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Derrickhand Oil Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WTX - MOTORHAND I

Odessa, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... and oil transfers are performed in a safe manner while complying with all state, federal and ... and Derrickhand during rig up / down procedures Provide relief on the drill floor for the ...

ETX FIELD.MOTORHAND I

Tyler, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

... and oil transfers are performed in a safe manner while complying with all state, federal and ... and Derrickhand during rig up / down procedures Provide relief on the drill floor for the ...

NORTH DAKOTA MOTORHAND

Williston, ND

$16 - $17.75/hr

... and oil transfers are performed in a safe manner while complying with all state, federal and ... and Derrickhand during rig up / down procedures Provide relief on the drill floor for the ...

... and oil transfers are performed in a safe manner while complying with all state, federal and ... and Derrickhand during rig up / down procedures Provide relief on the drill floor for the ...

... and oil transfers are performed in a safe manner while complying with all state, federal and ... and Derrickhand during rig up / down procedures Provide relief on the drill floor for the ...

Righand

Snow Shoe, PA

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Previous experience as rig hand, floorhand, derrickhand preferred * Previous experience in a high paced safety sensitive work environment preferred * Working knowledge of oil/gas operations preferred ...

Righand

Morgantown, WV

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Previous experience as rig hand, floorhand, derrickhand preferred * Previous experience in a high paced safety sensitive work environment preferred * Working knowledge of oil/gas operations preferred ...

... oil levels, and replenishes the various fuel tanks * Performs routine maintenance on Rig which ... Previous experience as righand, floorhand, derrickhand preferred * Previous experience in a high ...

Righand

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Previous experience as rig hand, floorhand, derrickhand preferred * Previous experience in a high paced safety sensitive work environment preferred * Working knowledge of oil/gas operations preferred ...

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Derrickhand Oil Rig information

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$14

$24

$35

How much do derrickhand oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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 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 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 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:
Motorhand -North Dakota & Wyoming

Motorhand -North Dakota & Wyoming

Patterson-UTI

Dickinson, ND

Full-time

Posted 10 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

Patterson-UTI Drilling

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.

The Motorhand's primary duty is to ensure that all equipment is operating and functioning properly and execute minor repair work on equipment.  The Motorhand is responsible for the generators, equipment, and systems that power the rig and drilling activities.  Additional responsibilities include off-loading materials, maintaining equipment, and assisting in rig up and rig down.  The Motorhand works closely with and oversees Floorhands on the rig floor, assists the Derrickhand as needed, and assists the Driller in day-to-day operations.

Detailed Description:

  • Lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person occasionally during the tour work shift
  • Independently use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • 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
  • Regularly inspect, maintain, and repair generators, equipment, and SCR or VFD house
  • Responsible for hydraulic and electrical systems and equipment
  • Ensure that all preventative maintenance is performed on all equipment and that all log sheets and maintenance sheets are filled out correctly and are up to date on all required equipment
  • Responsible for daily inspection of the following: working order of all main engines, air compressors and air system, electrical equipment, BOP and accumulator, engine radiators, circulating water pumps, oil transfer pumps, and the running order and blow down of the boiler
  • 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
  • Inspect main engines every tour for proper working order by checking the following: oil level, coolant, gauges, possible oil leaks, noise and vibrations and changing oil as needed
  • Provide instructions, train, and oversee Floorhands during drilling activities
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
  • Use forklift to off-load and move materials
  • In charge of all lock-out/tag-out of breakers
  • 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 and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • 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
  • Ability or aptitude to maintain and repair various types of equipment, engines and machinery
  • Able to 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 
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • 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
  • 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)

Minimum Qualifications

  • Internal applicants will need at least 3 months experience as a Floorhand and the external applicant will need at least 3 months of Motorhand experience

Certification

  • Forklift Certification or willingness to complete Forklift Certification training within 60 days

Preferred Qualifications

  • 6 months of experience as a Motorhand on a land drilling rig
  • High School Diploma or GED                                                                                                                                      

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.


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