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Drilling Rig Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Drill Rig Operator

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

$20 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate drilling rig and associated equipment to drill commercial and industrial water wells, install well heads, well screen, casing, gravel pack and cement grout, and other well fixtures.

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Are you an experienced Derrickhand with AC Triple drilling rig experience? Join our crews in Williston, North Dakota, where we offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, crew transportation and ...

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Are you an experienced Derrickhand with AC Triple drilling rig experience? Join our crews in Williston, North Dakota, where we offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, crew transportation and ...

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Are you an experienced Derrickhand with AC Triple drilling rig experience? Join our crews in Williston, North Dakota, where we offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, crew transportation and ...

Senior Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate appropriate rigs, rig contracts, and on-site drilling supervisors, directional drillers, fluid engineers and any other appropriate field positions. * Identify critical drilling rig ...

Rig Manager - Colorado and Utah

Fruita, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervision, direction and training of drilling rig crew members including compliance with all safety and operational procedures * Management of rig operations, production, maintenance, costs and ...

Rig Manager - Colorado and Utah

Fruita, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervision, direction and training of drilling rig crew members including compliance with all safety and operational procedures * Management of rig operations, production, maintenance, costs and ...

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee all drilling activities and monitor rig employees and third parties that are working on, entering or exiting rig floor * Performs the following functions from the Driller console: raising and ...

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$22.75 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee all drilling activities and monitor rig employees and third parties that are working on, entering or exiting rig floor * Performs the following functions from the Driller console: raising and ...

Rig Hand

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

$17 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of how drilling and/or pumping units run * Prepare and set up rig for workover * Knowledge of thread types, tubing sizes and rod sizes * Knowledge of working derricks and drill floor

Water Well Driller

Denver, CO · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

... Rig Operator to join our team in the water well industry located in Hawaii. The ideal candidate must have a strong mechanical background and experience with various drilling Methods (mud and air ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of equipment service and maintenance activities. Activities include servicing, repairing, adjusting ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of equipment service and maintenance activities. Activities include servicing, repairing, adjusting ...

U.S. Rig Based Positions

Grand Junction, CO

$25 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are changing the landscape of drilling by using cutting-edge rig technologies and drilling solutions to build upon a century ofsuccess, all while continuing to deliver better outcomes for our ...

Rig-Mechanic

Grand Junction, CO

$25 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are changing the landscape of drilling by using cutting-edge rig technologies and drilling solutions to build upon a century ofsuccess, all while continuing to deliver better outcomes for our ...

Rig Electrician

Grand Junction, CO

$25 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are changing the landscape of drilling by using cutting-edge rig technologies and drilling solutions to build upon a century ofsuccess, all while continuing to deliver better outcomes for our ...

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties * Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to ...

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Drilling Rig information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$28

$45

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Colorado is $28.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $31.59 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 Colorado?

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

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

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

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Drilling Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, and 95% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,208 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Experienced Drilling Rig Personnel - Join our USA Talent Pool

Precision Drilling

Brighton, CO

$36.63 - $44.20/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Join Our USA Drilling Rig Talent Pool

Precision Drilling is inviting experienced drilling professionals to register their interest for future opportunities across our U.S. fleet and operating regions. If you'd like to be considered for upcoming roles, we'd love to have you in our talent community.

Positions of Interest:

  • Motorhands
  • Derrickhands
  • Drillers
  • Rig Managers

Why Precision Drilling

Precision Drilling is a leading land drilling contractor providing High Performance, High Value services across North America and select international markets. Guided by our Core Values, we're committed to safe, sustainable operations driven by passionate people. We empower our teams to grow, lead, and strive for excellence in everything we do.


Our Culture

Precision Drilling fosters a strong safety culture through our Human Organizational Performance (HOP) approach, focusing on learning, communication, and supporting our people. We invest in career growth through continuous training and development, encourage balance with competitive benefits and generous time off, and foster a team-oriented workplace grounded in integrity and trust. When you join Precision, you join a company that puts people first.


What We're Looking For

  • Minimum two (2) years of drilling industry experience at the Motorhand level
  • Progressive experience for advanced roles (Derrickhand, Driller, Rig Manager)
  • Valid driver's license and dependable vehicle
  • Ability to pass a physical fitness test and drug/alcohol screening
  • Ability to work 14day rotations and 12hour outdoor shifts
  • Strong work ethic and commitment to safety and teamwork
  • Willingness to embrace Precision's safety culture and operating principles

Why Build Your Career With Us

We offer competitive pay, industryleading support, and a work environment where your skills are recognized and rewarded.

  • Daily per diem plus comfortable Texasstyle housing accommodations
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
  • Clear pathways for career advancement
  • A proven safety culture supported by experienced leadership

Base Pay by Position

  • Motorhands: $32.37/hr
  • Derrickhands: $36.63/hr
  • Drillers: $44.20/hr
  • Rig Managers: Managementlevel compensation discussed during interview