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Drilling Rig Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Springdale, AR

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region. oLead ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Springdale, AR · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.o Lead ...

New

Intertek Global

Geotechnical Driller

Mulberry, AR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Operate drilling equipment at shallow to moderate depths to perform complex site investigations * Responsible for drill rig transportation * Train and direct Driller Assistants, identify and ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in Arkansas

Drilling Rig information

See Arkansas salary details

$12

$22

$35

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Arkansas is $22.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.86 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 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 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.
More about Drilling Rig jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Arkansas? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Arkansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Arkansas? For Drilling Rig jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in Arkansas look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in Arkansas are:
Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,347 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Bore Rig Operator

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Fort Smith, AR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a drill rig for longer than six months, operating excavating equipment, drilling various types of soil - including rock, handling various types of pipe and PVC, and maintaining customer standards for installation no matter the circumstances. The Bore Rig Operator will also be expected to hand dig in various situations - including across located utilities, in highly congested areas, or in areas where equipment cannot access. They will also need to have knowledge of using a Vactron, and mixing bore mud products, or be willing to learn.

Qualifications

  • Experience with directional bore rigs and locating
  • Ability to effectively lead a crew
  • Willing to travel when necessary
  • Must have, or be eligible to obtain, a Class A CDL

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers' confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team includes:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program 
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Servant Leadership Training
  • Uniforms and PPE provided

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