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Drilling Rig Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Highlands Drilling LLC

Driller

Weston, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Rig Manager Responsibilities: * Operating and monitoring the essential systems of the drilling rig including: the hoisting, well control, mud and power systems found on all drilling rigs * Assisting ...

Coastal Drilling East, LLC

Driller

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Operating and monitoring the essential systems of the drilling rig including: the hoisting, drill controls, and power systems * Assisting and supervising rig up/down procedures * Responsible for ...

Highlands Drilling LLC

Floorhand

Weston, WV

Driller Summary: * The floorhand operates and maintains the rig floor including drill pipe, hosing equipment (winch cat line), tongs, slips and pump systems as direct by the driller. During non ...

Highlands Drilling LLC

Derrickhand

Weston, WV

Operate and maintain drilling rig diesel motors, transmissions and other mechanical equipment. * Clean and inspect mud tanks as required. * Assist rig floor crews to make up test string, tools and ...

Triad Engineering

Drill Helper

Scott Depot, WV · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

This entry-level position assists in operating a drill rig and performing test boringsExcellent compensation and benefits package including:Medical, dental, vision insurance401(k) planPaid ...

Triad Engineering

Drill Helper

Scott Depot, WV · On-site

This entry-level position assists in operating a drill rig and performing test borings Excellent compensation and benefits package including: * Medical, dental, vision insurance * 401(k) plan * Paid ...

Triad Engineering

Drill Helper

Scott Depot, WV · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

This entry-level position assists in operating a drill rig and performing test borings Excellent compensation and benefits package including: * Medical, dental, vision insurance * 401(k) plan * Paid ...

Triad Engineering

Drill Helper/Transport

Scott Depot, WV · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

... drill rig and performing test borings. Exposure to additional responsibilities may include but not be limited to:Ensure safety is always prioritizedObtain soil and rock samples from test borings ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in West Virginia

Drilling Rig information

See West Virginia salary details

$11

$21

$33

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in West Virginia is $21.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $23.27 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 West Virginia?

The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in West Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in West Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in West Virginia are:

Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in West Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,328 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Driller

Highlands Drilling LLC

Weston, WV • On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

 Company:

  •  Highlands Drilling

 Position:

  •  Driller

Department:

  • Operations

Location:

  • Various/Field-Based

Direct Report:

  • Rig Manager

Responsibilities:

  • Operating and monitoring the essential systems of the drilling rig including: the hoisting, well control, mud and power systems found on all drilling rigs
  • Assisting and supervising rig up/down procedures
  • Responsible for ensuring full rig compliance with all mandatory company, client, state and federal rules and regulations that relate to the drilling rig
  • Supervises, trains and coordinates the activities of the drill crew
  • Performs duties of other crew members when needed
  • Ensures safety is a top priority for all rig personnel
  • Manages and directs the daily activities of the rig crew in the tool pushers absence.
  • Adhere to all company policies, procedures and Government safety regulations pertaining to the worksite.
  • Participate in safety initiatives.
  • Assist in moving the rig, rigging up and rigging down.

Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED, preferred

Experience:

  • 5+ years of experience in an oil/gas drilling experience
  • Previous experience working as a righand and as a derrickhand
  • Previous experience in a high paced safety sensitive work environment

Skills & Abilities:

  • Ability to lead and direct subordinates
  • Ability to delegate work site activities and verify their completion
  • Ability to interrupt drilling conditions and operate rig accordingly
  • Ability to communicate and comprehend the efforts of others
  • Ability to think and act quickly
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to communicate and comprehend the efforts of others
  • Ability to think and act quickly
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to be attentive to details in a fast paced working environment
  • Ability to multi-task, stay organized and close out assigned tasks
  • Ability to operate independently and make safe decisions regarding personal conduct
  • Ability to work for extended periods of time in harsh weather conditions
  • Ability to think and act independently to ensure personal and team success and safety
  • Ability to work flexible hours and travel

Certifications:

  • MSHA Part 48 is preferred
  • OHSA 10 Certification is preferred
  • SafeLand Certification is preferred

Travel:

  • Required

Physical Requirements:

  • The individual must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required.  This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done
  • Walking, stepping, climbing or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, and normally involves physically getting into and out of equipment through the use of vertical mounted ladders up to and including 10' or more in height
  • Visually seeing driving operations well (either naturally or with corrective lenses)
  • Standing, stooping kneeling, squatting, climbing and sitting
  • Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work
  • Working at elevated heights
  • Lifting 50 lb. objects occasionally
  • Carrying 50 lb. objects occasionally
  • Adapting to outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure to sometimes adverse weather conditions
  • Remaining calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident
  • Exposure to working outdoors in all-weather conditions
  • Ability to work more than 40 hours in any given week including weekend assignments and holidays as required

EEO:

  • SDI HD Holding LLC DBA Highlands Drilling is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabilities and protected veteran status

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