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Drilling Rig Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

ECS Ltd

Driller

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Record all required drilling data * Report all project specific issues directly to the project manager and/or your supervisor * Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair ...

Ecs Southeast

Driller

Raleigh, NC

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Record all required drilling data * Report all project specific issues directly to the project manager and/or your supervisor * Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair ...

ECS Southeast, LLP

Driller

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Record all required drilling data * Report all project specific issues directly to the project manager and/or your supervisor * Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair ...

Ecs Southeast

Driller

Raleigh, NC

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Record all required drilling data * Report all project specific issues directly to the project manager and/or your supervisor * Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair ...

ECS Ltd

Driller

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Record all required drilling data * Report all project specific issues directly to the project manager and/or your supervisor * Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair ...

Froehling & Robertson

Driller Trainee

Raleigh, NC

$37K - $44K/yr

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

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.15 - $21.60/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 ...

Morgan Corp.

Geostructural Driller

Roxboro, NC

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

... rig and tooling, including Comacchio, Casagrande, TEI, or similar equipment, based on project requirements and observed soil or rock conditions. * Conduct pre-operational checks on drilling equipment ...

Terracon

Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Raleigh, NC

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.

Terracon

Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Raleigh, NC

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.

EC Source

UGE Dirnal Drill Opr/Loc

Cary, NC · On-site

Operate the drill rig efficiently. * Prepare job and drill so that the shot can be performed safely. * Pothole all utilities that will either be paralleled or crossed during the bore shot. * Verify ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in Durham, NC

Drilling Rig information

See Durham, NC salary details

$14

$26

$41

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Durham, NC is $26.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $29.04 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.

More about Drilling Rig jobs

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Durham, NC?

For Drilling Rig jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Drilling Rig job openings:

Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,329 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Driller

ECS Ltd

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Performing standard penetrometer testing operations including performing borings and geoprobes
  • Operating Geoprobe unit for the collection of soil and Cone Penetrometer (CPT) data
  • Locating borings in the field
  • Record all required drilling data
  • Report all project specific issues directly to the project manager and/or your supervisor
  • Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair and maintenance issues to the Drilling Supervisor
  • Troubleshoot mechanical problems including those of an electrical or hydraulic nature
  • Follow all company safety procedures and guidelines for maintaining a safe work environment for all crew personnel
  • Safely and accurately load drill rig and support vehicle each day with supplies needed
  • Plan daily schedule to meet productivity goals set by Drilling Supervisor and/or Office Manager
  • Promptly and accurately complete time sheets and field paperwork
  • Care for and clean assigned company vehicles and drilling equipment and any other assigned equipment
  • Maintain professional behavior and quality standards
  • Train and mentor Drilling Helper
  • Willingness to work out of town and non-standard work schedules when required

Qualifications
  • High School diploma or GED
  • 2 - 4 years of related experience
  • Class A CDL driver's license preferred

About Us
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.

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