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Drilling Rig Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

CDL Driver

Le Mars, IA ยท On-site

$23 - $26/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 ...

CDL Driver

Le Mars, IA ยท On-site

$23 - $26/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 ...

CDL Driver

Le Mars, IA ยท On-site

$23 - $26/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 ...

Scaffold Builder

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... rig materials. - Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities on tolls and equipment ...

Drilling Rig information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Iowa is $25.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.77 and $28.22 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Iowa? For Drilling Rig jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,781 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Production Driller

Production Driller

Wendling Quarries, Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Production Drill Rig Specialist
Type: Full-time
Job Position Description:
Safe operation of a limestone production drill used in the blasting process at both Wendling and customer quarry sites.
Company Introduction:
Wendling Quarries, Inc. (WQI) is a third-generation family owned and operated business that produces crushed stone, sand and gravel for individuals and businesses in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
The bedrock of our company is composed of three main values:
  • Family. We share faithful commitment to each other and our vision.
  • Excellence. We are great on purpose.
  • Human Potential. We aspire to be the best version of ourselves.

Lastly, there is concrete proof that we are known for being able to "safely do everything we do better than everyone else".
Job Responsibilities:
  • Daily equipment maintenance and operation
  • Execute drill patterns accurately needed for blasting
  • Maintain database of drill logs
  • Work safely with adherence to Wendling Quarries safety policy

Job Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Understanding of basic mechanics and working knowledge of large equipment
  • Ability to work independently
  • Willing to travel approximately 50% of the time

Hours & Compensation:
  • Monday - Friday
  • Approximately 50 hours/week

Top Benefits:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k
  • Paid time off
  • Employee Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program

If you are somehow not convinced yet, check out this short video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdZkMegDz2c
Now do us a rock solid and apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.