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Drilling Rig Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Driller - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Driller

Odessa, TX · On-site

$40/hr

Region/Division Manager POSITION PURPOSE: Supervise the rig crews, monitor drilling operations, operate drilling equipment and report drilling operations to the Rig Manager. PRINCIPAL ...

US Driller

Williston, ND · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

... Rig Manager • Maintain an up to date record of drilling progress • Train new crew members • Ensure usage of proper safety equipment • Ability to comply with company guidelines and work in a ...

... the drilling rig. The Motorhand works under the direction of the Rig Manager. Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries ...

Driller - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Driller - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Driller - North Dakota & Wyoming

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

WTX - MOTORHAND I

Odessa, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... drilling rig. The Motorhand works under the direction of the Rig Manager. Responsibilities Perform regular rounds where he / she will look, listen and feel the equipment Anticipate problems that may ...

Reports any spills on pad to Rig Manager's office immediately- including oil, water, glycol, drilling mud, dry mud products, etc. * Notifies Rig Manager of any environmental non-compliances ...

Reports any spills on pad to Rig Manager's office immediately- including oil, water, glycol, drilling mud, dry mud products, etc. * Notifies Rig Manager of any environmental non-compliances ...

Driller - North Dakota & Wyoming

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Motorhand

Odessa, TX · On-site

$31/hr

Driller REVIEWING SUPERVISOR:Rig Manager POSITION PURPOSE:Monitor and report the general condition of rig equipment. Perform maintenance and repairs to rig equipment as directed by the Rig Manager ...

Showing results 41-60

Drilling Rig Manager information

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$24

$35

How much do drilling rig manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig manager 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 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.
More about Drilling Rig Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Drilling Rig Manager jobs? Cities with the most Drilling Rig Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs are:
What states have the most Drilling Rig Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Drilling Rig Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,762 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Driller - Oklahoma

Patterson-UTI

El Reno, OK • On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


The Driller is responsible for monitoring well conditions and drilling parameters. Additional responsibilities include delegating tasks to Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhands based on drilling activities. The Driller must be able to communicate with a variety of employees and third parties including Customer representatives and Directional Driller.
Key Relevant Tasks
  • Oversee all drilling activities and monitor rig employees and third parties that are working on, entering or exiting rig floor
  • Follow established plan for drilling operations
  • Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters
  • Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees
  • Ensure regular maintenance of all equipment and machinery
  • Assist Rig Manager with preventing and solving problems to keep the rig operational
  • Communicate with Rig Manager, Company Man, and Directional Driller as necessary
  • Responsible for well control
  • General upkeep and housekeeping of the Driller's cabin
  • Maintain daily logs of drilling activities
  • Direct other rig employees and assist with rig up / down procedures
  • Support other crew members as needed, ensure compliance with safety procedures, and other additional tasks as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Able to use a computer and multiple screens to monitor drilling activities.
  • Have an understanding of down hole operations and daily operations to be able to give instructions to hands
  • Able to use a calculator, standard formulas, and basic math for well control calculations

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced education (college, trade school, etc....)
  • Prior experience working as a Driller with PTEN
  • Prior experience with running Amphion and Omron dual joystick rigs

Certifications: Well Control
Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct work activities of other rig employees and third parties.
Work Environment
This position requires the Driller to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80° to low 100° with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20°. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as -40°.
The Driller must work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties. They must be able to work closely with others as they will work together in the confined area of the drilling rig and may choose to live together in crew quarters. They must be willing to work a hitch, which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays.

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