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Drilling Rig Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Cogent Talent Solutions

Reverse Rig Operator

Fenton, MO

$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 ...

Cogent Talent Solutions

Reverse Rig Operator

Fenton, MO · 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 ...

Cogent Talent Solutions

Reverse Rig Operator

Fenton, MO

$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 ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Springfield, MO · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks: oOperate a geotechnical drill rig to ...

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Drilling Rig information

See Missouri salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Missouri is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $28.17 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 Missouri? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Missouri? For Drilling Rig jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Drilling Rig job openings:
Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Missouri 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 $53,709 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Reverse Rig Operator

Cogent Talent Solutions

Fenton, MO

$68K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 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

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.