-to-date on safety protocols, and being proactive in identifying potential hazards. Developing strong problem-solving skills and being adaptable are essential for success in this role, as drilling operations can change rapidly based on drilling conditions and project requirements.

What are Assistant Drilling Rigs?

An Assistant Drilling Rig, often referred to as an Assistant Driller, is a key support role on a drilling rig, typically in the oil and gas industry. Their primary responsibilities include assisting the Driller in operating and maintaining drilling equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and supervising the rig crew during drilling operations. They act as a bridge between the Driller and the crew, helping coordinate daily activities and responding to any operational issues that arise. This position requires strong technical skills, attention to safety, and the ability to work efficiently in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Assistant Drilling Rig vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectAssistant Drilling RigDrilling Engineer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, assisting with rig operationsOffice-based with site visits, overseeing drilling plans
ResponsibilitiesSupporting rig crew, handling equipment, basic operational tasksDesigning drilling programs, managing technical aspects

The Assistant Drilling Rig role focuses on supporting daily rig operations and equipment handling, often requiring technical certifications. In contrast, Drilling Engineers are responsible for planning and managing the entire drilling process, requiring higher education and technical expertise. Both roles are essential in the drilling industry but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Drilling Rig jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Drilling Rig job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Drilling Rig jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Drilling Rig jobs include:
Controls and Automation Support Technician

Controls and Automation Support Technician

Patterson-UTI

Houston, TX • On-site

$28.75 - $37.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 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

Job Description
The Controls and Automation Support Technician works with subject matter experts in the Controls and Automation department to support new products. Individuals hired into this role take part in a training program structured to make them experts in [system architecture, hardware, software, networking, remote access, etc.] in order to effectively support the Company's EcoCell battery energy storage technologies, Cortex automation platforms, and proprietary drilling rig control systems.
The Controls and Automation Support Technician serves as a primary member of technology product teams responsible for the design, development, commissioning and support of new controls and automation system technologies. They travel to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of controls related service and maintenance activities. Activities include servicing, repairing, troubleshooting, adjusting, testing, and downloading to drilling rig controls and automation systems. Additional duties include training and mentoring crews on EcoCell, Cortex, and drilling rig controls systems, coordinating software and hardware related updates on rigs, and providing appropriate feedback to the jobsite manager and Controls and Automation Manager.
Detailed Description:
  • Work with resident subject matter experts to become proficient in supporting new technology products
  • Perform controls and systems based inspections, services, and repairs on new technology products and drilling rig control systems
  • Update software and firmware on various types of PLC's, switches, routers, HMI's, VFD's, generator controls, and other components that comprise the drilling rig control systems
  • Install and commission new EcoCell, Cortex and drilling rig control systems
  • Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and systems based issues via phone and while onsite
  • Assist with development and conduct training with operational crews in preventative maintenance checks and services, including how to properly conduct basic and intermediate repairs
  • Test and diagnose electrical and electronic components and coordinate for the repair of the system or systems
  • Provide recommendations on product improvements and enhancements
  • Supervise maintenance related projects on the rig with the rig crew or third parties
  • Conduct inventories of critical hardware and work with third party vendors to keep minimum parts requirements
  • Assist with the development of critical spare and replacement parts listings
  • Remotely monitor issues and conduct root cause and trend analysis

Job Requirements:
  • Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor, hot/cold weather, etc.)
  • Ability to display core competencies of electrical theory
  • In depth knowledge and understanding of PLCs, VFDs, MCCs, HMIs, single- and 3-phrase systems, fiber optics, network systems, switches, etc.
  • Ability to utilize a variety of electrical-related tools (e.g. oscilloscopes, voltmeters, multi-meters, power meters, signal generators, frequency counters, etc.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and other technical documents
  • Ability to upload software configurations for PLCs and other controls-related systems
  • Must possess intermediate to advanced level computer skills with a proven ability to utilize Microsoft Office applications, e.g. MS Word, Power Point, Project, Visio, Excel, etc. and other MS software applications
  • Lift and carry 20 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to field and operational work areas
  • Limited to moderate use of a variety of hand and power tools to perform a range of mechanically and electrically oriented functions
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Accurately recall information over short and long term memory
  • Stay alert and focused, including during occasional extended work periods
  • Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to promptly give, and follow, directions when working with others
  • Physical ability to immediately respond to emergency situations
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times
  • Knowledge of oil and gas field components, including software and hardware
  • Established interpersonal skills including ability to interact productively with coworkers, customers, and 3rd parties
  • Proficiency with written and oral communication
  • Ability to regularly travel (50-75%) to visit work sites and support business units; may occasionally require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office hours

Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 2+ years relevant work experience with electrical and controls based systems (degree in related field may serve in leu of experience)
  • State-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive a Company vehicle, including ability to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a computer-/electrical-related field
  • Professional work experience with Omron/Amphion Controls
  • Experience with Yaskawa, GE, and ABB VFD systems
  • 3+ years' experience in oilfield services

Additional Details:
This position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. The Technician will be regularly exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located.
The Technician must work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties. They must be willing to work extended schedules that will include working days; and occasionally nights, weekends and holidays. Frequent travel to other Company offices and drilling rig work sites, often in remote locations, is required during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather), and employee will be expected to properly use designated personal protective equipment (PPE)
About Us
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.

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