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Drilling Rig Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

Performs general maintenance of drilling and associated equipment. * Loads and off-loads pipe and assists in rig movement. * Checks dies in slips and tongs and all safety and riding belts to verify ...

Calista Brice Holding Company

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on drilling equipment to ensure optimal performance, minimizing downtime and mechanical failures. * Assist in setting up and mobilizing the drilling rig ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Lead Operator

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... drilling, rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Job Preparation : Ensure job readiness by performing tool maintenance, conducting pre-job and post-job tool checkouts. * Rigging ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Lead Operator

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... drilling, rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Job Preparation : Ensure job readiness by performing tool maintenance, conducting pre-job and post-job tool checkouts. * Rigging ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Engineer III

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... rig, drilling rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Planning and preparation for well site operations ensuring compliance with all safety regulations * Supervise and conduct well ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Engineer III

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... rig, drilling rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Planning and preparation for well site operations ensuring compliance with all safety regulations * Supervise and conduct well ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Engineer III

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... rig, drilling rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Planning and preparation for well site operations ensuring compliance with all safety regulations * Supervise and conduct well ...

Wireline Services

Wireline Engineer III

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... rig, drilling rig, or crane. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Planning and preparation for well site operations ensuring compliance with all safety regulations * Supervise and conduct well ...

North Wind Group

Geologist 04162 NWSS

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

Field duties will include Direct Push Technology, Hollow Stem Auger, and Roto-Sonic drilling rig oversight. * Office duties include data management and documentation organization. * Participate in ...

North Wind Group

Geologist 04162 NWSS

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

Field duties will include Direct Push Technology, Hollow Stem Auger, and Roto-Sonic drilling rig oversight. * Office duties include data management and documentation organization. * Participate in ...

North Wind Group

Geologist 04162 NWSS

Los Alamos, NM

Field duties will include Direct Push Technology, Hollow Stem Auger, and Roto-Sonic drilling rig oversight. * Office duties include data management and documentation organization. * Participate in ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in New Mexico

Drilling Rig information

See New Mexico salary details

$14

$26

$41

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in New Mexico 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.
More about Drilling Rig jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in New Mexico? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in New Mexico are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in New Mexico? For Drilling Rig jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in New Mexico are:
What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs? Cities in New Mexico with the most Drilling Rig job openings:
Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in New Mexico as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,488 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Drill Rig Operator

Hydro Resources Holding

Las Cruces, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Drill Rig Operator

Summary

Driller for irrigation, commercial, industrial, and municipal water wells.


Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the safe and accurate set up of rig and all equipment.
  • Operate drilling rig and associated equipment to drill commercial and industrial water wells, install well heads, well screen, casing, gravel pack and cement grout, and other well fixtures.
  • Document geological formations encountered.
  • Clean and disinfect water wells in preparation for use.
  • Perform routine mechanical maintenance work on drilling rig and equipment.
  • Maintenance of rigs.
  • Must report any and all unsafe conditions.
  • Expected to engage in the safety process and report to Supervisor any time a situation is deemed unsafe.
  • To support / encourage others to help develop a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Supervision and training of crews for underground projects.
  • Client contact on job sites.
  • Operation and maintenance of all pump division equipment, including video van, sonar jet operations, testing and testing equipment and cranes.


Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Knowledge of types of casing.
  • Knowledge of drill string.
  • Knowledge of thread types.
  • Knowledge of working derricks and drill floor.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Requires willingness to work a flexible schedule.
  • Clean driving record.
  • CDL preferable.
  • Knowledge of Well Control systems and methods – current well control certification desired.


Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Medical insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled, E-Verify Employer

As part of the pre-employment hiring process at Hydro Resources Holding, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all candidates will be required to undergo background check and drug screening.

External Company URL: Hydro Resources | Groundwater Exploration and Production (https://hydroresources.com/)