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Drilling Rig Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Nabors Industries Limited

WTX - DRILLER I

Odessa, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Responsible for monitoring the progress of the drilling operation, determine when bits need to be changed while operating pumps, rotary table, draw-works and drill pipe. * Ability to operate rig ...

NABORS

WTX - DRILLER I

Odessa, TX · On-site

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

Responsible for monitoring the progress of the drilling operation, determine when bits need to be changed while operating pumps, rotary table, draw-works and drill pipe. * Ability to operate rig ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

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) * Ability ...

Nabors Industries Limited

ETX FIELD. DRILLER I

Tyler, TX · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Responsible for monitoring the progress of the drilling operation, determine when bits need to be changed while operating pumps, rotary table, draw-works and drill pipe. * Ability to operate rig ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

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) * Ability ...

NABORS

ETX FIELD. DRILLER I

Tyler, TX · On-site

Responsible for monitoring the progress of the drilling operation, determine when bits need to be changed while operating pumps, rotary table, draw-works and drill pipe. * Ability to operate rig ...

AKITA Drilling

Floorhand

Midland, TX · On-site

$28/hr

... and operating rig equipment. There may be times when the employee is required to perform tasks other than those specified here. The Floorhand works under the close supervision of the Driller, but ...

AKITA Drilling

Motorhand

Midland, TX · On-site

$29/hr

... drilling rig service provider that works with leading operators around the world. We pride ourselves on building relationships with our clients and see every project as a partnership. Our goal at ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

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) * Ability ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

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) * Ability ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig Operator JobsDrilling Rig Operator Jobs in Texas

Drilling Rig Operator information

See Texas salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do drilling rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig operator in Texas is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Drilling Rig Operators, and how can they be managed effectively on the job?

Drilling Rig Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and strict safety regulations. Managing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication with the team. Staying vigilant about safety procedures and participating in regular maintenance checks can help prevent accidents and downtime. Additionally, collaborating closely with engineers, geologists, and other crew members is essential for ensuring efficient and safe drilling operations.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig Operator vs Derrickhand?

AspectDrilling Rig OperatorDerrickhand
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, basic rigging and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn drilling rigs, operating machineryOn drilling rigs, managing mud systems and equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating drilling equipment, monitoring drilling processHandling drilling mud, maintaining equipment in the derrick

Drilling Rig Operators and Derrickhands both work on drilling rigs and require safety certifications. While Drilling Rig Operators focus on operating the drilling machinery, Derrickhands primarily manage mud systems and assist with equipment maintenance. Both roles are essential in the drilling process and share similar work environments, but their specific responsibilities differ.

What does a Drilling Rig Operator do?

A Drilling Rig Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the machinery used to drill holes for oil, gas, or other materials underground. They oversee the drilling process, monitor equipment performance, and ensure safety protocols are followed on the drilling site. Drilling Rig Operators also troubleshoot issues, coordinate with team members, and keep detailed records of drilling operations. Their work is vital for the energy industry and requires physical stamina, technical knowledge, and attention to safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drilling Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, a solid understanding of drilling processes, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training or industry certifications. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety protocols, and control systems like SCADA is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for operating complex machinery safely, minimizing downtime, and maintaining productivity in demanding field environments.
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig Operator jobs in Texas? For Drilling Rig Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Operator jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Operator jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Drilling Rig Operator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Drilling Rig Operator job openings:
Drilling Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Operator job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 89% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,345 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Category Manager, Drilling Rigs

Category Manager, Drilling Rigs

Fervo Energy Company

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Fervo is building the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world, and drilling is where that cost competitiveness is won or lost. Rig selection, contract structure, and supplier performance have a direct impact on well cost and schedule, making the Category Manager for Drilling Rigs one of the most commercially consequential roles in the supply chain organization.
The Category Manager, Drilling Rigs will report to the Director of Supply Chain and own the full category lifecycle for onshore drilling rigs, from strategy development through contract execution and ongoing supplier performance management. This role requires deep expertise in rig contracting, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to work closely with drilling engineering and field operations teams in a fast-paced environment.
The Category Manager, Drilling Rigs will develop and execute the sourcing strategy for Fervo's onshore drilling rig fleet, managing supplier relationships, leading commercial negotiations, and ensuring that rig contracts are structured to deliver cost, performance, and operational reliability. This role sits at the intersection of supply chain and drilling operations, requiring both category expertise and a practical understanding of how rigs perform in the field.
Success in this position means having the right rigs under the right commercial terms, with suppliers that are held accountable to performance standards and continuously improving. The Category Manager will be expected to drive measurable cost savings and value creation while building category strategies that support Fervo's long-term drilling program.
Requirements
Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Sourcing
  • Own the category strategy for onshore drilling rigs including long-term sourcing models, supplier portfolio management, and 3 to 5 year category plans aligned with drilling program forecasts and corporate objectives.
  • Manage the full category lifecycle from strategy development through RFP execution, commercial evaluation, award, and contract execution.
  • Identify and deliver opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value creation across the rig category.

Commercial Strategy & Contract Negotiation
  • Lead development and negotiation of complex, multi-year, multi-rig agreements with top-tier drilling contractors, including performance-based structures tied to ROP, NPT reduction, and rig uptime.
  • Evaluate and implement advanced commercial models including incentive and penalty structures, integrated service arrangements, and index-based pricing mechanisms.
  • Drive standardization of contract frameworks to increase execution speed and flexibility across the drilling program.

Supplier Performance Management
  • Define and track category-level KPIs including cost per foot, cost per well, rate of penetration, non-productive time, and rig uptime and utilization.
  • Conduct regular business reviews with drilling contractors to drive continuous improvement, address performance gaps, and surface opportunities for operational efficiency.
  • Partner with drilling engineers, field operations, and digital teams to validate supplier performance in the field and identify opportunities to improve drilling outcomes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Digital Integration
  • Work closely with drilling engineering, field operations, finance, and legal to align sourcing strategies with program schedules, well designs, and budget requirements.
  • Partner with drilling and digital teams to ensure rig suppliers meet data-sharing and interoperability requirements, including real-time drilling data integration and automation technology compatibility.
  • Embed data-driven decision-making into sourcing evaluation, contract management, and ongoing performance oversight.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field
  • 10 or more years of experience in upstream oil and gas with deep exposure to rig contracting and drilling services category management
  • Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing drilling rig contracts across multiple suppliers and operating environments
  • Strong knowledge of onshore drilling operations, rig performance metrics, and drilling contractor commercial models
  • Experience with unconventional or high-volume drilling programs such as Permian or Eagle Ford operations
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate complex commercial issues clearly to senior stakeholders

Preferred
  • Experience supporting geothermal, directional, or technically complex drilling programs
  • Familiarity with performance-based contracting models, integrated service arrangements, or digital rig technologies
  • Self-starter with a track record of developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives with measurable outcomes
  • Ability to influence senior leaders through well-structured written and verbal communication

Location
Fervo Energy is headquartered in Houston, TX. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at the Houston location will be required. Although office based, some travel to Fervo operational sites may be required.

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