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Drilling Rig Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

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 ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

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 ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Helmerich Payne

Rig-Mechanic

Grand Junction, CO

$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 ...

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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 Jul 27, 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 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% 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

Experienced Drilling Rig Personnel - Join our USA Talent Pool

Precision Drilling

Brighton, CO

$36.63 - $44.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 18 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