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Drilling Rig Hand Jobs in Tyler, TX (NOW HIRING)

... on the drilling rig floor. This includes the operation of tongs and use of drilling slips to ... as hand tools, sledge hammers and large pipe wrenches to maintain and repair equipment. The ...

ETX-FIELD.MECHANIC III

Tyler, TX

$23.50 - $32/hr

Installs, repairs and troubleshoots all aspects of various mechanical systems on the drilling rig ... Ensures that an adequate amount of spare parts are on hand at all time. Submits requisitions as ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Frequent use a variety of hand and power tools to perform a range of mechanically oriented ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Frequent use a variety of hand and power tools to perform a range of mechanically oriented ...

ETX-FIELD.MECHANIC III

Tyler, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Installs, repairs and troubleshoots all aspects of various mechanical systems on the drilling rig ... Ensures that an adequate amount of spare parts are on hand at all time. Submits requisitions as ...

... drilling rig. The Motorhand works under the direction of the Rig Manager. Nabors is a leading ... hand tools, including 16 lbs - 20 lbs sledge hammers, throughout the shift Must be able to lift 60 ...

Drilling Rig Hand information

See Tyler, TX salary details

$13

$23

$33

How much do drilling rig hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig hand in Tyler, TX is $23.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $32.16 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 are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig Hand jobs in Tyler, TX? For Drilling Rig Hand jobs in Tyler, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Hand jobs in Tyler, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Hand jobs in Tyler, TX are:
What cities near Tyler, TX are hiring for Drilling Rig Hand jobs? Cities near Tyler, TX with the most Drilling Rig Hand job openings:
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Hand job openings in Tyler, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,777 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


The Floorhand-s job is to safely and efficiently provide the manual labor required to operate the equipment on the drilling rig floor.- This includes the operation of tongs and use of drilling slips to assemble and disassemble drilling pipe and collars, operation of hoists to raise/lower equipment and personnel as well as hand tools, sledge hammers and large pipe wrenches to maintain and repair equipment.- The Floorhand participates in a variety of activities in repairing, maintaining and cleaning the rig equipment.- This may include chipping and painting, the physical movement of equipment, the mixing of chemicals and the greasing, oiling and washing of equipment, walls and floors.- The Floorhand performs these tasks under the close supervision of the Driller.-
Responsibilities
Understand the requirements of the Company Management System (to include policies, procedures, and expectations) and perform duties in accordance with them.Propose recommendations for improvements to the Company Management System or practices.Understand that everyone has the responsibility, authority, and obligation to interrupt an operation if a condition or behavior is observed which could cause harm to people, assets or the environment and act on understanding as required. (Stop work authority)Identify hazards in the workplace and report them to the Driller. Participate in pre-tour and pre-task meetings. Work under the direction of the Driller and/or Rig Manager. Perform maintenance and repairs on rig equipment as directed by the Driller.Work on the rig floor during tripping operations as directed by the Driller. Operate pipe handling equipment on the drilling location. Maintain good housekeeping on the drilling location to include rig components, offices and accommodations. Report incidents, equipment failures, system failures and abnormalities as per Company procedures. Train and mentor new Floorhands as they are assigned to the rig.
Qualifications
High School diploma or equivalent-
About Us
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.

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