ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drilling Rig Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX · On-site

... 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 ...

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX · On-site

... 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 ...

Western Energy Services Corp.

Floorhand

Williston, ND · On-site

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 ...

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

COLORADO FLOORHAND I

Fruita, CO · On-site

... 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 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

NORTH DAKOTA FLOORHAND I

Williston, ND · On-site

... 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

ETX FIELD.FLOORHAND I

Tyler, TX · On-site

... 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-site

... 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

STX-FIELD.FLOORHAND I

Alice, 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDrilling Rig Hand Jobs

Drilling Rig Hand information

See salary details

$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.
Floorhand

Floorhand

Lewis Energy Group

Encinal, TX • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

Lewis Energy Group rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 75 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Overview
Summary:
Serves in entry-level capacity on drilling crew under immediate supervision of Driller and receiving direction from Derrickman and Motorman. Supports drilling rig set up, operation and dismantling. Racks and move tubulars and makes up and breaks out drill string in absence of automated equipment. Dopes threads and inspects drill string. Maintains tools and equipment and performs housekeeping around rig. Relieves Derrickman or Motorman, as assigned, to gain experience for promotion.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assists in drilling rig erection (rig up) and dismantling (rig down). Inspects, places, assembles, pins, bolts and levels components to prepare rig for drilling operations. May install substructure, rig floor, derrick, handrails, guardrails, stairs, walkways, ladders, hoisting systems, rotating systems, power systems, circulating systems and auxiliary equipment using 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 from trucks onto racks, secure with chocks or pins and move from rack and catwalk up ramp and through V-door to derrick, using catline, air hoist or hydraulic winch, in absence of automated pipe handling equipment.
  • Makes up (trips in or runs) and breaks out (trips out or pulls) drill string. Sets and removes slips. Maneuvers suspended tubulars using floor tugger when rig is not top drive-equipped, doping threads, stabbing into drill stem and unlatching pipe elevator while tripping in or latching pipe elevator and stacking in derrick while tripping out. Latches power tongs above and below tool joints in absence of top drive, operating controls to spin and torque tool joints, then releasing tongs. Dopes threads only when top drive is used, latching single backup tong to prevent rotation of drill string as connections are being made, subsequently releasing tong.
    Visually inspects drill string and reports washouts, excessive wear, joint or thread damage.
  • Maintains tool room inventory and performs minor maintenance on tools and equipment. Inspects tongs, greasing and replacing dies as needed. Checks and replaces snub lines, break out lines, chains, hanging lines and counterweight assembly as required.
  • Performs housekeeping around rig, keeping rig floor clean and clear of tools after each trip. Washes down blowout preventers and keeps shale shaker and de-sander clean when in use. Chips, scrapes and paints rig components and equipment as required.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education
Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
Minimum 2 years recent oilfield, heavy construction, mining, farming, ranching or military work experience requiring significant, sustained physical effort and mental alertness over full course of extended workdays in all weather conditions.
Other Requirements
Ability to read and write.
Capability to work and communicate effectively in team environment.
Familiarity with function, safe use and basic maintenance of variety of machines and tools.
Valid driver's license.
Physical Demands
Regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; taste or smell; and talk or hear. Frequently required to lift or exert force up to 100 pounds. Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Regularly exposed to wet or humid non-weather conditions; moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions; and vibration. Noise level in work environment usually is loud.

What Lewis Energy Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply