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Drilling Rig Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

NABORS

Automation Engineer III

Houston, TX

This role requires a strong understanding of drilling rig equipment and process, PLC hardware and programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks and communications, Variable Frequency Drives (VFD ...

NABORS

TECHNICIAN III MECHANICAL

Houston, TX

Knowledge of drilling operations and drilling rig equipment. * Knowledge of mechanical equipment and troubleshooting. * Basic knowledge to read drawings, schematics and parts breakdowns. * Computer ...

Tata Consultancy Service Limited

PLC Engineers

Houston, TX · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

... drilling rig sites will be required • International and Domestic travel will be required Salary Range: $100,000- $110,000 a year TCS Employee Benefits Summary: Discretionary Annual Incentive.

Enterprise Offshore Drilling

Roustabout

Houston, TX · On-site

They work under the direction of the Crane Operator and will use hand and power tools to perform maintenance and repairs to drilling rig equipment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Prepares ...

Fugro

Driller's Helper - Land

Houston, TX

... drilling rigs and/or cone trucks for jobs as directed. Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Assist driller/CPT operator in the operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and ...

Fugro

Driller's Helper - Land

Houston, TX · On-site

... drilling rigs and/or cone trucks for jobs as directed. Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Assist driller/CPT operator in the operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in Spring, TX

Drilling Rig information

See Spring, TX salary details

$13

$24

$38

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Spring, TX is $24.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $26.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you get hired on an oil rig?

To get hired as a drilling rig worker, candidates typically need relevant experience, such as in construction or mechanical work, and often must complete safety training and certifications like H2S or BOSIET. Employers also look for physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments, with many positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Applying through staffing agencies or directly to oil companies and demonstrating a strong work ethic can improve chances of employment.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

Drilling rig jobs, such as senior drillers or specialized offshore drilling personnel, can pay around $2,000 or more per day due to the demanding environment, technical skills, and certifications required. These high-paying roles often involve extensive experience, safety training, and working in remote or offshore locations on long shifts.

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Drilling rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while specialized roles like drillers or supervisors can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with overtime and benefits.

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 is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically senior drilling engineers, toolpushers, and rig managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments. Compensation can vary based on location, company, and level of expertise.

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 Spring, TX? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Spring, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Spring, TX? For Drilling Rig jobs in Spring, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in Spring, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in Spring, TX are:
What cities near Spring, TX are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs? Cities near Spring, TX with the most Drilling Rig job openings:
Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Spring, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,954 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Patterson-UTI

Houston, TX • On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Patterson-UTI's Drilling Automation team is a growing group of energetic, passionate individuals working to improve our operations through automation. Engineers in our Technology Group are responsible for the conception, design, development, and maintenance of drilling rig control system(s) software and hardware. The preferred candidate should have an established fundamental knowledge of control system principles, exceptional problem-solving skills, experience with Variable Frequency Drives, industrial communication protocols, and drilling rig equipment. They will be responsible for developing new products, sustaining current rig software applications, and fixing issues that are reported with the systems.
Some example projects that we are developing, testing, and deploying include:
  • Designing drilling advisory systems to improve drilling efficiency
  • Automation of repetitive multistep mechanical tasks in the drilling process such as connections, reaming, and tripping
  • Integration of third-party applications into the control system such as battery energy storage and managed pressure drilling systems

The successful candidate will set high standards of performance for themselves and their projects. Present professional demeanor in written and verbal communications while developing innovative solutions. Demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and adapt to business needs.
This role will work under the direction of the Senior Manager of Controls & Automation.
Detailed Description:
  • Apply exceptional understanding of engineering fundamentals with attention to detail and problem solving skills to complete deliverables of multi-disciplinary backgrounds
  • Responsible for developing control algorithms, PLC software, HMI design/development, system architecture design, and implementation of industrial communication protocols
  • Be proficient in designing, developing, and applying control system theory to develop software for new and existing systems
  • Design and develop drilling applications to improve efficiency and automate drilling processes
  • Be able to understand/translate the functional requirements into a system architecture and develop the best solution for large scale implementation
  • Provide accurate system, loop, block, and network diagrams for new or existing systems
  • Generate design documentation, drawings, operation manuals and related material for system code and hardware
  • Generate work tasks, organize the ordering and delivery of equipment and materials, and oversee the efficient installation and commissioning of software and equipment
  • Work directly with third party contractors, Operations, Technical Services, HSE management, and rig crews to assist with the execution of a wide variety of company goals including, but not limited to, drilling control systems, R&D projects, etc.
  • Provide technical support to field personnel as required to assist with troubleshooting PLC and control system issues
  • Follow a formal process for software change control to ensure that changes are introduced in a controlled and coordinated manner. This process will also include documenting revision management processes and controls.

Job Requirements:
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and working on multiple projects simultaneously to meet challenging deadlines
  • Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to promptly give and follow directions when working with others
  • Demonstrate forward thinking and problem solving skills to deliver quality products that enhance the company's vision and drilling portfolio
  • Ability to safely navigate the rig up yard and shop work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)
  • Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites including regular walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during various weather conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)
  • Ability to proficiently use MS Office Suite to develop presentations, correspondence, reports, and schedules (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Physical ability to:
    • Lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
    • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to the field and operational work areas
    • Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and or machinery problems
    • Stay alert and focused including during occasional extended work periods
    • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around the work environment with many moving objects including overhead machinery
    • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times
    • Ability to regularly travel as needed to visit worksites and support business units; may require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area
    • Ability to work on weekends and be on call after hours as needed

Minimum Qualifications:
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation
  • Experience with industrial communications protocols (ex: Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, OPC UA, etc.)
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably (but not limited to) Electrical / Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation
  • 7+ years of proven programming experience with PLCs (ex: Siemens, Omron, etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience in HMI development (ex: Wonderware, WinCC, Ignition, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced expertise in developing PLC code in ladder logic, structured text, statement list, SFC, etc
  • Experience with PLC programming related to drilling controls and automation
  • Experience with battery management systems
  • Experience working in a multi-developer environment
  • Working knowledge of equipment used in the drilling industry

Travel: up to 25%
Work Environment
This position requires the person to be able to work in a time sensitive, high visibility role and regularly travel as needed to support business units and to visit work sites. It may also require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) during variable hours. Variable work hours include hours worked on the weekend, on holidays, and hours to travel within and outside of the assigned region. The Engineer must work with an emphasis on planning, multitasking, and prioritization to maximize efficiency of the team. Must be able to work closely with others and manage customer interaction in a professional manner. Ability to safely navigate work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, working at heights, etc., during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather) and while utilizing designated personal protective equipment (PPE).

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