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Drilling Rig Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Performing day-to-day operation and maintenance of drill rig equipment * Documenting geotechnical boring with daily logs * Maintaining a clean and hazard free work area * Operating within state and ...

Performing day-to-day operation and maintenance of drill rig equipment * Documenting geotechnical boring with daily logs * Maintaining a clean and hazard free work area * Operating within state and ...

Regional Drilling Licensure * Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license. * The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks: * Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow ...

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations. * Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.

Technician 2

Manassas, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $28/hr

Experience * 1-2 years of experience operating Ditch Witch AT40 drill rig * Experience with Ditch Witch, Vermeer, or similar directional drilling equipment preferred. Skills & Competencies * Strong ...

New

Supervise field work performed by drilling/test pit crews and assist with rig access issues * Classify soil and assign laboratory testing * Mentor and support Staff Project Managers, Assistant Staff ...

Supervise field work performed by drilling/test pit crews and assist with rig access issues * Classify soil and assign laboratory testing * Mentor and support Staff Project Managers, Assistant Staff ...

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Drilling Rig information

See Washington salary details

$16

$31

$49

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Washington is $31.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.05 and $34.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Washington? For Drilling Rig jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Drilling Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,851 per year, or $31.2 per hour.
Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Terracon

Woodbridge, VA

$22.75 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Terracon rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Description
Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Responsibilities
  • The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
    • Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil.
    • Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
    • Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform basic surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks
    • Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
    • Work to independently inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.
Qualifications
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 1-year experience.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
  • Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. When applicable, such licensure is required.
Preferred Certification and Skills:
  • Experience in
    • In-Situ test methods
    • Instrumentation Installation
    • Barge Drilling
    • Angle Drilling
    • Environmental Drilling
  • Regional Drilling Licensure
  • Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license.

About Us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
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