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Drilling Rig Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Typically, the drilling position requires the candidate to think quickly on their feet and have a ... detailed daily rig reports. · Ensuring proper drilling procedure is followed. · Communicate ...

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 ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

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.

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

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.

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.

HDD Operator

Manassas, VA · On-site

$17 - $20.25/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 ...

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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 Sep 1, 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,851 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Drill Rig Operator

Berkel & Company Contractors Inc

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

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Job description

Position Summary:

Berkel & Company is seeking an experienced drill rig operator that has a working knowledge of common drilling practices (duplex, air/fluid flushing, and auger). The driller will need to be resourceful, mechanically inclined, and have the ability to meet critical job deadlines. Typically, the drilling position requires the candidate to think quickly on their feet and have a production-oriented mindset that does not compromise safety or quality. The driller should also have previous experience with grouted tieback installation, micro piles, and other sheeting and shoring methods. It would be an advantage to have experience and knowledge of testing anchors and/or piles.

Job Responsibilities:

· Maintaining drilling equipment and tooling.

· Filling out detailed daily rig reports.

· Ensuring proper drilling procedure is followed.

· Communicate issues, and problems, and successes on a daily basis.

· Signal equipment operators and safely move equipment through the jobsite.

· Overseeing safety of all personnel working around drill rig.

· Assist Superintendent with jobsite layout.

· Diagnosing mechanical and equipment related issues.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)

Requirements:

· High-school diploma/ GED.

· Valid Driver’s license.

· Experience running a hydraulic drill rig (e.g. Klemm, Comacchio).

· Preference given to those who can also operate a forklift, skid steer, mini excavator, and other earth moving equipment.

· Preferred experience with reading blue prints, site layout, anchor or pile testing, and soil/boring reports.

· Welding, torch cutting, and other metal working skills are a plus.

Typical Physical Demands:

Ability to stand, sit, crouch, lift, walk, and tolerate heights when required.

Able to lift heavy objects up to 80 lbs.

Working Conditions/ Environments:

Operate on a construction site where dust, noise, and rough terrain are prevalent.

Must be able to work in various weather conditions, during all seasons.

Travel required.