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Drilling Rig Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Driller - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures * Support other crew members as needed, ensure ...

Driller

Morgantown, WV

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

... drilling rig * Supervises, trains and coordinates the activities of the drill crew * Performs duties of other crew members when needed * Ensures safety is a top priority for all rig personnel

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures * Support other crew members as needed, ensure ...

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$22.75 - $31/hr

Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures * Support other crew members as needed, ensure ...

Driller - North Dakota & Wyoming

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures * Support other crew members as needed, ensure ...

Driller

Bend, OR · On-site

$48.50/hr

Document daily activities and drilling progress in Tour Book. Supervise crew during rig up/out operations. Assist trucking companies with equipment spotting. Provide Rig Manager with information on ...

Rig managers are responsible foroverseeing the day-to-day operations of drilling rigs, well sites ... Assess crew-member competencies, and determine training needs. Ensure all required documentation is ...

Driller

Glasgow, MT · On-site

$48.50/hr

Document daily activities and drilling progress in Tour Book. Supervise crew during rig up/out operations. Assist trucking companies with equipment spotting. Provide Rig Manager with information on ...

Rig managers are responsible foroverseeing the day-to-day operations of drilling rigs, well sites ... Assess crew-member competencies, and determine training needs. Ensure all required documentation is ...

Driller

Midland, TX · On-site

$39.50/hr

Document daily activities and drilling progress in Tour Book. Supervise crew during rig up/out operations. Assist trucking companies with equipment spotting. Provide Rig Manager with information on ...

Driller

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Responsible for the safety and supervision of rig crew. * Advises, consults, and communicates with oil company representatives in regard to drilling program well bore conditions. * Advises, consults ...

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Drilling Rig Crew information

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$14

$27

$43

How much do drilling rig crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig crew in the United States is $27.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired on a drilling rig?

To get hired as a drilling rig crew member, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as OSHA, and physical fitness. Experience in the oil and gas industry or technical training in drilling operations can improve job prospects, and many employers provide on-the-job training for new hires.

What is the typical work schedule and environment like for a Drilling Rig Crew member?

Drilling Rig Crew members often work in remote locations and may follow rotational schedules, such as two weeks on and two weeks off, due to the around-the-clock nature of drilling operations. The work is physically demanding, usually outdoors in all types of weather, and involves standing for long periods and operating heavy equipment. Teamwork is essential, as crew members must coordinate tasks and prioritize safety at all times. The collaborative and fast-paced environment also provides ample opportunities for learning new skills and advancing to higher positions within the drilling crew.

What is the highest paying oil rig job?

The highest paying oil rig job for drilling rig crew members is typically the Drilling Supervisor or Toolpusher, who oversee operations and ensure safety protocols. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they can earn significantly higher wages compared to other crew positions such as roustabouts or roughnecks.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Drilling rig crew members can earn around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and overtime, as they work in demanding environments and often receive hazard pay. High-paying roles in the oil and gas industry typically require specialized skills, certifications, and physical endurance but do not always require a college degree.

How much do oil rig crews make?

Oil rig crews, including drilling rig workers, typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions such as roustabouts may start around $40,000, while specialized roles like drillers and toolpushers can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Crew member, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a willingness to work in challenging outdoor conditions, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling machinery, safety protocols, and certifications such as H2S and First Aid/CPR are commonly required. Teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing site demands are key soft skills in this field. These skills are critical to ensure operational efficiency, maintain safety standards, and handle the demanding nature of drilling operations.

What is a Drilling Rig Crew job?

A Drilling Rig Crew is a team responsible for operating and maintaining drilling rigs in the oil, gas, or geothermal industries. Crew members perform various tasks, including assembling equipment, monitoring drilling operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Roles within the crew include roughnecks, derrickhands, drillers, and rig managers, each with specific responsibilities. The job requires physical strength, teamwork, and long hours in challenging conditions. Proper training and certification are essential for working safely and efficiently on a rig.

More about Drilling Rig Crew jobs
What states have the most Drilling Rig Crew jobs? States with the most job openings for Drilling Rig Crew jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Crew job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $57,259 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Rig Manager - Colorado and Utah

Rig Manager - Colorado and Utah

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 75 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

The Rig Manager is responsible for every aspect of daily rig operations and supervises all employees working on the rig as well as drilling activities and rig equipment.  This includes compliance with Company policies, rules and regulations, ensuring that employees and onsite personnel are working safely, planning maintenance and minimizing rig down time.  The Rig Manager provides leadership, safety compliance and direction in resolving operational and personnel issues.  The Rig Manager is also responsible for planning and directing drilling operations, rig moves, as well as regular communication with Company personnel, third parties and Customer representatives.

The successful candidate will: set high standards of performance for themselves and others; be professional in written, verbal and personal actions in any situation; seek new knowledge and experiences; have an analytical mindset that can utilize factual data to develop creative and business-oriented solutions; be self- aware and adjust accordingly to different environments and audiences 

This role performs under the direction of the Drilling Superintendent.

Detailed Description:

  • Provide leadership to ensure safety of all onsite personnel with goal of working incident-free
  • Supervision, direction and training of drilling rig crew members including compliance with all safety and operational procedures
  • Management of rig operations, production, maintenance, costs and personnel to the meet the Company's business objectives
  • Understand Comprehensive Rig Inspection (CRI) criteria and strive for continual improvement by regularly inspecting and maintaining rig and equipment
  • Initiate and foster productive partnership with Customer representative
  • Understand and use basic management concepts and principles including delegation, motivation, discipline, goal setting and performance evaluation
  • Efficiently and proficiently operate and maintain rig equipment by planning preventative maintenance including necessary replacement supplies
  • Anticipate, quickly troubleshoot and resolve operational, equipment and maintenance issues to minimize rig downtime
  • 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
  • Adhere to Company policies, guidelines and work requirements
  • Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees of all backgrounds feel included and their contributions are valued
  • Promptly address and resolve concerns and disputes among team members and customers with the goal of building a stronger, more cohesive work group
  • Plan daily rig operations with Driller and Customer representative
  • Lead pre- and post-tour meetings including crew fit-for-duty evaluations
  • Fill in for Driller or other rig-based employees as needed
  • Work independently and prioritize tasks while managing distractions
  • Responsibility for Company resources, equipment, and personnel
  • Read / write emails and prepare daily rig paperwork including status reports and other business matters related to rig operations
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Plan and supervise rig moves including rig up / down procedures
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:

  • While performing the job, will be required to lift/carry, pull/push, reach, squat, kneel, and or climb ladders or stairs
  • Exerting 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
  • 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
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and direct ongoing work activities of employees and third parties
  • Ability to read, write and speak English to the extent needed to understand verbal and written instructions and to give clear verbal and written instructions in English to direct rig employees and third parties as well as communicate with Customer representatives
  • This job requires an irregular sleep pattern, as the Rig Manager needs to be available to observe and direct specified drilling procedures as well as resolve unanticipated rig operational, equipment or maintenance issues
  • 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
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully complete duties of all rig crew positions (Floorhand, Motorhand, Derrickhand, and Driller)
  • Must possess strong computer skills (.e.g., reports, email, spreadsheets, graphs, etc.)
  • Must be able to utilize standard formulas and basic mathematical equations to compute and report various rig operation metrics
  • Must be able to verbally communicate directions and expectations effectively to the rig crew and third parties
  • 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)

Demonstrated ability in the following leadership competencies:

  • Builds and Maintains Effective Relationship
  • Develops Self and Others
  • Builds Effective Teams
  • Courageous Leadership
  • Managing Vision and Purpose
  • Business Acumen
  • Drive for Results
  • Customer focus
  • Decision Quality

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • 2+ years of prior experience as a Driller
  • 1+ years of prior experience as a Rig Manager with PTEN

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced education (e.g., college, trade school, etc.)

Certifications:

  • Well Control
  • CPR/First Aid
  • Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Safety Training
  • Must be able to complete Supervisory Well Control course within 14 days of start date

Additional Details

This position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions.  The Rig Manager will be regularly 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.

Rate of pay:  Starting at $134,500

Role Classification: Salaried

This role is eligible to participate in per diem, car allowance, and cell phone allowance.

At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments:  Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance,  401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program.  In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy

The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting.  All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.


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