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Drilling Rig Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calista Corporation

Driller

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

... workover or drilling rig efficiently. Will be required to have a current IADC Well Control ... Supervises workers to ensure they are following the proper job procedures and equipment operating ...

Patterson-UTI

Rig Manager - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

The Rig Manager is responsible for every aspect of daily rig operations and supervises all employees working on the rig as well as drilling activities and rig equipment. This includes compliance with ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK

$19.75 - $27/hr

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

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 ...

AKITA Drilling

Motorhand

Glasgow, MT · On-site

$34/hr

... safe working practices and conditions Reports immediately any incident or accident Attends daily ... drilling rig service provider that works with leading operators around the world. We pride ...

Parker Drilling

TRS Technician II

Kenai, AK

$37K - $37K/yr

Have a working knowledge of the basics and functionality of Tubular Running Service (TRS) Manual ... Rig up, run, and rig down various components on a drilling rig. * Communicate clearly and ...

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Drilling Rig Worker information

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$13

$22

$40

How much do drilling rig worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig worker in the United States is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig Worker vs Drilling Rig Operator?

AspectDrilling Rig WorkerDrilling Rig Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, physically demandingOperates drilling equipment, supervises operations
Job RoleAssists with rig setup, maintenance, and support tasksControls and monitors drilling machinery, ensures safety protocols

Drilling Rig Workers perform support and maintenance tasks on drilling sites, while Drilling Rig Operators are responsible for operating and managing the drilling equipment. Both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments, but the Operator role involves more technical skills and responsibility for the drilling process.

What are some common challenges faced by Drilling Rig Workers, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Drilling Rig Workers often face challenges such as working long shifts in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous conditions, adapting to rapidly changing weather, and following strict safety protocols. New hires can best prepare by maintaining good physical fitness, familiarizing themselves with safety guidelines, and being ready to work as part of a tightly coordinated team. Staying proactive about communication and being open to continuous learning are key to success and advancement in this role.

What are drilling rig workers?

Drilling rig workers are professionals who operate and maintain the equipment used to drill wells for oil, gas, or minerals. They perform a variety of tasks on site, such as setting up rigs, monitoring drilling operations, handling tools and machinery, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. The job can be physically demanding and often requires working in remote locations and in shifts. Drilling rig workers play a crucial role in the energy and mining industries, helping to extract valuable resources from beneath the earth's surface.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional safety and industry training preferred. Familiarity with drilling machinery, rigging systems, and safety certifications like H2S Alive and First Aid are typically required. Teamwork, alertness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure operational efficiency, safety compliance, and the prevention of accidents on the rig.
More about Drilling Rig Worker jobs
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Worker jobs are:
Drilling Rig Worker jobs near you
Drilling Helper

Drilling Helper

Tradesmen International, Inc.

Richmond, VA

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced Drilling Helpers for projects located in the Richmond, VA area. This is a first shift opportunity, and the pay rate is $19-21/hour based on experience and skill level. If you are a Drilling Helper looking to learn and grow in your trade alongside accomplished Craft Professionals, this is your chance to further your career!

Job Scope:        

  • Assist with operation of drilling rig and support equipment effectively
  • Assist in maintaining tooling, prepping for assignments, setting up tooling, sampling equipment, sampling, classifying samples, and cleanup
  • Assist in loading and unloading equipment/tooling
  • Assist on the working floor- normal drilling procedures

Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

  • Tradesmen+ Rewards Program – earn points for hours worked
  • Vacation Pay
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability

“Be Safe” from fraud!  Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other “up front”  costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, please call or visit your closest Tradesmen office to verify the request.

Click here to visit Tradesmen’s full website.


US-VA-RICHMOND

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