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Drilling Rig Derrickhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

Are you an experienced Derrickhand with AC Triple drilling rig experience? Join our crews in Williston, North Dakota, where we offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, crew transportation and ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

Are you an experienced Derrickhand with AC Triple drilling rig experience? Join our crews in Williston, North Dakota, where we offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, crew transportation and ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

Are you an experienced Derrickhand with AC Triple drilling rig experience? Join our crews in Williston, North Dakota, where we offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, crew transportation and ...

AKITA Drilling

Derrickhand

Midland, TX · On-site

$32.50/hr

The Derrickhand oversees some of the machinery on the rig and is responsible for the conditioning of the drilling fluid and the circulation machinery. A Derrickhand works with the mud systems ...

AKITA Drilling

Derrickhand

Bend, OR · On-site

$37/hr

Description The Derrickhand oversees some of the machinery on the rig and is responsible for the conditioning of the drilling fluid and the circulation machinery. A Derrickhand works with the mud ...

AKITA Drilling

Derrickhand

Glasgow, MT · On-site

$37/hr

Description The Derrickhand oversees some of the machinery on the rig and is responsible for the conditioning of the drilling fluid and the circulation machinery. A Derrickhand works with the mud ...

Savanna Drilling LLC

Derrickhand, Drilling

Odessa, TX · On-site

Derrickhand Savanna Drilling General Statement of Duties: * Assists the Driller with the monitoring ... Receives directions from the Driller and overall supervision from the Rig Manager. May also consult ...

Highlands Drilling LLC

Derrickhand

Weston, WV

Derrickhand Reports To : * Driller Department: * Operations Location: * Various/Field-Based ... Operate and maintain drilling rig diesel motors, transmissions and other mechanical equipment.

AKITA Drilling

Derrickhand

Glasgow, MT

The Derrickhand oversees some of the machinery on the rig and is responsible for the conditioning of the drilling fluid and the circulation machinery. A Derrickhand works with the mud systems ...

AKITA Drilling

Derrickhand

Bend, OR

$37/hr

The Derrickhand oversees some of the machinery on the rig and is responsible for the conditioning of the drilling fluid and the circulation machinery. A Derrickhand works with the mud systems ...

AKITA Drilling

Derrickhand

Bend, OR

$37/hr

The Derrickhand oversees some of the machinery on the rig and is responsible for the conditioning of the drilling fluid and the circulation machinery. A Derrickhand works with the mud systems ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig Derrickhand Jobs

Drilling Rig Derrickhand information

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$14

$24

$35

How much do drilling rig derrickhand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig derrickhand 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 some typical challenges a Drilling Rig Derrickhand faces during a shift, and how are they managed?

A Drilling Rig Derrickhand often encounters challenges such as working at significant heights, handling heavy and sometimes unpredictable drilling fluids, and maintaining proper communication with the team below. Weather conditions can also impact safety and workflow, requiring constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. To manage these challenges, Derrickhands rely on thorough training, teamwork, and established safety procedures, as well as regular equipment checks to ensure both efficiency and safety during operations.

What are Drilling Rig Derrickhands?

A Drilling Rig Derrickhand is a key member of the drilling crew responsible for working on the drilling rig's derrick, the tall structure above the well. Their primary duties include handling drill pipes, maintaining drilling fluids, and assisting in the assembly and disassembly of drilling equipment. Derrickhands work at heights, monitor mud systems, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the rig. They play a crucial role in supporting the driller and other crew members during drilling operations.

What Does a Drilling Rig Derrickhand Do?

A drilling rig derrick hand is responsible for assisting the driller and mud engineer with operations on an oil rig. In this job, you guide the pipe as your team connects it to the drill hole, mix the drilling fluid, or “mud,” and repair and perform maintenance on the rig and associated equipment like the circulation machinery. You keep the pit area, mud house, walkways, and other areas of the rig clean, well-organized, and clutter-free, and your duties and responsibilities additionally include monitoring the mud pump manifolds, assisting in the chemical sack room, and ensuring the proper and safe operation of pumps, mudlines, valves, and gauges.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Derrickhand, you need strong knowledge of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and physical fitness, typically supported by relevant safety certifications such as H2S Alive and First Aid. Familiarity with rig equipment, mud systems, and monitoring tools like pipe tally software is essential for daily tasks. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication make individuals stand out in this demanding role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and to prevent accidents in hazardous environments.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig Derrickhand vs Drilling Rig Floorhand?

AspectDrilling Rig DerrickhandDrilling Rig Floorhand
CredentialsOSHA safety training, basic certificationsOSHA safety training, basic certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks on the derrick, handling equipment at heightWorks on the rig floor, assisting with equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesHandles drill pipe, maintains derrick operationsAssists with equipment, maintains cleanliness

The Drilling Rig Derrickhand and Floorhand roles are both entry-level positions in drilling operations, requiring safety certifications and working in similar environments. The Derrickhand focuses on handling drill pipe and managing derrick operations, while the Floorhand assists on the rig floor with equipment and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient drilling operations, with Derrickhands typically working at heights and handling more specialized tasks.

More about Drilling Rig Derrickhand jobs
What cities are hiring for Drilling Rig Derrickhand jobs? Cities with the most Drilling Rig Derrickhand job openings:
What states have the most Drilling Rig Derrickhand jobs? States with the most job openings for Drilling Rig Derrickhand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Derrickhand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Derrickhand jobs are:
Drilling Rig Derrickhand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Derrickhand job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 1% Full Time, 84% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 28% Physical, 70% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,762 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Derrickhand

Derrickhand

Stoneham Drilling

Denver, CO • On-site

$42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Are you an experienced Derrickhand with AC Triple drilling rig experience? Join our crews in Williston, North Dakota, where we offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, crew transportation and crew accommodations.

Position Summary

The Derrick Hand is responsible for assisting the Driller with equipment maintenance and looks after the pumps and mud systems. This position is accountable for all work above the rig floor, monitoring and maintaining proper drilling characteristics and ensuring proper drilling fluid properties. When required the Derrickhand will climb the derrick (approximately 25 meters above the rig floor) where he is positioned to guide the pipe into the derrick structure. Safety is the first priority for all drilling rig personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist Driller with equipment maintenance specifically related to the circulating system
  • Assist with pipe guiding while positioned in the derrick
  • Observe and maintain proper drilling fluid characteristics, rate of fluid circulation, mud handling equipment and preventative maintenance programs
  • Work on or above the drilling floor, guide drilling pipe during tripping process
  • Ensure usage of proper safety equipment
  • Ability to follow directions, comply with company guidelines and work in a safe manner

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work safely and plan ahead
  • Leadership skill
  • Ability to work in a team setting
  • Strong communication skills
  • Good organizational skills
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Manual dexterity
  • Ability to judge distance and spatial relationships

Certifications and Licenses

· Valid certificates for Derrickhand position including but not limited to:

  • H2S Awareness
  • Aerial Work Platform
  • Fall Protection
  • First Aid
  • Respirator Fit Test
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Wheel Loader
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

What We Offer:

Benefits are an integral part of total employee compensation. We invest in offering affordable programs for you and your family including:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan

#ZR

Company Description

Benefits are an integral part of total employee compensation and providing quality benefits is a high priority at Stoneham. We invest in offering affordable programs for you and your family including:
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
401(k) Savings Plan

Apply