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Drilling Rig Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Drilling Advisor

Houston, TX · On-site

Work with drillers, rig managers, directional drillers, and/or operator real-time centers to maximize drilling performance on Patterson rigs. * Visit rig sites and work directly with drillers and/or ...

Patterson-UTI

Drilling Advisor

Houston, TX · On-site

Work with drillers, rig managers, directional drillers, and/or operator real-time centers to maximize drilling performance on Patterson rigs. * Visit rig sites and work directly with drillers and/or ...

ensignenergy

USS - PLC Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$30 - $37.25/hr

This position reports directly to the Drilling Solutions Operations Manager. • Work and interface ... rig-drilling locations. • Work with internal and external teams to deliver a world-class rig ...

Ensign Energy

USS - PLC Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$30 - $37.25/hr

This position reports directly to the Drilling Solutions Operations Manager. • Work and interface ... rig-drilling locations. • Work with internal and external teams to deliver a world-class rig ...

NABORS

*Rig Equipment Support Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Experience with drilling rig operations and equipment is required. The ability to gather ... Technicians will manage the issue from beginning to end, working with other departments, until ...

StaffMode

Oilfield Pad Crew - Local

Houston, TX · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Pay: $20/hr to start Boilermaker experience or Drilling rig experience is preferred Overview ... Teamwork with crew, management, third parties * Maintain forklift/man lift certifications * Basic ...

StaffMode

Oilfield Pad Crew - Local

Houston, TX

$20 - $22/hr

Pay: $20/hr to start Boilermaker experience or Drilling rig experience is preferred Overview ... Teamwork with crew, management, third parties * Maintain forklift/man lift certifications * Basic ...

NABORS

Automation Engineer III

Houston, TX

This role requires a strong understanding of drilling rig equipment and process, PLC hardware and ... Time management TECHNICAL COMPENTENCIES * PLC : C++, RSlogix 5000, SLC 500, Omrom, Wago. * HMI:

NOV, Inc.

Project Manager, Automation Performance

Houston, TX · On-site

$87K - $114K/yr

NOV Rig Technologies makes and supports the world's most advanced drilling solutions. To learn more ... Minimum of 5 years of project management experience. * PMP certification preferred. * Bachelor ...

NOV, Inc.

Project Manager, Automation Performance

Houston, TX · On-site

$87K - $114K/yr

NOV Rig Technologies makes and supports the world's most advanced drilling solutions. To learn more ... Minimum of 5 years of project management experience. * PMP certification preferred. * Bachelor ...

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Drilling Rig Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do drilling rig manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig manager in Houston, TX is $24.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $33.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a rig manager?

To become a drilling rig manager, individuals typically need several years of experience working in the oil and gas industry, often starting as a roustabout, roughneck, or driller. They should acquire relevant certifications such as Well Control or HSE training and develop strong leadership, technical, and safety skills. Advancement usually involves gaining hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and demonstrating the ability to oversee drilling operations efficiently.

What is the salary of a rig manager?

A drilling rig manager's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drilling operations. Experienced managers with certifications and technical skills tend to earn higher wages, often supplemented with overtime and bonuses.

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 job?

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, and why are they important?

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 much does a drill rig manager make?

A drill rig manager typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drilling operations. They oversee drilling crews, ensure safety protocols, and manage equipment, often requiring certifications and strong leadership skills.

What is the highest paid position on an oil rig?

On an oil rig, the highest paid position is typically the Drilling Superintendent or Rig Manager, especially in senior roles overseeing operations. However, specialized roles such as drilling engineers or company executives can also command higher salaries depending on experience and location. These positions often require extensive technical knowledge, certifications, and leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Houston, TX? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Houston, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig Manager jobs in Houston, TX? For Drilling Rig Manager jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Manager jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Manager jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Drilling Rig Manager jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Drilling Rig Manager job openings:
Drilling Rig Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,151 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Drilling Advisor

Patterson-UTI

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Detailed Description:

  • Work with drillers, rig managers, directional drillers, and/or operator real-time centers to maximize drilling performance on Patterson rigs.

  • Visit rig sites and work directly with drillers and/or directional drillers to coach on company's/operator's standard practices and technology utilization.

  • Communicate learnings from the field back into the organization.

  • Document performance improvements (using EDR data, rig sensor data, third party data).

  • Work with operations personnel to identify areas for performance improvement

  • Coach and train drillers on rig control systems and performance opportunities

  • This job will be a rotational based job

Job Requirements:

  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and working on multiple projects simultaneously to meet challenging deadlines.

  • Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to promptly give and follow directions when working with others.

  • Excellent soft skills to get buy-in from operations and customers.

  • Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites including regular walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during various weather conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather).

  • Ability to proficiently use MS Office Suite to develop presentations, correspondence, reports, and schedules (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

  • Physical ability to:

  • Lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces

  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to the field and operational work areas.

  • Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and or machinery problems.

  • Stay alert and focused including during occasional extended work periods.

  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around the work environment with many moving objects including overhead machinery.

  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times.

  • Ability to regularly travel as needed to visit worksites and support business units; may require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area.

  • Ability to work on weekends and be on call after hours as needed.

  • Travel to districts to working with operations personnel.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • 5+ years' experience in the drilling industry

  • 2+ years in the field as a driller and/or directional driller

  • Working knowledge of multiple basins within US Land Shale Plays

  • Eligible to drive Company or personal vehicle for Company purposes including ability to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy.

Additional Details:

This position requires the person to be able to work in a time sensitive, high visibility role and regularly travel as needed to support business units and to visit work sites. The Drilling Advisor will be required to travel to and work in remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) during variable hours. Variable work hours include hours worked on the weekend, on holidays, and hours travelling within and outside of the assigned region. The Drilling Advisor must work with an emphasis on planning, multitasking, and prioritization to maximize efficiency of the team. Must be able to work closely with others and manage customer interaction in a professional manner. Ability to safely navigate work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, working at heights, etc., during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather) and while utilizing designated personal protective equipment (PPE).

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