The Derrick Hand assists in all duties on the rig site to include rigging up and down, picking up or laying down tubing, working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary.
The Derrick Hand assists in all duties on the rig site to include rigging up and down, picking up or laying down tubing, working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary.
P&A - Derrick Hand
Midland, TX · On-site
The Derrick Hand assists in all duties on the rig site to include rigging up and down, picking up or laying down tubing, working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary.
P&A - Derrick Hand
Midland, TX · On-site
The Derrick Hand assists in all duties on the rig site to include rigging up and down, picking up or laying down tubing, working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary.
Operator - Rig
Kilgore, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Kilgore, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Pleasanton, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Pleasanton, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Kermit, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Kermit, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Wharton, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Wharton, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Big Spring, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Big Spring, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Andrews, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Andrews, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Kermit, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Kermit, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Odessa, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Odessa, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Big Spring, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Big Spring, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Kilgore, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Kilgore, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Bowie, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Bowie, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Andrews, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Andrews, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Denver City, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator - Rig
Denver City, TX · On-site
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Denver City, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Operator-Rig
Denver City, TX · On-site
Operator I - Rig SUMMARY The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity ... Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment * Able to instruct the ...
Derrick Operator information
See Texas salary details
$9.30 - $11.26
4% of jobs
$11.26 - $13.22
7% of jobs
$13.22 - $15.18
10% of jobs
$15.81 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.18 - $17.14
12% of jobs
$17.14 - $19.10
13% of jobs
The median wage is $19.76 / hr.
$19.10 - $21.06
13% of jobs
$21.06 - $23.02
10% of jobs
$23.02 - $24.98
6% of jobs
$25.09 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$24.98 - $26.94
10% of jobs
$26.94 - $28.90
9% of jobs
$28.90 - $30.86
7% of jobs
$9
$22
$30
How much do derrick operator jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for derrick operator in Texas is $22.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $28.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How to become a Derrick Operator?
To become a Derrick Operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn equipment operation and safety procedures. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and physical fitness and attention to safety are essential for working in industrial environments.
What are some of the typical challenges a derrick operator faces on the job?
Derrick Operators often work in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous environments, typically on oil rigs or drilling sites. One common challenge is maintaining focus and safety while managing heavy equipment at significant heights, especially during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, operators must coordinate closely with other rig crew members, requiring strong communication skills and teamwork. Adapting to shift work and extended periods away from home is also a regular aspect of this role.
What is a derrick operator?
Derrick operators are skilled workers who control and maintain the machinery used to raise and lower equipment in oil and gas drilling operations. They work on drilling rigs, managing the derrick—the tall structure above a well—that supports the drilling apparatus. Their responsibilities often include monitoring drilling mud, ensuring safe operations, and assisting with various rig activities. Derrick operators play a crucial role in maintaining safety and efficiency on drilling sites.
What is the difference between Derrick Operator vs Drilling Rig Worker?
| Aspect | Derrick Operator | Drilling Rig Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma, safety certifications, specialized training | High school diploma, safety certifications, basic technical training |
| Work Environment | On drilling rigs, operating derricks and hoisting equipment | On drilling sites, assisting with various rig operations |
| Industry Usage | Oil and gas extraction, drilling companies | Oil and gas industry, drilling contractors |
The Derrick Operator primarily focuses on operating and maintaining the derrick and hoisting equipment during drilling operations, requiring specialized training and certifications. In contrast, the Drilling Rig Worker performs a broader range of tasks on the rig site, often assisting with various operational duties. Both roles are essential in the drilling process, but the Derrick Operator has a more specialized focus on derrick operations.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a derrick operator?
To thrive as a Derrick Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with drilling rigs, safety systems, and equipment such as hoists and pumps is crucial, and some positions may require certifications like Well Control or H2S safety. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualities are important because they directly impact the safety, productivity, and smooth functioning of drilling operations in challenging environments.
What are popular job titles related to Derrick Operator jobs in Texas? For Derrick Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Derrick Operator jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Derrick Operator jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Derrick Operator jobs in TX? For Derrick Operator jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 21 days ago
Ranger Energy Services rating
7.1
Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
162nd of 278 rated repair and maintenance companies
Job description
SUMMARY
The Derrick Hand is responsible for monitoring and maintaining proper procedures of the daily operations of the well servicing rig. The Derrick Hand assists in all duties on the rig site to include rigging up and down, picking up or laying down tubing, working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs fall arrest system, harness, derrick, and hoisting component inspections as required
- Ability to correctly operate the Geronimo
- Performs fall protection donning and doffing as required
- Assist in racking of rod of tubing
- Pulls and lays down rods, tubing, casing, and other equipment as needed. At times, lifting of equipment may require the use of a forklift, winch, or assistance of other crew members
- Participate in meet and greet at location sites
- Participate in JSA and tailgate meetings as scheduled
- Assist in pipe tallying, rigging up and down, nipple up and down of BOP units, and pipe handling
- Responsible for keeping worksite, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order
- Assist in the day to day lubrication and minor adjustments of equipment
- Ability to understand Hazard ID cards and near hit cards, as well as follow standard operating procedure for completion of cards
- Assist in the daily inspection and maintenance of equipment
- Successfully perform elevator handling, hardline construction, and energy isolation procedures
- Trains and mentors floor hand on day to day operations
- Daily communication with Rig Operator on worksite operations and maintenance
- Assist in operating the rig when requested and deemed competent by supervisor
- Responsible to stop work if conditions are unsafe and report concerns immediately
- Report all incidents as per the standard operating procedures
- Other duties as assigned
REQUIRED EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE
- 1+ year(s) of experience working on a well servicing rig preferred
- Must be familiar with pump and tank operations
- Must have a valid state-issued driver’s license, CDL, or the ability to obtain one
- Must be able to successfully perform the duties of a floor hand
- Ability to perform manual labor required to operate well servicing equipment
- Ability to show knowledge of running tongs and all other equipment
- Competent communication skills
- Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work a flexible schedule
COMPUTER
- Basic knowledge of MS Office preferred
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must complete and pass all required pre-employment screenings.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions company with a foundation built on well servicing, wireline, and natural gas processing. Ranger Energy is committed to providing employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive. The programs are designed to invest in you and the things you care about – your health, your family, and your future. Come join our team of highly skilled, motivated employees, working on state-of-the-art equipment with outstanding compensation and additional benefits, including:
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
- Life Insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- PTO (depending on eligibility)
What Ranger Energy Services employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Ranger Energy Services
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Oil and gas extraction
Company size
201 - 500 Employees
Headquarters location
Houston, TX, US
Year founded
2014