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Drill Rig Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Driller - Land

Houston, TX · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Lead the drilling operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and handling casing and other equipment. * Drive equipment to and from the job ...

Driller - Land

Houston, TX · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Lead the drilling operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and handling casing and other equipment. * Drive equipment to and from the job ...

Driller - Land

Houston, TX

$22 - $29.75/hr

Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Lead the drilling operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and handling casing and other equipment. * Drive equipment to and from the job ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Conroe, TX · On-site

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks: o Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil.o Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with ...

Work with drillers, rig managers, directional drillers, and/or operator real-time centers to maximize drilling performance on Patterson rigs. * Visit rig sites and work directly with drillers and/or ...

Work with drillers, rig managers, directional drillers, and/or operator real-time centers to maximize drilling performance on Patterson rigs. * Visit rig sites and work directly with drillers and/or ...

Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Assist driller/CPT operator in the operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and handling casing and other equipment. * Drive equipment to ...

Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Assist driller/CPT operator in the operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and handling casing and other equipment. * Drive equipment to ...

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Drill Rig information

See Houston, TX salary details

$12

$26

$49

How much do drill rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill rig in Houston, TX is $26.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $29.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a drill rig operator and how can they be managed effectively?

Drill rig operators often encounter challenges such as working in extreme weather conditions, managing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members and regular preventive maintenance are crucial to minimize downtime and operational hazards. Operators also need to stay updated on the latest industry practices and safety standards to ensure efficient and safe drilling operations.

What is a drill rig?

A drill rig is a machine used to create holes in the ground, typically for the purposes of extracting natural resources such as oil, gas, or minerals, or for construction and engineering projects. Drill rigs come in various sizes and types, ranging from small, portable rigs to large, complex structures used for deep drilling operations. They can be operated on land or offshore and are an essential part of the drilling industry. The main components of a drill rig include the derrick or mast, drill string, power systems, and circulation systems. Proper operation and maintenance of drill rigs are critical for safety and efficiency on drilling sites.

What is the difference between Drill Rig vs Drilling Operator?

AspectDrill RigDrilling Operator
Primary RoleEquipment used to perform drilling operationsOperates and maintains the drill rig during drilling
CredentialsTypically no specific certification; technical training requiredRequires certifications like Well Control or OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, oil & gas fields, mining locationsOn-site with drill rig, often in remote locations
Industry UsageUsed across oil & gas, mining, constructionCommonly employed in oil & gas, mineral exploration

The Drill Rig is the equipment used to perform drilling tasks, while the Drilling Operator is the skilled worker who operates and manages the drill rig during operations. Both roles are essential in drilling projects, with the rig serving as the tool and the operator as the skilled technician ensuring safe and efficient drilling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drill rig operator?

To thrive as a Drill Rig Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, understanding of drilling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional vocational training preferred. Familiarity with drilling machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or MSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and help prevent costly errors or accidents on site.
What are popular job titles related to Drill Rig jobs in Houston, TX? For Drill Rig jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Drill Rig jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Drill Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Drill Rig job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,309 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Driller - Land

Fugro

Houston, TX • On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Fugro rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Exploration Teams Driller - Land

Welcome to your opportunity to join Fugro's highly regarded Exploration Teams. With exceptional expertise in geotechnical ground investigation, our Exploration Teams are responsible for acquiring accurate environmental, geotechnical, and geophysical data that are key to reducing the risk and cost of land development.

The Driller - Land will lead the mobilization/demobilization of the drill rig and/or cone trucks for jobs, as directed. This individual is responsible for supervising the daily field/yard operations of the rig. i.e. handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and use of other equipment.

Job Responsibilities

  • Lead by example and place Quality, Health & Safety, Security, and the protection of the Environment as core values while never intentionally placing employees, our processes, customers, or the communities in which we live and work at 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, mixing drill mud, and handling casing and other equipment.
  • Drive equipment to and from the job location. Complete field assignments as directed.
  • Familiar with and follow DOT and IFTA regulations.
  • Assist in the cleaning of equipment after each job as directed and, as needed, clean equipment yard and perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

  • Legally Authorized to work in the United States, Without restrictions
  • Minimum of 2+ years of geotechnical drilling experience as a driller leading a drilling crew
  • Experience with Deidrich and/or CME 45/55 drilling rig required
  • Experience with hollow stem auger, hollow rotary wash, and air rotary drilling
  • Experience with rock coring and geotechnical sampling
  • Ability to complete Basic Plus training, obtain TWIC card, CLD Class A/B license
  • Must be equipment oriented and understand mechanics of drilling machinery
  • Familiarity with hydraulic well testing and rotary drilling techniques.

What's in it for you?

At Fugro, our people are our number one priority and central to our purpose to create a safe and livable world. Our values set the foundation for our unique culture: we are determined to deliver, we prepare for tomorrow, we do what's right, and we build trust. Our talent philosophy is seeded by our values and fueled by a passion for learning, developing leadership behaviors, transparency, and accountability.

Fugro offers opportunities to sharpen skills and provide career growth through on-the-job learning experiences, LinkedIn Learning access, business and technical training, and leadership development programs.

We value the mental, physical, and financial health of our employees and their families and offer a variety of flexible work models. Fugro USA's comprehensive benefits package also ensures you have choices that fit your needs at any life stage.

How to apply?

If you are interested in this role we look forward to discussing this opportunity with you. Please click on our 'apply' button and upload your resume and cover letter.

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated.

Fugro is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the recruitment process are encouraged to contact Human Resources directly at 713-369-5699 or recruiting.usa@fugro.com.

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