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Drilling Rig Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Demonstrated drill rig management experience on remote, helicopter-supported exploration projects. * Hazmat certification or ability to obtain. Experience * More than 8 years' experience in geology ...

New

Familiarity with Mine site requirements * 2+ years of experience with heavy equipment or drilling rig * 1+ years of experience working with hydraulic systems What We Offer * Competitive pay + field ...

General upkeep of drilling rig and camp. * Rolls and cleans pipe casing and drill pipe. * Assists mechanics, electricians, welders, forklift drivers and derrickhands. * Relieves floorhands on the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Driller (Expression of Interest)

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

$26 - $35.25/hr

Documents drilling/tripping activities and maintaining records as required * Prepares and submits required reports in a timely manner * Schedule and document rig crew working hours * Recommends and ...

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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 Jul 14, 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 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Drilling rig jobs, such as roustabouts or roughnecks, can pay around $4,000 per week with experience and safety certifications. These roles often require physical stamina, technical skills, and on-the-job training rather than a college degree, and they typically involve working in the oil and gas industry on a rotating schedule.

How to get hired on a drilling rig?

To get hired on a drilling rig, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as OSHA, and physical fitness. Experience in the oil and gas industry or technical training in drilling operations can improve job prospects, and entry-level positions often require willingness to work long shifts and in remote locations.

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 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 is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically senior positions such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, or rig managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, and 93% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,664 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
Expression of Interest - ALASKA DRILLER

Expression of Interest - ALASKA DRILLER

Nabors Industries Limited

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 75 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


The Driller is responsible for ensuring that the work in and around the drill floor and BOP as well as the rig up and rig down procedures and the drilling operations occurs in a safe and effective manner thereby meeting and / or exceeding Nabors Drilling Company's and the contracting Company's goals and objective for safety, production and budget. The Driller works under the direction and supervision of the Rig Manager.
Location: Alaska
Rotation: 14x14 or 21x21 (days or nights, including weekends and holidays)
Responsibilities
  • Anticipate potential problems, pre plan and implement corrective action in a timely manner thereby helping to ensure outcomes reach company goals for the drilling operations Work with the Rig Manager to assist with post analysis reviews of critical actions and implement ongoing best practice activities for future operations.
  • Ensuring the safety of the drill crew and all support personnel working in and about the drill floor.
  • Oversee proper rig up and rig down, continual preventive maintenance and repair of the equipment used in the drilling operations along with ensuring continual cleaning and housekeeping in and about the drill floor.
  • Ensure drilling operations follow established plan.
  • Substitute for a Floorhand in the absence of a trained Floorhand Together with the Rig manager, continually train and develop employees working on the drilling rig so as to meet the employee's career goals while at the same time meeting the needs of the company.
  • 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 utilizing rig controls while monitoring operation of various equipment (pump pressures, weight indicator, drill string weight, etc.)
  • Knowledge of Drilling rig equipment capacity and functionality including but not limited to Canrig Top Drives, accumulator units, draw works.
  • Adjust mud pumps to maintain the proper circulation rate.
  • Ability to perform basic math functions.

Essential Functions:
  • Attention span to stay alert and attentive for up to 12 hour tour.
  • Able to works 7 or 14 days on and 7 or 14 days off, including holidays, weekends and or days and nights.
  • Able to work well with others while working in a close environment for extended periods of time with minimal ability to leave the driller's cabin.
  • Make important judgment decisions that affect the safety of the crew.
  • Give verbal instructions clearly and concisely.
  • Advanced knowledge of the emergency shut-in procedures and be able to respond to any emergency efficiently and professionally
  • Able to stand or stand and walk throughout the tour while wearing steel toed boots.
  • Occasionally climb steep stairs and walking on steel decking as well as gravel, board roads and area that can be covered in drilling fluids, mud, snow and ice.
  • Ability to work outdoors in extreme Arctic conditions, including subzero temperatures, snow, and ice.
  • Must be able to repetitively climb stairs and ladders, work in an unprotected environment as well as be able to lift / carry and work with items weighing upwards of 35 lbs.
  • Assist the Rig Manager with trouble shooting and problem-solving duties and decisive manner.
  • Other duties as required by the Rig Manager.

Qualifications
  • Ability to perform essential functions of this position with or without reasonable Accommodations.
  • Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year experience as a Driller for another drilling company.
  • Strong knowledge of the Floorhand, Motorhand and Derrickhand positions.
  • Ability to wear respiratory protective devices.
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from the rig
  • Must pass all required pre-employment and site-specific drug and fitness-for-duty testing.
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License (no restrictions) - Real ID compliant, suitable for travel to Alaska and the North Slope.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • High school diploma, certificate or equivalent AC and/or SCR Rig experience
  • Completion of Certified Supervisory Well Control course that is unexpired
  • Experience using computer and multiple screens to monitor drilling activities

About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.

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