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Drilling Rig Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Soil Testing, Inc

Laborer/Drill Rig Helper

Oxford, CT · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Work as part of a 2-man crew to assist the Drill Rig Operator with Test Borings, Micro piles, and or Helical pile installations. * 95% of work is outdoors, is physically demanding, and you'll need to ...

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Drilling Rig information

See Connecticut salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Connecticut is $26.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $28.61 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.

More about Drilling Rig jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Connecticut?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in Connecticut are:

Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,469 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Drill Rig Operator - Test Borings

Soil Testing, Inc

Oxford, CT • On-site

$27 - $34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Experienced Drill Rig Operator for Test Borings.

Job Details:
  • The ideal candidate MUST be experienced in all phases of test borings with at least 5 years of drill rig operation.
  • Including experience in: hollow stem auger, rock coring, mud rotary drilling, split spoon, and Shelby tube sampling.
  • Keeping accurate boring logs with the ability to describe soil types using the Burmister and or unified classification system.
  • Experience in operating other heavy equipment such as Backhoe, Excavator, Skid steer, is a plus.
  • MUST have CDL - A or B.