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Drilling Rig Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tradesmen International, LLC

Drilling Helper

Henrico, VA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Job Scope: * Assist with operation of drilling rig and support equipment effectively * Assist in maintaining tooling, prepping for assignments, setting up tooling, sampling equipment, sampling ...

Froehling & Robertson

Driller Trainee

Roanoke, VA

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Assists with operation of drilling rig and support equipment effectively * Aids in maintaining tooling, prepping for assignments, setting up tooling, sampling equipment, sampling, classifying samples ...

Froehling & Robertson

Driller Trainee

Richmond, VA

$21.25 - $29/hr

Assists with operation of drilling rig and support equipment effectively * Aids in maintaining tooling, prepping for assignments, setting up tooling, sampling equipment, sampling, classifying samples ...

Aerotek

Water Well Driller

Buchanan, VA

$47K - $58K/yr

... rig. * CDL Class A with Tanker and Air Brakes Endorsement. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Drilling experience. * Welding experience is a plus. * Light equipment experience (Skid/Mini Ex) is a ...

Froehling & Robertson

Driller Trainee

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Assists with operation of drilling rig and support equipment effectively * Aids in maintaining tooling, prepping for assignments, setting up tooling, sampling equipment, sampling, classifying samples ...

Froehling & Robertson

Driller Trainee

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

Assists with operation of drilling rig and support equipment effectively * Aids in maintaining tooling, prepping for assignments, setting up tooling, sampling equipment, sampling, classifying samples ...

Wagman, Inc.

Micropile Driller

Richmond, VA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Drill rig experience/knowledge, concrete knowledge/experience, supervisory experience Travel Requirement: Willing to travel Position : Drill Operator Pay rate : $28.00/hr- $38.00/hr (Based on ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in Virginia

Drilling Rig information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Virginia is $27.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you get hired on an oil rig?

To get hired as a drilling rig worker, candidates typically need relevant experience, such as in construction or mechanical work, and often must complete safety training and certifications like H2S or BOSIET. Employers also look for physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments, with many positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Applying through staffing agencies or directly to oil companies and demonstrating a strong work ethic can improve chances of employment.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

Drilling rig jobs, such as senior drillers or specialized offshore drilling personnel, can pay around $2,000 or more per day due to the demanding environment, technical skills, and certifications required. These high-paying roles often involve extensive experience, safety training, and working in remote or offshore locations on long shifts.

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Drilling rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while specialized roles like drillers or supervisors can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with overtime and benefits.

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 is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically senior drilling engineers, toolpushers, and rig managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments. Compensation can vary based on location, company, and level of expertise.

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Virginia? For Drilling Rig jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Drilling Rig job openings:
Drilling Rig jobs near you
Drilling Helper

Drilling Helper

Tradesmen International, LLC

Henrico, VA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced Drilling Helpers for projects located in the Richmond, VA area. This is a first shift opportunity, and the pay rate is $19-21/hour based on experience and skill level. If you are a Drilling Helper looking to learn and grow in your trade alongside accomplished Craft Professionals, this is your chance to further your career!

Job Scope:

  • Assist with operation of drilling rig and support equipment effectively
  • Assist in maintaining tooling, prepping for assignments, setting up tooling, sampling equipment, sampling, classifying samples, and cleanup
  • Assist in loading and unloading equipment/tooling
  • Assist on the working floor- normal drilling procedures

Qualifications

Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

  • Tradesmen+ Rewards Program – earn points for hours worked
  • Vacation Pay
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability

“Be Safe” from fraud! Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other “up front” costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, please call or visit your closest Tradesmen office to verify the request.

Click here to visit Tradesmen’s full website.