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Drilling Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Buda, TX · On-site

Rig Hand Summary Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the ... Performs general maintenance of drilling and associated equipment. * Loads and off-loads pipe and ...

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

$17 - $26/hr

Rig Hand Summary Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the ... Knowledge of types of drill pipe and drill collars. * Knowledge of thread types and tubing sizes.

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV

$150/day

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV

$150/day

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Timberline Drilling

Driller's Assistant

Elko, NV

$90K/yr

Thank you for your interest in working with Timberline Drilling! We are looking for motivated and ... Safely use hand and power tools. * Vehicle and Equipment Operation: Operate water trucks, tractors ...

Timberline Drilling

Driller's Assistant

Kellogg, ID

$90K/yr

Thank you for your interest in working with Timberline Drilling! We are looking for motivated and ... Safely use hand and power tools. * Vehicle and Equipment Operation: Operate water trucks, tractors ...

Timberline Drilling

Driller's Assistant

Juneau, AK

$90K/yr

Thank you for your interest in working with Timberline Drilling! We are looking for motivated and ... Safely use hand and power tools. * Vehicle and Equipment Operation: Operate water trucks, tractors ...

Delaware Elevator

Drilling Helper

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... hand tools. * Welding Certifications: Preferred but not required. * Travel Flexibility: Must be ... At Chesapeake Drilling Corporate, we value hard work, dedication, and the drive to grow within the ...

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Sunray, TX · On-site

Rig Hand Summary Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the ... Performs general maintenance of drilling and associated equipment. * Loads and off-loads pipe and ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Timberline Drilling

Driller's Assistant

Virginia, MN

$90K/yr

Thank you for your interest in working with Timberline Drilling! We are looking for motivated and ... Safely use hand and power tools. * Vehicle and Equipment Operation: Operate water trucks, tractors ...

Delaware Elevator

Drilling Helper

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... hand tools. * Welding Certifications: Preferred but not required. * Travel Flexibility: Must be ... At Chesapeake Drilling Corporate, we value hard work, dedication, and the drive to grow within the ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV

$150/day

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral ... Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision. * Work in physically demanding ...

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All JobsDrilling Hand Jobs

Drilling Hand information

See salary details

$20

$41

$69

How much do drilling hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling hand in the United States is $41.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drilling Hand vs Drilling Operator?

AspectDrilling HandDrilling Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling rigs, physically demandingOperates drilling equipment, monitors operations
Industry UsageCommonly employed in oil & gas, miningUsed in oil & gas, energy sectors
Job FocusAssists with drilling tasks, manual laborControls and manages drilling machinery

The main difference is that a Drilling Hand primarily assists with manual tasks and supports the drilling process, while a Drilling Operator actively controls and manages the drilling equipment. Both roles are essential in drilling operations, but the Drilling Operator typically requires additional technical training and responsibilities.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Drilling Hand on a rig site?

A Drilling Hand is responsible for assisting with the setup, operation, and maintenance of drilling equipment on an oil or gas rig. Daily tasks include handling drill pipes, operating hoists, monitoring drilling fluid levels, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Drilling Hands work closely with other crew members such as drillers, roughnecks, and toolpushers to maintain efficient operations and address any mechanical issues that arise. The role often involves physically demanding work and long shifts, typically in a team-oriented environment.

What are Drilling Hands?

Drilling Hands are entry-level workers on oil and gas drilling rigs who assist with the day-to-day operations of drilling wells. Their responsibilities include handling tools, operating equipment, maintaining safety standards, and supporting more experienced crew members. Drilling Hands are essential to the smooth functioning of the rig, performing physically demanding tasks and ensuring the drilling process runs efficiently. This position is a starting point for many who wish to advance in the oil and gas industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drilling Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Hand, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and physical stamina, typically gained through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Familiarity with drilling rigs, power tools, safety protocols, and industry certifications like H2S or Well Control are commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help distinguish high-performing Drilling Hands. These skills are vital for ensuring operational efficiency, workplace safety, and successful collaboration on drilling sites.
More about Drilling Hand jobs
What cities are hiring for Drilling Hand jobs? Cities with the most Drilling Hand job openings:
What states have the most Drilling Hand jobs? States with the most job openings for Drilling Hand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Hand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Hand jobs are:
Drilling Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Hand job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,248 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Drilling Technician

Drilling Technician

HRL Compliance Solutions, Inc.

Grand Junction, CO • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Drilling Program Manager
The primary responsibility of this position is to provide non-technical support to subsurface drilling operations primarily related to soil sampling, groundwater sampling, monitor well installation and geotechnical analysis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Perform a variety of tasks utilizing related to subsurface drilling as instructed by driller on and off site.
  • Assemble necessary tools and equipment for each project.
  • Assist in completing daily truck and rig inspections.
  • Complete cleaning and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Operate service truck when needed.
  • Work in and around slippery and wet spaces.
  • Ensure that proper safety and incident reporting procedures are followed.
  • Support and adhere to company policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of proper use of equipment, materials and supplies used in drilling services work.
  • Ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
  • Ability to lift heavy objects, walk, sit and stand for long periods of time and perform strenuous physical labor under sometimes adverse field conditions.
  • Ability to work well with others in a team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to remain calm during sometimes stressful or intense situations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely.
  • Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High school Diploma or GED. Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to perform the work. Prior construction experience preferred.
  • CDL preferred or ability to obtain CDL within 1 year of employment.
  • Drilling experience preferred but will train the right person.

ENVIRONMENT:
  • Regularly works in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat, cold and exposure to dust, and potential oil and gas particulates.
  • Requires good manual dexterity (hand, hand with arm, two hands) and multi-limb coordination. Requires repeated hand motion.
  • Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry objects up to and including 100lbs for long distances.
  • Excellent stamina is required.
  • Willingness to regularly work 10-12-hour days due to project requirements.
  • Overnight travel of 2-3 days and up to 5 days at a time is often required. Lodging and meals are paid for by the company.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to operate a company vehicle, per company policy.
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment, random, post-accident drug/alcohol screens as applicable.
  • Must be able to pass criminal background screen as applicable.

JOIN OUR TEAM:
  • Benefits include medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD, PTO, Life Insurance, and 401K.
  • Pay DOE $17-$21/hour plus overtime (typically 10-15 hours per week).
  • Eligible for profit sharing and incentive bonus.

HRL Compliance Solutions, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
***Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the above tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is illustrative ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.

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