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Drilling Rig Derrickman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expand Energy

Motorman

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$25 - $29.75/hr

Performs general repairs and maintenance on major and minor rig components * Assist the Assistant Driller (Derrickman) with mud-mixing duties * Perform emergency procedures * Ensure that work carried ...

Expand Energy

Motorman

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$25 - $29.75/hr

Performs general repairs and maintenance on major and minor rig components * Assist the Assistant Driller (Derrickman) with mud-mixing duties * Perform emergency procedures * Ensure that work carried ...

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Drilling Rig Derrickman information

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How much do drilling rig derrickman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig derrickman 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.

What is a drilling rig derrickman?

Drilling Rig Derrickmen are skilled workers responsible for handling the upper section of a drilling rig’s derrick during drilling operations. They guide drill pipe sections into and out of the wellbore, maintain drilling fluid systems, and ensure the safe running of drilling equipment above the rig floor. Derrickmen play a crucial role in the efficiency and safety of drilling operations, often working at significant heights and in challenging conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling rig derrickman?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Derrickman, you need strong physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of drilling operations, usually gained through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Familiarity with drilling mud systems, hoisting equipment, and safety protocols is essential, along with certifications like H2S and basic first aid. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring efficiency and safety on the rig. These skills are important to maintain well integrity, prevent accidents, and support the overall success of drilling operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a drilling rig derrickman, and how can they be managed effectively?

A Drilling Rig Derrickman often works at significant heights handling heavy drilling mud and pipe, which can be physically demanding and requires strict adherence to safety protocols. One of the main challenges is maintaining focus during long shifts in potentially harsh weather conditions, as well as ensuring clear communication with the driller and floorhands. Being proactive with equipment checks and following proper procedures reduces risk and helps maintain efficient operations. Building strong teamwork skills and staying current on safety training are essential for managing these challenges effectively.

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

AspectDrilling Rig DerrickmanDrilling Rig Floorhand
CertificationsBasic safety training, OSHA certificationsBasic safety training, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentWork on the drill floor, handling drill pipe and equipment at the derrickWork on the drill floor, assisting with equipment and maintaining the rig
ResponsibilitiesHandling drill pipe, maintaining the derrick, assisting in pipe rackingAssisting with equipment setup, cleaning, and general rig maintenance

The Drilling Rig Derrickman specializes in handling drill pipe and maintaining the derrick structure, working closely with the drill crew. The Drilling Rig Floorhand performs general tasks on the drill floor, supporting various operations. Both roles require safety certifications and work in the same environment, but the Derrickman has more specialized responsibilities related to the derrick and pipe handling.

How to become a drilling rig derrickman?

To become a drilling rig derrickman, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or experience in the oil and gas industry. Physical fitness, the ability to work in confined spaces, and familiarity with drilling equipment are important; some employers also require safety certifications such as OSHA training. Progression often involves gaining experience as a roustabout or roughneck before advancing to derrickman roles.
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Drilling Rig Derrickman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Derrickman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, and 80% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,259 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Motorman

Expand Energy

Morgantown, WV • On-site

$25 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Our core values - Stewardship, Character, Collaborate, Learn, Disrupt - are the lens through which we evaluate every business decision. As a dynamic, growing company that offers extremely competitive compensation and benefits, our employees are our most valued assets and the foundation of Expands performance among our E&P competitors.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We realize that, historically, underrepresented groups feel the need to be 100% qualified in order to apply. If you meet any combination of our requirements, we encourage you to apply. We strive to hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

Job Summary

Expand Energy is hiring for the Motorman position for our field operations team located in one of the following:  Ohio, West Virginia, or Louisiana.  
As a Motorman, you are primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling machinery and equipment. You will perform maintenance to the equipment and minor repairs in a safe and efficient manner under the direct supervision of the Driller. The Motorman assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform rig up and rig down activities as assigned
  • Perform "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of the blowout preventer stack
  • Performs general repairs and maintenance on major and minor rig components
  • Assist the Assistant Driller (Derrickman) with mud-mixing duties
  • Perform emergency procedures
  • Ensure that work carried out is in compliance with company policies and procedures and according to safety regulations
Job Specific Skills
  • Have strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Be able to clearly communicate with team members
  • Ability to work flexible work schedule, including long and/or irregular hours, weekends and holidays
  • Capability of working outdoors in all weather conditions: (hot, cold, dust, dirt, noise, etc.)
  • Working out-of-doors, where exposure to atmospheric conditions of extreme heat or cold, fumes, and gases are frequent.  Exposure to noise, vibration, high pressure, moving/mechanical parts, electrical shock, chemical and caustic materials is common in the normal performance of the duties associated with this position
  • The ability to push, lift, pull or carry equipment of up to 100 lbs
  • Physical ability to immediately respond to emergency situations
  • Reaching, climbing and balancing is required to climb flights of stairs, vertical ladders up to 140 feet high and reach and handle equipment.
  • To be on call 24 hours a day when needed
Education & Experience
  • High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent
  • Three (3) years prior experience in procedures associated with drilling a well
  • Minimum training requirements:  Health, Safety and Environment Orientation and Rig Specific Start Up Training, Well Control Certification, Supervisor Level, Drilling Only, and Horizontal and Extended Reach Drilling (HERDIT)
Additional Qualifications

Required to pass all pre-employment requirements including a physical demands, vision, and drug-screening test along with a thorough background and driving record check

Clean driving record

Expand Energy takes necessary action to ensure that all applicants are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Expand Energy Corporation's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

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