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Drilling Rig Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stoneham Drilling

Floorhand

Williston, ND · On-site

$34/hr

Safety is the first priority for all drilling rig personnel. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * General maintenance of drilling rig * Operate and maintain the engines that run the draw works ...

Stoneham Drilling

Floorhand

Williston, ND · On-site

$34/hr

Safety is the first priority for all drilling rig personnel. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * General maintenance of drilling rig * Operate and maintain the engines that run the draw works ...

Stoneham Drilling

Floorhand

Williston, ND · On-site

$34/hr

Safety is the first priority for all drilling rig personnel. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * General maintenance of drilling rig * Operate and maintain the engines that run the draw works ...

Warren Drilling

Crane Rigger

Dexter City, OH · On-site

Attach loads to crane rigging appropriately for lifting and placing drilling rig components and ... Signal/communicate with crane operator using proper hand signals and or radio. * Assist in rigging ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

... 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 ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

... 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 ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

... 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 ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

... 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 ...

Plants and Goodwin, Inc.

Derrickman

Lore City, OH

Daily operation of the workover rig and support equipment * Assist in the mobilization and rigging up and down of the workover rig * Operating of the tongs and slips to connect and dis-connect drill ...

Calista Corporation

Floorhand

Anchorage, AK · On-site

General upkeep of drilling rig mechanical equipment. * Handles equipment and pipe on rig floor ... Performs many job functions relating to the use of the hand tools, pipe wrenches and power tongs.

Plants and Goodwin, Inc.

Derrickman

Lore City, OH · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Daily operation of the workover rig and support equipment * Assist in the mobilization and rigging up and down of the workover rig * Operating of the tongs and slips to connect and dis-connect drill ...

Calista Corporation

Floorhand

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

General upkeep of drilling rig mechanical equipment. * Handles equipment and pipe on rig floor ... Performs many job functions relating to the use of the hand tools, pipe wrenches and power tongs.

Plants and Goodwin, Inc.

Derrickman

Lore City, OH · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Daily operation of the workover rig and support equipment * Assist in the mobilization and rigging up and down of the workover rig * Operating of the tongs and slips to connect and dis-connect drill ...

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX

... hand and power tools under direction of senior drilling crew members. Reverses process to dismantle rig for storage and portability after production casing is run and cemented. * May unload tubulars ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig Hand Jobs

Drilling Rig Hand information

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$14

$24

$35

How much do drilling rig hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig hand 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 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.

More about Drilling Rig Hand jobs
What cities are hiring for Drilling Rig Hand jobs? Cities with the most Drilling Rig Hand job openings:
What states have the most Drilling Rig Hand jobs? States with the most job openings for Drilling Rig Hand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Hand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Hand jobs are:
Drilling Rig Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Hand job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,762 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Cathodic Protection/Water Well Driller

Cathodic Protection/Water Well Driller

WBI Energy

Billings, MT • On-site

$34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Responsible for cathodic well drilling operations and equipment associated with drilling and hoisting. Responsible for placing safety as #1 priority in day-to-day work routine for self and others.
Opportunity for a $15,000 sign on bonus for successful hires!
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two years of experience as Assistant Driller/Rig Hand on 1500 drill rig, casing drilling, lost circulation control, and safety monitoring equipment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Must take all measures necessary to protect networks, devices, programs and data from cyber-attack, damage or unauthorized access.
  • Must have a Class A Commercial Driver's License with air brake and tanker endorsements.
  • Extensive travel is required (100%).
  • Performing extensive physical labor is a requirement of this position.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, no sponsorships considered.
  • Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES
  • Oversee the drill crew during drilling operations.
  • Operate drilling machinery/equipment used for drilling cathodic wells and ensures their safe, efficient operating condition.
  • Complete written reports, logs, and records to fulfill statutory, company and/or client requirements.
  • Solve normal drilling related problems and take necessary corrective action.
  • Perform any special tasks that may be assigned which will contribute to the achievement of the Company's strategic objectives.

Starting Wage - $34.00 per hour
To view our comprehensive and competitive benefits package, click here.
Energizing Lives for a Better Tomorrow
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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