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Drilling Rig Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Geotechnical Driller

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Operate drilling equipment at shallow to moderate depths to perform complex site investigations * Responsible for drill rig transportation * Train and direct Driller Assistants, identify and ...

Record drilling parameters, production data, and daily progress reports, while maintaining open and ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL ยท On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL ยท On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

Operate the HDD rig, guide the drill head, manage drilling fluid (mud), and pull back conduit/cable to install utilities accurately. * Conduct site safety assessments, ensure adherence to OSHA ...

Scaffold Foreman

IL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... rig materials. - Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities on tolls and equipment ...

Scaffold Builder

IL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... rig materials. - Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities on tolls and equipment ...

Scaffold Foreman

IL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... rig materials. - Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities on tolls and equipment ...

Scaffold Foreman

IL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... rig materials. - Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities on tolls and equipment ...

Scaffold Builder

IL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... rig materials. - Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities on tolls and equipment ...

Scaffold Builder

IL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... drill motors and pry bars. - Assembles scaffold containing handrails, mid rails, braces and planks ... rig materials. - Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities on tolls and equipment ...

Drilling Rig information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$28

$44

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Chicago, IL is $28.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $30.96 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Drilling Rig jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,031 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Geotechnical Driller

Intertek Global

Schaumburg, IL โ€ข On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Geotechnical Driller - Plymouth, MI

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to many of the world's top-recognized brands and companies, is actively seeking a Geotechnicalย Drillerย to join our Professional Services Industries, Inc. (Intertek-PSI) team in theย Plymouth, MI office. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow a versatile career in the architectural, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry.

Professional Service Industries, Inc. (Intertek-PSI) is a leading US based provider of construction assurance, testing and inspection in civil and commercial construction. Our broad service offering includes construction materials testing, geotechnical services, environmental engineering, industrial hygiene, and specialty testing.

What are we looking for?

The Geotechnical Drillerย is responsible for performing a variety of drilling activities to obtain boring samples. Examples include soil drilling, rock coring, sampling, classifications, in-situ testing and monitoring well installation. ย 

Salary & Benefits Information:

In addition to competitive compensation packages, when working with Intertek you can expect benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, generous vacation / sick time (PTO), tuition reimbursement and more.ย 

What you'll do:

  • Investigate sub surface conditions, recognize and identify soil and rock types and material classification
  • Operate drilling equipment at shallow to moderate depths to perform complex site investigations
  • Responsible for drill rig transportation
  • Train and direct Driller Assistants, identify and coordinate daily work schedules at job site
  • Direct site inquiries from general public to the project team
  • Prepare tooling and supplies for the day's tasksย and loads/unloads/assembles/disassembles augers; trouble shoot drilling challenges
  • Retrieve / log samples and maintain record log of drilling activities
  • Clean and maintain equipmentย and perform site clean up

This position outline is a general guideline and does not represent all encompassing details. The position assumes that the incumbent has both the mental and physical requirements to carry out the above defined duties.ย ย 

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications:

  • 2 years' related geotechnical drilling experience
  • Valid driver's license and reliable driving record is required
  • Travel up to 50%
  • Ability to lift, move, push and pull up to 50 pounds frequently; Occasionally, over 50 pounds with assistance
  • Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, (hearing) and to make the discriminations in sound
  • Ability to kneel and squat occasionally
  • Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, including hot and cold temperatures
  • Ability to climb occasionally, and work at various heights
  • Ability to work over night hours and off shift
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Class A

Preferred Requirements & Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Intertek: Total Quality. Assured.

Intertek is a world leader in the Quality Assurance market, with a proven, high-quality business model and a global network of customer-focused operations and highly engaged subject matter experts. With passion, pace, and precision we work to exceed our customers' expectations, while engaging with our employees to be 10X in their performance and professional growth.

Intertek is a drug-free workplace. For certain safety-sensitive roles, a pre-employment drug screen will be required. Based on local law and legislation, marijuana may be included in that screening.

We Value Diversity

Intertek's network of phenomenal peopleย are our greatest assets, and the diversity they bring fuels our success. Intertek is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that values inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

For individuals with disabilities who would like to request accommodation, or who need assistance applying, please email intertekhrusa@intertek.com ย or call 1-877-694-8543 (option #5) to speak with a member of the HR Department.

#LI-HB1 ย CA-HB

*Intertek does not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies and will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.ย ย ย 

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification (ATIC) solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains. Working at Intertek means joining a global network of state-of-the-art facilities and passionate people who deliver superior customer service with a purpose of bringing quality, safety, and sustainability to life.ย The Building & Construction team provides assurance, testing, inspection, and certification services and building science solutions to deliver Total Quality Assurance to the built environment. The team offers the architectural, engineering and construction (A/E/C) industry with a full suite of capabilities both in the lab and on site.