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Derrickhand Oil Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valaris

Assistant Derrickhand

Houston, TX · On-site

... rig move plans, Valaris requirements, and contractual obligations. * Assists Derrickhand in ... Checks and monitors oil levels of machinery in mud pump and mud processing rooms. * Maintains ...

Valaris

Assistant Derrickhand

Houston, TX · On-site

... rig move plans, Valaris requirements, and contractual obligations. * Assists Derrickhand in ... Checks and monitors oil levels of machinery in mud pump and mud processing rooms. * Maintains ...

Valaris

Assistant Derrickhand

Houston, TX

... rig move plans, Valaris requirements, and contractual obligations. * Assists Derrickhand in ... Checks and monitors oil levels of machinery in mud pump and mud processing rooms. * Maintains ...

Savanna Drilling LLC

Derrickhand, Drilling

Odessa, TX · On-site

Derrickhand Savanna Drilling General Statement of Duties: * Assists the Driller with the monitoring ... from the Rig Manager. May also consult with or receive instructions from the oil company ...

Key Energy Services

Derrickhand - 1808

Kilgore, TX · On-site

... well service rig, responsible for performing services on oil and gas wells. Duties include ... Preferred Qualifications: * 1-2 years of Workover - Derrickhand experience required. * Ability to ...

Highlands Drilling LLC

Derrickhand

Weston, WV

Operate and maintain drilling rig diesel motors, transmissions and other mechanical equipment ... Experience: * 2+ years of experience in an oil/gas drilling experience * Previous experience ...

Highlands Drilling LLC

Derrickhand

Weston, WV · On-site

Operate and maintain drilling rig diesel motors, transmissions and other mechanical equipment ... Experience: * 2+ years of experience in an oil/gas drilling experience * Previous experience ...

Key Energy Services

Derrickhand, Crane, TX

Crane, TX · On-site

... well service rig, responsible for performing services on oil and gas wells. Duties include ... High school diploma, GED or equivalent * 1-2 years of Workover - Derrickhand experience required.

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Derrickhand Oil Rig information

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How much do derrickhand oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for derrickhand oil 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 Derrickhands on an oil rig?

A Derrickhand is a specialized worker on an oil rig responsible for managing the drilling fluid systems and maintaining the drilling mud. They also work high up on the derrick to guide the drill pipe into and out of the well during tripping operations. Derrickhands play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the rig, monitoring fluid levels, and supporting the Driller and other crew members. This position requires physical fitness, attention to safety, and the ability to work at significant heights.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Derrickhands on oil rigs can earn around $1,500 to $2,000 or more per day, especially with overtime, experience, and in high-demand regions. These roles require specialized skills, safety certifications, and often involve long shifts in challenging environments. High-paying oil industry jobs are typically found in offshore drilling or remote locations with demanding schedules.

What are some common challenges faced by a Derrickhand on an oil rig, and how are they typically addressed?

Derrickhands on oil rigs often face challenges such as working at significant heights, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and managing physically demanding tasks like monitoring drilling fluid levels and maintaining equipment. Safety is a major concern, so rigorous safety training and adherence to protocols are essential. Communication with the driller and floor crew is crucial to ensure smooth operations and prevent accidents. Most companies provide comprehensive training, personal protective equipment, and regular safety drills to address these challenges and support Derrickhands in their roles.

What does a Derrick hand do on an oil rig?

A Derrick hand on an oil rig is responsible for assisting with the operation and maintenance of the drilling equipment, including handling drill pipes, monitoring the drilling process, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They work in the derrick or mast area and often operate heavy machinery, requiring physical stamina and technical skills. The role typically involves shift work in challenging environments and may require certifications such as H2S safety training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Derrickhand Oil Rig, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Derrickhand on an oil rig, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rig-specific equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like H2S awareness or Well Control are important for this role. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help Derrickhands coordinate with crew members and handle high-pressure situations. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, operational efficiency, and minimizing downtime in the demanding oilfield environment.

What is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig job is typically that of a drilling engineer or toolpusher, with senior positions earning over $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments. Compensation varies based on location, experience, and company, but these positions are among the top earners in the oil rig industry.

How much do Derrick hands make on oil rigs?

Derrickhands on oil rigs typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the rig. They often work long shifts in challenging environments and may receive additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.

What is the difference between Derrickhand Oil Rig vs Roustabout Oil Rig?

AspectDerrickhand Oil RigRoustabout Oil Rig
CertificationsOSHA safety training, Basic Well ControlOSHA safety training, Basic Well Control
Work EnvironmentOn drilling derrick, handling equipment at heightsOn deck, assisting with equipment and maintenance
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling drill pipe, monitoring equipment, maintaining the derrickAssisting with equipment setup, cleaning, and general labor tasks

The Derrickhand Oil Rig and Roustabout Oil Rig roles both require safety certifications and involve working on offshore drilling sites. The Derrickhand focuses on handling drill pipe and maintaining the derrick, while the Roustabout performs general labor and assists with equipment setup. Both positions are essential for safe and efficient drilling operations but differ in technical responsibilities and daily tasks.

More about Derrickhand Oil Rig jobs
What cities are hiring for Derrickhand Oil Rig jobs? Cities with the most Derrickhand Oil Rig job openings:
What states have the most Derrickhand Oil Rig jobs? States with the most job openings for Derrickhand Oil Rig jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Derrickhand Oil Rig jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Derrickhand Oil Rig jobs are:
Derrickhand Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Derrickhand Oil Rig job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,762 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Assistant Derrickhand

Assistant Derrickhand

Valaris

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Summary
The Assistant Derrickhand works in the mud pump room and assists the Derrickhand in performing all tasks related to drilling fluid management including operating and maintaining drilling fluid pumping, treatment, and mixing systems. This position also assists in the execution of all drilling operations for the main or auxiliary well centers as required. All duties will be conducted in accordance with company policies and procedures, in a safe and efficient manner.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Follows standard instructions and maintains good communication with the Derrickhand; provides notification of any concern, ensuring any deviation is properly communicated and documented.
  • Ensures operations are planned, organized, supervised, and executed in accordance with well programs, rig move plans, Valaris requirements, and contractual obligations.
  • Assists Derrickhand in performing daily checks (i.e. QHSE checks, tank volumes, manifold line ups etc.).
  • Assists and relieves the Derrickhand as required.
  • Assists Derrickhand in mixing tasks, forklift driving, sack store management, etc.
  • Monitors the mud pumps, mud tanks, and fluid treatment systems during operations and reports any unexplained changes to the Driller.
  • Ensures solid control equipment and mud mixing operations are being monitored constantly and keeps accurate records of fluid transfers, fluid treatments, and fluid properties.
  • Lines up mud pumps, mud tanks, and flow paths as directed.
  • Checks and monitors oil levels of machinery in mud pump and mud processing rooms.
  • Maintains records of mud pump hours.
  • Maintains hygiene and housekeeping to Company standards with a particular focus on clear escape routes and walkways.
  • Works on the rig floor and any other areas where drilling operations are being conducted when required.
  • Performs preventive maintenance or maintenance repairs occurring on all fluid pumping and treatment equipment.
  • Provides detailed written handover at end of shift to the relieving Assistant Derrickhand.
Qualifications / Experience
  • Offshore experience including time on a floating rig (preferably drillship).
  • Good communication skills (oral and written).
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Completion of all training and certification requirements for the Assistant Derrickhand position as described in the training matrix.

Behaviors
As part of our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees are expected to align their actions and decisions with the principles outlined in our Behavioral Framework. This framework serves as the foundation for our organizational culture and guides our behaviors to drive better outcomes across the company. Employees are responsible for incorporating these behaviors into their daily actions, relationships, and decision-making to help manage expectations, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Our five behaviors that define our culture are:
Analyze & Plan - Being deliberate in understanding and describing the problem to solve and using information from a range of relevant sources to develop solutions that are effective and evidence-based.
Collaborate - Collaborating effectively, sharing ideas, and leveraging one another's strengths based on trust, transparency, and empathy, creating an environment where everyone's input is valued.
Communicate - Communicate clearly with all employees and stakeholders, ensuring active listening, understanding, and timely information sharing.
Learn, Grow & Adapt - Building organizational capability through our own learning and development while coaching others and supporting others to adapt, learn, and develop.
Deliver Results - Striving to deliver and exceed required results, identifying and overcoming obstacles, and taking responsibility for the outcome while respecting our values.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Valaris is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any other non-job related factors. Valaris is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need such an accommodation, or a religious accommodation, please contact recruiting@valaris.com.
About Us
At Valaris, our core purpose is to provide responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world. Our purpose is the driving force that defines us as a leading organization in our industry. Our diverse fleet of ultra-deepwater drillships, versatile semisubmersibles and modern shallow-water jackups is capable of meeting a wide spectrum of customers' well program requirements. Our rig fleet is among the most technologically advanced in the industry and our well-trained crews perform at the highest levels in the most challenging offshore environments. With an unwavering focus on safety and dedicated employees, we provide innovative solutions and aim to deliver excellence in everything that we do.

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