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Drilling Rig Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$22.75 - $31/hr

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 ...

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

$17 - $26/hr

Rig Hand Summary Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the ... Knowledge of types of drill pipe and drill collars. * Knowledge of thread types and tubing sizes.

Valley Well Drilling, LLC

Water Well Driller

Denver, CO

$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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

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 ...

Helmerich Payne

Rig-Mechanic

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$25 - $34.50/hr

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 ...

NABORS

COLORADO FLOORHAND I

Fruita, CO

The Floorhands job is to safely and efficiently provide the manual labor required to operate the equipment on the drilling rig floor. This includes the operation of tongs and use of drilling slips to ...

NABORS

COLORADO FLOORHAND I

Fruita, CO · On-site

The Floorhands job is to safely and efficiently provide the manual labor required to operate the equipment on the drilling rig floor. This includes the operation of tongs and use of drilling slips to ...

Helmerich Payne

Rig Electrician

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$25 - $34.50/hr

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$27/hr

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$27/hr

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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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in Colorado

Drilling Rig information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$28

$45

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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.

How do you get hired on an oil rig?

To get hired as a drilling rig worker, candidates typically need relevant experience, such as in construction or mechanical work, and often must complete safety training and certifications like H2S or BOSIET. Employers also look for physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments, with many positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Applying through staffing agencies or directly to oil companies and demonstrating a strong work ethic can improve chances of employment.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

Drilling rig jobs, such as senior drillers or specialized offshore drilling personnel, can pay around $2,000 or more per day due to the demanding environment, technical skills, and certifications required. These high-paying roles often involve extensive experience, safety training, and working in remote or offshore locations on long shifts.

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Drilling rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while specialized roles like drillers or supervisors can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with overtime and benefits.

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 is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically senior drilling engineers, toolpushers, and rig managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments. Compensation can vary based on location, company, and level of expertise.

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 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 job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Drilling Rig job openings:
Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote 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

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 3 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

Apply