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Drilling Rig Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL

$30 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

Driver & Civil Technician I

Carol Stream, IL

$26 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our services include construction management, electrical and civil modernization, antenna and line ... MN, SD, ND, IA) * Drop off materials, then pick up and load materials * Assist drilling and ...

Driver & Civil Technician I

Carol Stream, IL

$26 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our services include construction management, electrical and civil modernization, antenna and line ... MN, SD, ND, IA) * Drop off materials, then pick up and load materials * Assist drilling and ...

Driver & Civil Technician I

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our services include construction management, electrical and civil modernization, antenna and line ... MN, SD, ND, IA) * Drop off materials, then pick up and load materials * Assist drilling and ...

Driver & Civil Technician I

Carol Stream, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our services include construction management, electrical and civil modernization, antenna and line ... MN, SD, ND, IA) * Drop off materials, then pick up and load materials * Assist drilling and ...

Scaffold Foreman

IL

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal ...

Scaffold Foreman

IL · On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal ...

Scaffold Builder

IL

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal ...

Scaffold Foreman

IL

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal ...

Scaffold Builder

IL · On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal ...

Scaffold Builder

IL

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal ...

Drilling Rig Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do drilling rig manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig manager in Chicago, IL is $25.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $35.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drilling rig manager?

A Drilling Rig Manager oversees the entire drilling operation, ensuring all processes run safely, efficiently, and according to schedule. Daily tasks include coordinating with drilling crews, monitoring rig performance data, enforcing safety protocols, and troubleshooting operational issues as they arise. The role also involves regular communication with on-site supervisors, engineers, and company representatives to align operational goals. This hands-on management ensures that drilling targets are met while maintaining high standards of safety and productivity.

What is a drilling rig manager?

A Drilling Rig Manager oversees the daily operations of a drilling rig, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. They manage personnel, coordinate drilling activities, and troubleshoot operational challenges. Additionally, they communicate with company representatives, monitor budgets, and ensure that drilling projects stay on schedule. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drilling rig manager position?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Manager, you need extensive knowledge of drilling operations, health and safety regulations, and proven experience in oil and gas field management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and certifications like IWCF or IADC Well Control. Familiarity with drilling management software, rig instrumentation systems, and advanced safety compliance tools is typically required. Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and effective communication skills are essential for managing diverse teams and responding to unforeseen challenges. These competencies ensure operational efficiency, strict adherence to safety standards, and successful delivery of drilling projects.

How do you become a drilling rig manager?

To become a drilling rig manager, individuals typically need a combination of experience in drilling operations, often starting as a roustabout or roughneck, and advanced technical knowledge of drilling equipment and safety procedures. Many employers prefer candidates with a relevant technical degree or certification, such as Well Control or Drilling Engineering, and strong leadership skills to oversee crews and operations effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Drilling Rig Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Drilling Rig Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,365 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Geotechnical Driller (Operating Engineer)

Schnabel

Cary, IL • On-site

$34.05 - $50/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

THE COMPANY:

Schnabel is a nationally recognized specialty contractor with over 65 years of experience in geostructural design-build and underground construction. With a portfolio of thousands of successful projects across the country, we are known for delivering smart, safe, and cost-effective solutions to complex engineering challenges. We specialize in advanced earth retention systems and other innovative geostructural techniques that create stable, lasting foundations for buildings, infrastructure, and other critical structures. At Schnabel, we combine technical expertise with a hands-on approach to ensure every project starts on solid ground.

ROLE:

Schnabel is seeking an Operating Engineer to assist with the building of specialty underground structures. Our goal is to find a Geotechnical Drill Operator or equipment operator with experience in the safe operation of tieback and micropile drills (Klemm, Comacchio, Hutte) related to geotechnical construction. Heavy preference to those that can operate vertical drill rigs (Bauer / Liebherr).

As a driller you will work with your project manager and field supervisor to install tieback anchors, soldier beams, micropiles, and more.

Our typical scope of work includes installation of piles, lagging, walers, tiebacks, and braces for support of excavation projects. We also take on challenging projects with underpinning, grouting, tunneling, and unique structural support as part of our scope. Candidates having direct construction experience and familiarity with our company’s traditional scope of work are preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Be responsible for safe and proper operation or drill rigs and associated equipment.
  • Follow all of Schnabel’s safety regulations.
  • Complete inspection and maintenance logs, and documentation as required.
  • Record drilling parameters, production data, and daily progress reports, while maintaining open and clear communication to job site supervisor.
  • Clean drill rigs, trucks, and equipment.
  • Clear and maintain a clean work environment without debris or potential hazards.
  • Work closely with site leadership to ensure that scope of work is being met within a timely schedule and meeting production rates.
  • Manage your scope of work appropriately to minimize job cost.
  • Always wear appropriate PPE, as assigned by job site supervisor.
  • Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and dust.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum of 2 years of documented experience operating drill rigs proficiently.
  • High level of focus in a construction environment that is very busy and noisy.
  • Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.
  • Focus, stand, walk, kneel, climb, bend, and work from heights or within confined space during assigned shift.
  • Ability to pass pre-employment drug test.
  • Local and regional travel as required for projects.
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds of materials over rough terrain.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a safe driving record.
  • Follow all safety procedures, use proper protective equipment, and help maintain a safe job site by identifying and reporting potential hazards.

SAFETY:

Support the company’s safety and risk management objectives by adhering to established procedures, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, and contributing to the achievement of safety goals through the use of metrics and continuous improvement efforts.

Don’t hurt yourself, don’t hurt anyone else, and don’t let anyone hurt you; a simple philosophy that has been adopted at Schnabel. We live by this belief to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees and subcontractors.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Ranges $34.05 - $50.00+ per hour

Schnabel is a union contractor and as such, your benefits are made available based on your union affiliation. Through hard work and reliability