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Drilling Rig Hand Jobs in Gilbert, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Drilling Reports to: Pulling Unit Superintendent Location: Florence AZ Job Summary The Pump Rig ... Prior supervisory or lead-hand experience preferred * Strong knowledge of pump rigs and pumping ...

Drilling Reports to : Pulling Unit Superintendent Location: Florence AZ Job Summary The Pump Rig ... Prior supervisory or lead-hand experience preferred * Strong knowledge of pump rigs and pumping ...

New

Drilling Reports to: Pulling Unit Superintendent Location: Florence AZ Job Summary The Pump Rig ... Prior supervisory or lead-hand experience preferred * Strong knowledge of pump rigs and pumping ...

Drilling Rig Hand information

See Gilbert, AZ salary details

$14

$24

$35

How much do drilling rig hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig hand in Gilbert, AZ is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $34.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Hand, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a basic understanding of drilling operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, hand and power tools, and sometimes certifications like H2S Alive or First Aid are commonly required. Strong teamwork, communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for working efficiently and safely on-site. These abilities are vital to ensure safety, operational efficiency, and the successful completion of drilling projects in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Drilling Rig Hands, and how can they be managed on the job?

Drilling Rig Hands often encounter physically demanding tasks, exposure to harsh weather, and long shifts that can extend beyond typical working hours. Maintaining safety is a top priority, as the work involves heavy machinery and potentially hazardous materials. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, since Rig Hands coordinate closely with other crew members to ensure smooth operations and prevent accidents. Adapting to changing conditions and staying attentive to safety protocols can help manage these challenges and contribute to a successful rig environment.

What are Drilling Rig Hands?

Drilling Rig Hands, often referred to as roughnecks, are entry-level workers on oil and gas drilling rigs. They are responsible for a variety of manual labor tasks such as handling drilling equipment, maintaining the rig, and assisting more experienced crew members with drilling operations. Rig Hands work in physically demanding environments and often follow strict safety protocols. Their work is essential to the smooth and efficient operation of drilling rigs. Over time, Rig Hands can advance to higher positions with experience and training.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig Hand vs Derrickhand?

AspectDrilling Rig HandDerrickhand
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, basic certificationsSimilar certifications, more specialized safety training
Work EnvironmentOn drilling rigs, outdoors, physically demandingOn drilling rigs, working in the derrick, physically demanding
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with equipment, maintenance, safety proceduresHandling drilling fluid, maintaining the derrick, assisting in drilling operations

The main difference between a Drilling Rig Hand and a Derrickhand lies in their specific roles on the rig. While both work in similar environments and require comparable certifications, Derrickhands focus more on managing drilling fluids and working in the derrick, whereas Drilling Rig Hands assist with general equipment and safety tasks. Both positions are essential for efficient drilling operations and often overlap in skills and training.

What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Hand jobs in Gilbert, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Hand jobs in Gilbert, AZ are:
What cities near Gilbert, AZ are hiring for Drilling Rig Hand jobs? Cities near Gilbert, AZ with the most Drilling Rig Hand job openings:

HDD Locator/Operator - Southwest Region (Arizona)

Hylan

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$24 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

HYLAN has an immediate opening for Horizontal Directional Drill Operator/Locator. HYLAN specializes in broadband, communications, and intelligent transport systems (ITS), distributed antenna systems (DAS), fiber optic network platforms, and wireless solutions. Our expertise includes underground construction, specializing in all outside plant construction activities including new technologies such as micro trenching, microfiber blowing, directional drilling, auger and jack boring capabilities.
HYLAN invites you to consider a rewarding opportunity within our Phoenix AZ office as an HDD Locator / Operator within the Construction Department working to accomplish company goals.
Responsibilities
  • Primary job duties will be operating and maintaining HDD equipment and locating bores, job functions will include general labor functions as directed by the project Foreman
  • Accountable to ensure accuracy related to tasks and follow all policies and procedures related to safety, quality and production

Qualifications
  • Must be 21 years old
  • CDL Class A driver license with tanker endorsement and clean driving record
  • Minimum 3-5 years' experience in locating and/or operating Vermeer and Ditch Witch horizontal directional drilling equipment
  • Must be proficient in DCI locating equipment and software or equivalent
  • Must be proficient in using various vacuum potholing equipment
  • Must have a keen sense of assessing good bore rig set up, down-hole tooling and fluid mixing prior to starting construction
  • Must be very safety conscientious and involved in new site Job Hazard Analysis - JHA's prior to starting construction
  • Must be well-organized in proper setup and bore planning methodology
  • Ensure safety in work areas at all times according to policies and procedures for all drilling rig operations
  • Must know rod and radius limitations, understand pulling and placing mud volume calculations
  • Will be required to operate tampers, jackhammers or misc. hand tools when needed will also work in the field with the crews completing work
  • Must be able to perform physical manual labor duties within the workday
  • Ensure that safety equipment is used properly at all times and that work is carried out in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Be able to follow company guidelines in regard to acceptable conduct when dealing with customers, fellow employees and the public.

This position is full-time with benefits
  • Medical benefit plans offered
  • Dental and Vision offered
  • Critical Illness offered
  • Flexible Spending Account offered
  • 401k Retirement offered
  • 3 Days sick pay (accrued)
  • 5 Days' holiday pay (accrued)
  • 5 Days' vacation pay (accrued)
  • Company provided life insurance; additional life insurance offered
  • Company provided long term disability

Candidates must be able to complete and pass a background check including a drug screen, DOT physical. HYLAN is an equal opportunity employer. EOEAA/M/F/Vets/Disabilities. We invite resumes from all interested parties including women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

HYLAN logo

About HYLAN

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Holmdel, NJ, US

Year founded

1960