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Drilling Rig Derrickhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NABORS

ETX FIELD.DERRICKHAND I

Tyler, TX

The Derrickhand works under the direction / supervision of the Driller, but reports directly to the Rig Manager. Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With ...

NABORS

NORTH DAKOTA DERRICKHAND I

Williston, ND

The Derrickhand works under the direction / supervision of the Driller, but reports directly to the Rig Manager. Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With ...

Highlands Drilling LLC

Driller

Weston, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Rig Manager Responsibilities: * Operating and monitoring the essential systems of the drilling rig ... Previous experience working as a righand and as a derrickhand * Previous experience in a high paced ...

Nabors Industries Limited

WTX - DRILLER I

Odessa, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year experience as a Driller for another drilling company. * Strong knowledge of the Floorhand, Motorhand ...

NABORS

WTX - DRILLER I

Odessa, TX

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year experience as a Driller for another drilling company. * Strong knowledge of the Floorhand, Motorhand ...

NABORS

WTX - MOTORHAND I

Odessa, TX · On-site

... and Derrickhand during rig up / down procedures Provide relief on the drill floor for the Floorhands, and when trained the Derrickhand and Driller Operate the forklift to offload / back load ...

NABORS

NORTH DAKOTA DRILLER I

Williston, ND · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year experience as a Driller for another drilling company. * Strong knowledge of the Floorhand, Motorhand ...

Nabors Industries Limited

NORTH DAKOTA DRILLER I

Williston, ND · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year experience as a Driller for another drilling company. * Strong knowledge of the Floorhand, Motorhand ...

Nabors Industries Limited

ETX FIELD. DRILLER I

Tyler, TX · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year experience as a Driller for another drilling company. * Strong knowledge of the Floorhand, Motorhand ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Permian Basin

Midland, TX

$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 ...

NABORS

ETX FIELD. DRILLER I

Tyler, TX

Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year experience as a Driller for another drilling company. * Strong knowledge of the Floorhand, Motorhand ...

Patterson-UTI

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

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 ...

Coastal Well Service LLC

Driller

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Operating and monitoring the essential systems of the drilling rig including: the hoisting, well ... Previous drilling experience in the oil/gas industry * 2+ years of previous derrickhand experience ...

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Drilling Rig Derrickhand information

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How much do drilling rig derrickhand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 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.

How to become a derrick hand?

To become a drilling rig derrickhand, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working on drilling rigs or in related roles. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with drilling equipment, safety protocols, and physical stamina are essential; some employers may require certifications such as OSHA safety training. Advancement often involves gaining experience and technical skills to move into supervisory or specialized positions.

How much do Derrick hands make on oil rigs?

Derrick hands on oil rigs typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working in high-cost regions earning higher wages. Compensation often includes overtime pay, benefits, and opportunities for additional certifications that can increase earnings.

What does a derrickhand do on an oil rig?

A derrickhand on an oil rig is responsible for assisting with the operation and maintenance of the drilling equipment, including handling drill pipe and ensuring the smooth flow of operations. They monitor equipment, perform safety checks, and work closely with other crew members to support drilling activities, often working in physically demanding environments and requiring safety certifications. The role requires knowledge of drilling procedures and the use of specialized tools.

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.

What is the highest paying oil rig job?

The highest paying oil rig job is typically that of a drilling engineer or a toolpusher, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. Derrickhands, who handle equipment and assist with drilling operations, also earn competitive wages, especially with experience and certifications. Advanced roles requiring specialized skills and certifications tend to offer the highest compensation in the industry.
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Drilling Rig Derrickhand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Derrickhand job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 42% Physical, 23% Hybrid, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,762 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

ETX FIELD.DERRICKHAND I

NABORS

Tyler, TX

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Derrickhand is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and support function of the mud module (sack area, mud pumps and mud pit / shakers). The Derrickhand works under the direction / supervision of the Driller, but reports directly to the Rig Manager. Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry.

With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.Ability to perform essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations. Minimum of 3 years rig experience as a Floorhand or Motorhand for Nabors or 1 year of experience as a Derrickhand for another drilling Preventive maintenance and general repairs to the mud pumps and associated equipment including changing out the mud pump liners, as requested by the Driller or the Mud Engineer Ensuring the chemicals and mud mixture (properties) is of sufficient type and quantity to meet the needs of the drilling operations Direct and supervise the Floorhand assigned to assist with the sack handling or the shakers Perform the general housekeeping, maintenance and upkeep of the equipment in the chemical / mud pits / mud pumps Assisting the Driller with raising and lower drill pipe in and out the hole during tripping operations Essential Functions Must have good short and long term memory and the mental stamina to stay alert and attentive for up to 12 hour tour Able to works 7 or 14 days on and 7 or 14 days off, including holidays, weekends and or days and nights Must be able to respond to instructions from the Mud Engineer, Driller or Rig Manager in an efficient manner Regularly weigh the mud, analyze the viscosity and measure barrels gained or loss every half hour Must be able to repetitively climb stairs and ladders as well as be able to work while suspended upwards of 90 feet above the rig floor in a riding belt

Must be comfortable working 140+ feet above the rig floor Must be able to stand and walk for a minimum of 4 hours at any one time, including standing and walking on steel decking as well as gravel, board roads and mud, snow and ice Repetitively lift and carry items weighing upwards of 60 lbs up and down stairs. Repetitively swing 20 lbs sledge hammers as well as torque on wrenches /open /close valves requiring upwards of 160 lbs of torque Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift while wearing Personal Protective Equipment at all time Assist the Rig Manager with trouble shooting and problem solving duties and decisive manner Working above the drilling floor, on the monkey board, guiding the drill pipe during the tripping-in/tripping-out process, ensuring to wear proper safety equipment Other duties as required by the Rig Manager

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