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Drilling Rig Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

General upkeep of drilling rig mechanical equipment. Read and understand manuals for equipment. * Inspects main engines each tour for oil level, coolant, oil leaks, noise and vibration. * Responsible ...

Driller

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

The position requires the supervision of several employees and the ability to run a workover or drilling rig efficiently. Will be required to have a current IADC Well Control Certification at the ...

Driller

Anchorage, AK

$23.50 - $32/hr

The position requires the supervision of several employees and the ability to run a workover or drilling rig efficiently. Will be required to have a current IADC Well Control Certification at the ...

Driller

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

The position requires the supervision of several employees and the ability to run a workover or drilling rig efficiently. Will be required to have a current IADC Well Control Certification at the ...

TRS Technician II

Kenai, AK

$37K - $37K/yr

Rig up, run, and rig down various components on a drilling rig. * Communicate clearly and professionally with all rig, customer, and Parker Wellbore personnel. * Act as trainer for Service ...

Good knowledge of drilling rig, tools and equipment is essential. Employees are expected to follow company rules established for employee safety and welfare. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * General upkeep of ...

Good knowledge of drilling rig, tools and equipment is essential. Employees are expected to follow company rules established for employee safety and welfare. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * General upkeep of ...

Loader Operator (Expression of Interest)

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Maintain clear access to drilling rig, camp, materials and equipment stored on drill pad. Assists in pipe shed or drill rig as required. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Follow DDI and customer policies and ...

TRS Technician II

Kenai, AK · On-site

$37K - $37K/yr

Rig up, run, and rig down various components on a drilling rig. * Communicate clearly and professionally with all rig, customer, and Parker Wellbore personnel. * Act as trainer for Service ...

LV Mechanic

Delta Junction, AK · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Ensure all work complies with mine site safety protocols and environmental standards * Assist with drill rig mobilization and demobilization as required * Operate and maintain a clean, organized ...

Pit Watcher

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$66K - $88K/yr

General upkeep of drilling rig mechanical equipment. * Handles equipment and pipe on rig floor. * Assists in preparing the rig for relocations and to become operational again. * Works at heights over ...

Ensure all work complies with mine site safety protocols and environmental standards * Assist with drill rig mobilization and demobilization as required * Operate and maintain a clean, organized ...

TRS Technician II

Kenai, AK · On-site

$37K - $47K/yr

Rig up, run, and rig down various components on a drilling rig. * Communicate clearly and professionally with all rig, customer, and Parker Wellbore personnel. * Act as trainer for Service ...

TRS Technician II

Kenai, AK · On-site

$37K - $47K/yr

Rig up, run, and rig down various components on a drilling rig. * Communicate clearly and professionally with all rig, customer, and Parker Wellbore personnel. * Act as trainer for Service ...

Ensures preventive maintenance is performed on all equipment above the rig floor and equipment associated with the drilling fluid system. * Inspects to see that all equipment including degasser in ...

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Drilling Rig information

See Alaska salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Alaska is $29.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $32.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling rig?

A drilling rig is a complex machine used to create holes in the ground, most commonly for the exploration and extraction of oil, natural gas, or water. These rigs can be massive structures used offshore or smaller, mobile units for land-based drilling. Drilling rigs are equipped with specialized equipment to drill, circulate drilling fluids, and handle extracted materials. The type of rig used depends on the location, depth, and purpose of the drilling operation.

What are drilling rig jobs?

Six positions on an oil rig crew run the operations of both onshore and offshore drilling rigs. As the rig manager, you are in charge of the company's interests. You oversee all personnel and operations and report program progress to your superiors. As a driller, you monitor drilling procedures and ensure that all other personnel follows safety and efficiency protocol. As a derrickhand, you maintain and repair the circulating system equipment. Your duties as a leasehand include setting up and taking down the drilling equipment and keeping an organized work environment. The floorhand's responsibilities include manipulating pipe sections and drill stems. Finally, as the motorhand, you operate the diesel and electric engines that keep the rig running.

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 strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling operations, and relevant certifications such as Well Control or IADC Rig Pass. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety systems, and industry-standard software like drilling data acquisition systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure operational safety, minimize downtime, and maintain productivity in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a drilling rig, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working on a drilling rig often encounter challenges such as long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as safety depends on clear communication and collaboration among crew members. Adapting quickly to changing situations and following strict safety protocols helps manage risks and ensures smooth operations. Regular training and support from experienced colleagues also play a key role in overcoming these challenges and fostering a safe, productive work environment.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig vs Drilling Operator?

AspectDrilling RigDrilling Operator
CredentialsCertifications in equipment operation, safety trainingSame certifications, plus operational training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, heavy machineryOn-site, operating drilling equipment
Industry UsageUsed to describe the equipment and infrastructureRefers to the personnel operating the equipment

The drilling rig is the large structure used to drill wells, while the drilling operator is the worker who operates the rig. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the rig refers to the equipment, and the operator refers to the personnel managing it.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Alaska?

For Drilling Rig jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Drilling Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,664 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Motorman

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Nordic Calista
On-Call
JOB SUMMARY:
This is a skill level position in the petroleum industry. The applicant must possess excellent knowledge of diesel electric drilling rig equipment. Will perform preventive maintenance to include minor repair work to hydraulic and heat exchange system, generators, gas and diesel engines. Maintains preventive records when required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • General upkeep of drilling rig mechanical equipment. Read and understand manuals for equipment.
  • Inspects main engines each tour for oil level, coolant, oil leaks, noise and vibration.
  • Responsible for proper periodic oil changes and greasing of diesel engines and rig equipment.
  • Inspects air compressors and compressed air system daily.
  • Inspects BOP accumulator, AC generators, motors, drill water pump and fuel oil transfer pump daily.
  • Inspects and services boilers for proper operation daily, including blow down boiler daily. Check Nordic Policies & Procedures manual for proper procedure.
  • Ensures that the pipe spinner, rotary table, draw-works, air hoist, wireline unit and swivel function properly and preventive maintenance is conducted daily.
  • Works closely with floorhands when making trips and assists derrickman in working on mud pumps.
  • Responsible for fuel transfers and monitors same.
  • Performs spill inspections of rig and pad. Min. 2 per tour must be documented.
  • Complete motor book report and check all items daily.
  • Refuel vehicles.
  • Wash crew clothing per policy.
  • Performs any other duties that may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
  • Conducts his job duties in compliance with Nordic HSE policies.
  • Works toward achieving Nordic's annual HSE goals.
  • Assists Rig Management in identifying operational non-conformances at the rigsite.
  • 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 immediately.
  • Reports any property or environmental damage by third-party vendors to Rig Manager's office immediately.
  • Encourages rig personnel to report any unsafe work conditions or practices and any environmental non-compliances immediately to supervisors.
  • Assists in development and implementation of standard operating procedures.
  • Keeps timely and accurate motor reports, noting any spills or releases.
  • Assists in maintaining waste management tracking system and hazardous waste determinations.
  • Assists in completing daily spill champion activities log.
  • Assists in any internal audits as necessary.
  • Assists Driller in daily rig site duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to obtain or currently hold North Slope Training Cooperative card.
  • Must have a minimum of one year's experience on a diesel electric rotary drilling rig.
  • Must be able to operate hopper ad viscosity testing equipment.
  • Must be functionally literate, able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Familiarity with oilfield-related equipment and procedures preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Inside enclosed oil rig and outside in elements. Hazardous conditions may include a wet, oily, icy steel floor, noise, steam.
PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIROMENTAL DEMANDS:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Frequently: Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending Over, Pushing or Pulling, Talking, Grasping, Lifting 50 lbs. or less, Carrying 50 lbs. or less, Eye/Hand coordination.
VISUAL ACUITY:
Frequently: Distance vision (clear at 20' or more), Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus). Continuously: Close vision (clear at 20" or less), Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and special relationships).
MENTAL EFFORT:
Frequently: Discriminating colors. Continuously: Thinking analytically, Using effective verbal & written communication, Handling stress & emotions, Concentrating on tasks, Remembering details, Making decisions, Adjusting to changes, Examining/observing details.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Frequently: Working w/others, working alone.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).
EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.