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Drilling Rig Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Reverse Rig Operator

Greenview, IL · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Drill potable water wells in unconsolidated formations using reverse rotary drilling methods Operate and maintain drilling equipment, including a Portadrill RV-6 rig Develop and test completed wells ...

Reverse Rig Operator

Greenview, IL · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Drill potable water wells in unconsolidated formations using reverse rotary drilling methods Operate and maintain drilling equipment, including a Portadrill RV-6 rig Develop and test completed wells ...

... drilling equipment, including a Portadrill RV-6 rig Develop and test completed wells to ensure proper functionality Install well components including screen, casing, gravel pack, pitless adapters ...

Drill Operator

Greenview, IL · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

... drilling equipment, including a Portadrill RV-6 rig Develop and test completed wells to ensure proper functionality Install well components including screen, casing, gravel pack, pitless adapters ...

Drill Operator

Greenview, IL · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

... drilling equipment, including a Portadrill RV-6 rig Develop and test completed wells to ensure proper functionality Install well components including screen, casing, gravel pack, pitless adapters ...

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

CDL Driver

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$25/hr

For Boom Crane CDL Driver positions - a Certified Drill Rig Operator-NCCCO Boom Certification preferred - maintain active accredited certification for equipment type (e.g. NCCCO, NCCER, CIC ...

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Drilling Rig information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$26

$41

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Illinois is $26.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $29.13 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Drilling Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,485 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Reverse Rig Operator

Cogent Talent Solutions

Greenview, IL • On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Our client is a full-service water supply contractor working throughout Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. Our client installs potable water wells and repairs a variety of pumps for municipalities and industries across their service area. With a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and technical expertise, they are committed to delivering dependable water solutions in a wide range of environments.

Our client is looking for a Reverse Rig Operator to support their efforts in drilling and developing potable water wells, while maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and workmanship in the field.

Responsibilities:
Drill potable water wells in unconsolidated formations using reverse rotary drilling methods
 
Operate and maintain drilling equipment, including a Portadrill RV-6 rig
 
Develop and test completed wells to ensure proper functionality
 
Install well components including screen, casing, gravel pack, pitless adapters, and pump systems
 
Maintain accurate records of field activities and customer communications
 
Perform stick welding and assist with fabrication of specialized tooling
 
Prepare equipment, materials, and tooling for field installations
 
Conduct routine maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment
 
Qualifications:
Class A CDL with a clean driving record
 
Minimum of 10 years of reverse circulation drilling experience
 
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
 
Proficiency in welding, particularly stick welding
 
Proven leadership abilities and ability to work independently in the field
 
Strong attention to detail with solid documentation and communication skills
 
Self-starter with a commitment to safety and quality workmanship
$68,640 - $87,360 a year
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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