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Drilling Rig Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Norton Energy Drilling

Floorhand

Lubbock, TX

Cleaning and performing maintenance work on the drilling rig * Assist in rigging down, moving and rigging up all parts of the rig * Miscellaneous tasks such as mixing mud, digging ditches and ...

Norton Energy Drilling

Floorhand

Lubbock, TX · On-site

Cleaning and performing maintenance work on the drilling rig * Assist in rigging down, moving and rigging up all parts of the rig * Miscellaneous tasks such as mixing mud, digging ditches and ...

Cyclone Drilling

Casing Position

Gillette, WY · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Connect CRT to drilling rig topdrive * Complete function test for CRT prior to running casing * Use various hand tools to make necessary adjustments or repairs to casing equipment to ensure proper ...

Norton Energy Drilling

Floorhand

Lubbock, TX · On-site

Cleaning and performing maintenance work on the drilling rig * Assist in rigging down, moving and rigging up all parts of the rig * Miscellaneous tasks such as mixing mud, digging ditches and ...

NABORS

WTX - FLOORHAND I

Odessa, TX

... 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 ...

Nabors Industries Limited

WTX - FLOORHAND I

Odessa, TX · On-site

... as hand tools, sledge hammers and large pipe wrenches to maintain and repair equipment.- The ... Work under the direction of the Driller and/or Rig Manager. Perform maintenance and repairs on rig ...

NABORS

COLORADO FLOORHAND I

Fruita, CO

... 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 ...

NABORS

WTX - FLOORHAND I

Odessa, TX

... 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 ...

Nabors Industries Limited

WTX - FLOORHAND I

Odessa, TX · On-site

... as hand tools, sledge hammers and large pipe wrenches to maintain and repair equipment.- The ... Work under the direction of the Driller and/or Rig Manager. Perform maintenance and repairs on rig ...

NABORS

ETX FIELD.FLOORHAND I

Tyler, TX

... 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 ...

NABORS

NORTH DAKOTA FLOORHAND

Williston, ND

... 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 ...

NABORS

WILLISTON FLOORHAND

Williston, ND

... 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 ...

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Drilling Rig Hand information

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$14

$24

$35

How much do drilling rig hand jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 15% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,762 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Controls and Automation Support Technician

Controls and Automation Support Technician

Patterson-UTI

Houston, TX • On-site

$28.75 - $37.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Job Description
The Controls and Automation Support Technician works with subject matter experts in the Controls and Automation department to support new products. Individuals hired into this role take part in a training program structured to make them experts in [system architecture, hardware, software, networking, remote access, etc.] in order to effectively support the Company's EcoCell battery energy storage technologies, Cortex automation platforms, and proprietary drilling rig control systems.
The Controls and Automation Support Technician serves as a primary member of technology product teams responsible for the design, development, commissioning and support of new controls and automation system technologies. They travel to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of controls related service and maintenance activities. Activities include servicing, repairing, troubleshooting, adjusting, testing, and downloading to drilling rig controls and automation systems. Additional duties include training and mentoring crews on EcoCell, Cortex, and drilling rig controls systems, coordinating software and hardware related updates on rigs, and providing appropriate feedback to the jobsite manager and Controls and Automation Manager.
Detailed Description:
  • Work with resident subject matter experts to become proficient in supporting new technology products
  • Perform controls and systems based inspections, services, and repairs on new technology products and drilling rig control systems
  • Update software and firmware on various types of PLC's, switches, routers, HMI's, VFD's, generator controls, and other components that comprise the drilling rig control systems
  • Install and commission new EcoCell, Cortex and drilling rig control systems
  • Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and systems based issues via phone and while onsite
  • Assist with development and conduct training with operational crews in preventative maintenance checks and services, including how to properly conduct basic and intermediate repairs
  • Test and diagnose electrical and electronic components and coordinate for the repair of the system or systems
  • Provide recommendations on product improvements and enhancements
  • Supervise maintenance related projects on the rig with the rig crew or third parties
  • Conduct inventories of critical hardware and work with third party vendors to keep minimum parts requirements
  • Assist with the development of critical spare and replacement parts listings
  • Remotely monitor issues and conduct root cause and trend analysis

Job Requirements:
  • Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor, hot/cold weather, etc.)
  • Ability to display core competencies of electrical theory
  • In depth knowledge and understanding of PLCs, VFDs, MCCs, HMIs, single- and 3-phrase systems, fiber optics, network systems, switches, etc.
  • Ability to utilize a variety of electrical-related tools (e.g. oscilloscopes, voltmeters, multi-meters, power meters, signal generators, frequency counters, etc.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and other technical documents
  • Ability to upload software configurations for PLCs and other controls-related systems
  • Must possess intermediate to advanced level computer skills with a proven ability to utilize Microsoft Office applications, e.g. MS Word, Power Point, Project, Visio, Excel, etc. and other MS software applications
  • Lift and carry 20 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to field and operational work areas
  • Limited to moderate use of a variety of hand and power tools to perform a range of mechanically and electrically oriented functions
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Accurately recall information over short and long term memory
  • Stay alert and focused, including during occasional extended work periods
  • Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to promptly give, and follow, directions when working with others
  • Physical ability to immediately respond to emergency situations
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times
  • Knowledge of oil and gas field components, including software and hardware
  • Established interpersonal skills including ability to interact productively with coworkers, customers, and 3rd parties
  • Proficiency with written and oral communication
  • Ability to regularly travel (50-75%) to visit work sites and support business units; may occasionally require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office hours

Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 2+ years relevant work experience with electrical and controls based systems (degree in related field may serve in leu of experience)
  • State-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive a Company vehicle, including ability to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a computer-/electrical-related field
  • Professional work experience with Omron/Amphion Controls
  • Experience with Yaskawa, GE, and ABB VFD systems
  • 3+ years' experience in oilfield services

Additional Details:
This position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. The Technician will be regularly exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located.
The Technician must work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties. They must be willing to work extended schedules that will include working days; and occasionally nights, weekends and holidays. Frequent travel to other Company offices and drilling rig work sites, often in remote locations, is required during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather), and employee will be expected to properly use designated personal protective equipment (PPE)
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Drill safer, smarter and faster with Patterson-UTI Drilling's comprehensive fleet of pad-capable rigs featuring advanced walking systems to enhance your operations so you can reach your apex.

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