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Drilling Rigs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Appalachian Drilling Company LLC

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Vertical Drill Rig Operator

China Grove, NC · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for operating heavy rotary drilling rigs to excavate large diameter drilled shafts (caissons) for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Key ...

Wolcott's Water Well Drilling

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Water Well Driller

Sparta, MI · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Operate drilling rigs, excavators, and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently during well installation projects. * Troubleshoot mechanical issues with drilling equipment, pumps, and other ...

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Wolcott's Water Well Drilling

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Water Well Driller

Sparta, MI · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Operate drilling rigs, excavators, and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently during well installation projects. * Troubleshoot mechanical issues with drilling equipment, pumps, and other ...

New

Transamerican Drilling & Testing, Inc.,

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Environmental / Geotechnical driller

Jacksonville, FL · Remote

$50K - $80K/yr

Operate and maintain a variety of drilling rigs for environmental and geotechnical investigations. * Utilize diverse drilling methodologies including Hollow Stem Auger (HSA) , Mud Rotary , and ...

Transamerican Drilling & Testing, Inc.,

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Environmental / Geotechnical driller

Tampa, FL · Remote

$50K - $80K/yr

Operate and maintain a variety of drilling rigs for environmental and geotechnical investigations. * Utilize diverse drilling methodologies including Hollow Stem Auger (HSA) , Mud Rotary , and ...

Mariana Minerals

RC Driller

Moab, UT · On-site

$24.50 - $30.25/hr

Safely operate Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling rigs in accordance with site procedures, manufacturer specifications, and regulatory requirements * Conduct thorough pre-start inspections of drill ...

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All JobsDrilling Rigs Jobs

Drilling Rigs information

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$20

$41

$69

How much do drilling rigs jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rigs in the United States is $41.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with drilling machinery, safety protocols, and industry-standard tools like top drives and blowout preventers is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set top operators apart. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity in demanding drilling environments.

How much do drillers make on oil rigs?

Oil rig drillers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore earning higher wages. Compensation depends on factors such as experience, location, certifications, and shift schedules, often including overtime pay and benefits.

What are drilling rigs?

Drilling rigs are complex machines used to create holes in the earth's subsurface, primarily for extracting oil, natural gas, or water. They come in various sizes and types, from small portable rigs for shallow wells to massive offshore platforms. Drilling rigs can be land-based or installed on offshore platforms and include equipment for rotating the drill bit, circulating drilling fluid, and handling drill pipe. Their primary function is to reach underground reservoirs safely and efficiently. Drilling rigs are essential for the energy industry and play a critical role in global resource extraction.

What is the highest paying oil rig job?

The highest paying oil rig jobs are typically senior positions such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, and rig managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications like BOSIET or HUET, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Drilling Rigs vs Drilling Operators?

AspectDrilling RigsDrilling Operators
CredentialsTechnical certifications, safety trainingOn-the-job training, certifications often required
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, often remoteOn-site at drilling sites, operating equipment
Industry UsageEquipment used in oil, gas, mineral explorationOperate drilling equipment and monitor operations
Job RoleDesign, maintain, and operate drilling rigsControl and monitor drilling operations

Drilling Rigs are the large machinery used to drill wells, while Drilling Operators are the personnel who operate and monitor these rigs during drilling operations. Both roles are essential in the drilling industry, with Rigs being the equipment and Operators being the skilled workers managing the drilling process.

How much do I get paid for working on an oil rig?

Drilling rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions like roustabouts start at lower wages, while specialized roles such as drillers and supervisors can earn higher salaries, often with additional benefits and overtime pay.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Drilling rig jobs, such as rig operators or derrickhands, can pay around $4,000 per week with experience and proper certifications. These roles often require technical skills, physical stamina, and safety training but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying positions are usually found in the oil and gas industry and may involve shift work and remote locations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on drilling rigs, and how can they prepare to handle them?

Professionals working on drilling rigs often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, long shifts, and the need for strict adherence to safety protocols. The work environment is fast-paced and physically demanding, requiring strong teamwork and communication skills. To prepare, candidates should focus on building physical endurance, staying current with safety certifications, and developing problem-solving abilities to respond quickly to unexpected situations. Familiarity with advanced drilling technology and a proactive attitude toward safety can set applicants apart in this field.
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Drilling Rigs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rigs job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,248 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Mechanic - Heavy Equipment and Drilling Rigs

Mechanic - Heavy Equipment and Drilling Rigs

Highlands Drilling LLC

Weston, WV

$24.25 - $32/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position:

  • Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Department:

  • Operations

Location:

  • Weston, WV - Shop

Supervisor: 

  • Operations Manager

Status:

  • Full-Time/ (Exempt - Mechanic)/At-Will

Purpose:

  • The Heavy Equipment Mechanic is responsible for the diagnosis, troubleshooting, fix, repair, and maintenance of heavy equipment, addressing performance issues on a variety of equipment for our drilling operations.
  • Heavy equipment may include: drilling rigs, excavators, rock trucks, front-end loaders, dozers, skid steers, man lifts, and other pieces of heavy construction equipment.
  • The Heavy Equipment Operator must also clean, maintain and secure all equipment as directed by internal policies and procedures, as well as, external requirements.

Responsibilities:

  • Diagnose and troubleshoot problems with heavy equipment
  • Fix and Repair problems on heavy equipment
  • Conduct routine maintenance on heavy equipment to ensure adequate performance -- oil changes, lubrication of equipment, tire replacements, hose repairs, battery replacements and assorted services
  • Recondition and replace assorted parts of the heavy equipment
  • Must be able to operate and test equipment
  • Diagnose problem areas for any significant wear or tear on the equipment
  • Follow all company's safety procedures and protocols
  • Perform daily, weekly, and monthly safety and maintenance checks
  • Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required
  • Ensure heavy equipment is safely and securely stored at close of shift
  • Advise direct supervisor of any requirements for maintenance or repairs

Experience:

  • At least 5 years of dedicated heavy equipment mechanic experience with a focus on heavy construction and/or drilling equipment. Experience with drilling rigs preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

  • Mechanical Aptitude
  • Technical knowledge and interpretation of technical information
  • Read and interpret equipment operator's manuals
  • Read and interpret load charts for corresponding rigging equipment
  • Operate heavy equipment and/or drive trucks, if necessary
  • Work in areas of uneven terrain
  • Assist in the training of new or less-skilled Equipment Operators.
  • Read and comprehend: site-specific rules, maintenance instructions, training manuals, Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS), warning tags, traffic signs and procedure manuals
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements:

  • 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 see equipment operations well (either naturally or with corrective lenses)
  • Standing, stooping kneeling, squatting, climbing or sitting for long periods of time
  • Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work
  • Working at elevated heights
  • Lifting 50 lb. objects as required
  • Carrying 50 lb. objects as required
  • Adapting to outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure
  • 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

Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred, but not required

Licenses or Certifications:

  • Valid driver's license is required
  • CDL driver's license is preferred

Travel:

  •  This position does require travel at times to rig sites

EEO:

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

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