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Drill Rig Operator Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Valley Well Drilling, LLC

Water Well Driller

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

Oahu and Kauai Pay: ($55,000 - $100,000 per year) based on experience Overview We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Drill Rig Operator to join our team in the water well industry located in Hawaii.

US LBM Service Co

CDL Driver

Las Cruces, NM

$18/hr

For Boom Crane CDL Driver positions - a Certified Drill Rig Operator-NCCCO Boom Certification preferred - maintain active accredited certification for equipment type (e.g. NCCCO, NCCER, CIC ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Lead Operator

Hobbs, NM · On-site

SUMMARY The Lead Operator will be responsible for safely performing Wireline-related duties at the ... drilling, rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Job Preparation : Ensure job ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Lead Operator

Hobbs, NM

SUMMARY The Lead Operator will be responsible for safely performing Wireline-related duties at the ... drilling, rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Job Preparation : Ensure job ...

Ranger Energy Services

Reverse Unit Operator I

Artesia, NM

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Operating the assigned rig, reverse unit, swivel, and other equipment in accordance with the ... Tracking and keeping up with pipe tally, drilling depths, and advise customer and rig crew with ...

Calista Brice Holding Company

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Mobilize in setting up drill sites. * Properly manage and dispose of drilling fluids and waste ... Operate a core drilling rig 12-14 hours per day, working shifts where you will remain at the ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Engineer III

Hobbs, NM

... workover rig, drilling rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Planning and ... Maintain knowledge and understanding of current standards and operating procedures and practices to ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Engineer III

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... workover rig, drilling rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Planning and ... Maintain knowledge and understanding of current standards and operating procedures and practices to ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Engineer III

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... workover rig, drilling rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Planning and ... Maintain knowledge and understanding of current standards and operating procedures and practices to ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Engineer III

Hobbs, NM

... workover rig, drilling rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Planning and ... Maintain knowledge and understanding of current standards and operating procedures and practices to ...

North Wind Group

Geologist 04162 NWSS

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

Field duties will include Direct Push Technology, Hollow Stem Auger, and Roto-Sonic drilling rig ... standard operating procedures for investigation and corrective action. Skills and Abilities:

North Wind Group

Geologist 04162 NWSS

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

Field duties will include Direct Push Technology, Hollow Stem Auger, and Roto-Sonic drilling rig ... standard operating procedures for investigation and corrective action. Skills and Abilities:

ExxonMobil

Water Transfer Operator

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$16.25 - $18.50/hr

Individual to work with water transfer team (PWM) supporting completions and drilling activities in ... Provide quality control oversite for third party water transfer equipment installation and rig down.

ExxonMobil

Water Transfer Operator

Carlsbad, NM

Individual to work with water transfer team (PWM) supporting completions and drilling activities in ... Provide quality control oversite for third party water transfer equipment installation and rig down.

ExxonMobil

Water Transfer Operator

Carlsbad, NM

Individual to work with water transfer team (PWM) supporting completions and drilling activities in ... Provide quality control oversite for third party water transfer equipment installation and rig down.

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All JobsDrill Rig Operator JobsDrill Rig Operator Jobs in New Mexico

Drill Rig Operator information

See New Mexico salary details

$12

$26

$49

How much do drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill rig operator in New Mexico is $26.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Drill Rig Operator?

As a Drill Rig Operator, your daily responsibilities typically include setting up, operating, and maintaining drilling rigs, monitoring equipment performance, and adhering to strict safety protocols. You'll often work closely with a team of drillers, assistants, and engineers, collaborating to ensure precise drilling according to project specifications. Regular tasks may also involve equipment inspections, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and recording drilling data. The role requires adaptability, as you may work in varying weather conditions and different locations, depending on the project.

How to get hired on a drilling rig?

To get hired as a drill rig operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience, and often a certification such as Well Control or OSHA safety training. Employers look for physical fitness, mechanical skills, and the ability to work in challenging environments, with on-the-job training provided for specific equipment and safety procedures.

What is a Drill Rig Operator job?

A Drill Rig Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining drilling equipment to bore holes for various purposes, such as mining, construction, or oil and gas extraction. They set up, position, and control drilling rigs, monitor operations, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Operators must have technical knowledge of machinery, the ability to read blueprints, and an understanding of soil and rock formations. The role often requires physical endurance and adherence to strict safety regulations.

How much do oil rigs get paid?

Drill rig operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the rig. Overtime, certifications, and working in remote locations can increase earnings, with some experienced operators making over $120,000 per year.

How do I become a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn operating procedures and safety protocols. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with machinery, tools, and safety standards is essential for the role.

How much does a drill rig operator earn?

A drill rig operator typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy machinery may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Drill Rig Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drill Rig Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a solid understanding of drilling processes, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety regulations such as OSHA, and certifications like a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies enable safe, efficient drilling operations and effective teamwork in demanding outdoor environments.

What are popular job titles related to Drill Rig Operator jobs in New Mexico? For Drill Rig Operator jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drill Rig Operator jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Drill Rig Operator jobs in New Mexico are:
Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drill Rig Operator job openings in New Mexico as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,126 per year, or $27 per hour.

Drill Rig Operator

Hydro Resources Holding

Las Cruces, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Drill Rig Operator

Summary

Driller for irrigation, commercial, industrial, and municipal water wells.


Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the safe and accurate set up of rig and all equipment.
  • Operate drilling rig and associated equipment to drill commercial and industrial water wells, install well heads, well screen, casing, gravel pack and cement grout, and other well fixtures.
  • Document geological formations encountered.
  • Clean and disinfect water wells in preparation for use.
  • Perform routine mechanical maintenance work on drilling rig and equipment.
  • Maintenance of rigs.
  • Must report any and all unsafe conditions.
  • Expected to engage in the safety process and report to Supervisor any time a situation is deemed unsafe.
  • To support / encourage others to help develop a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Supervision and training of crews for underground projects.
  • Client contact on job sites.
  • Operation and maintenance of all pump division equipment, including video van, sonar jet operations, testing and testing equipment and cranes.


Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Knowledge of types of casing.
  • Knowledge of drill string.
  • Knowledge of thread types.
  • Knowledge of working derricks and drill floor.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Requires willingness to work a flexible schedule.
  • Clean driving record.
  • CDL preferable.
  • Knowledge of Well Control systems and methods – current well control certification desired.


Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Medical insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled, E-Verify Employer

As part of the pre-employment hiring process at Hydro Resources Holding, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all candidates will be required to undergo background check and drug screening.

External Company URL: Hydro Resources | Groundwater Exploration and Production (https://hydroresources.com/)