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Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Drilling Superintendent is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling operations across multiple geothermal projects. This role ensures that ...

Drilling Supervisor

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Drilling Supervisor's primary responsibility is to ensure all processes, special instructions and best practices related to the drilling department as defined by Process Engineering are strictly ...

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Earth Drilling / Harris Exploration is currently hiring experienced Drillers to join our growing team working across the United States. We are looking for motivated, safety-focused candidates with ...

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Earth Drilling / Harris Exploration is currently hiring experienced Drillers to join our growing team working across the United States. We are looking for motivated, safety-focused candidates with ...

Driller

Elko, NV

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Earth Drilling / Harris Exploration is currently hiring experienced Drillers to join our growing team working across the United States. We are looking for motivated, safety-focused candidates with ...

Driller

Kellogg, ID · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

Thank you for your interest in working with Timberline Drilling! We are seeking dedicated individuals to help us provide top-tier core drilling services for both surface and underground mining ...

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Earth Drilling / Harris Exploration is currently hiring experienced Drillers to join our growing team working across the United States. We are looking for motivated, safety-focused candidates with ...

Showing results 21-40

Drilling information

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$20

$41

$69

How much do drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling 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.

Where do drillers work?

Drillers can work on either onshore oil rigs or offshore ocean rigs. If you like to travel, there are oil rigs in many places around the world like China, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria. Land rigs are often in rural or semi-remote areas and usually require month-long shifts working 12-hour days, seven days per week, but this depends on the company that employees you. Drillers can also work on other types of rigs, such as those drilling a water well, collecting rock samples for research projects, or conducting oil or gas exploration. Collecting soil samples for environmental companies is an essential job for cleaning up contamination or developing land.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering (often petroleum, mechanical, or chemical), strong analytical abilities, and relevant industry experience. Proficiency in drilling software (like Landmark or WellView), knowledge of drilling equipment, and often certifications such as IWCF or Well Control are essential. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help navigate complex drilling operations and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling processes, which are critical for successful energy exploration and production.

What are some common challenges faced by drilling professionals when working on remote sites, and how can these be managed?

Drilling professionals often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, limited access to resources, and extended periods away from home when working on remote sites. Effective preparation is key—this includes thorough logistical planning, clear communication with support teams, and adhering to safety protocols. Building strong teamwork on-site and staying adaptable to changing conditions can also help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful drilling operations.

What is the difference between Drilling vs Well Servicing?

AspectDrillingWell Servicing
CredentialsDrilling certifications, CDL, technical trainingWell servicing certifications, technical skills
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling rigs, outdoor, remote locationsOn-site at well sites, maintenance facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas exploration companies, drilling contractorsOil & gas operators, well service companies

Drilling and well servicing are both essential in the oil and gas industry. Drilling involves creating new wells using specialized equipment, while well servicing focuses on maintaining, repairing, and optimizing existing wells. Although they share similar certifications and work environments, their roles differ in scope and purpose within the industry.

Is drilling a good career?

Drilling is a skilled trade that offers employment opportunities in industries such as oil and gas, construction, and mining. It often requires technical training, safety certifications, and the ability to work in challenging environments, with job stability depending on industry demand and economic factors.

What does a drilling get paid?

Drilling workers, such as drill operators and rig workers, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Skilled workers with certifications and experience in the oil and gas industry can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay.

What cities are hiring for Drilling jobs?

Cities with the most Drilling job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling jobs?

The most popular types of Drilling jobs are:

What states have the most Drilling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drilling jobs include:

What other helpful pages are available for Drilling?

Other pages related to Drilling:

Infographic showing various Drilling job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,248 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Staff Drilling Engineer - Southern Region Drilling

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
The Staff Drilling Engineer will be directly responsible for the design and execution of safe and technically sound drilling programs. The individual will work directly with the drilling manager, drilling team lead, drilling superintendent's and well site supervisors to deliver strong repeatable results. The drilling engineer is expected to demonstrate by action good technical judgment, professionalism, one-team spirit, leadership skills in promoting a safe operation at the well site.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Makes technical design decisions on the safe execution of the drilling plan with cost efficiency as business driver.
  • Generates well designs and procedures that include time and cost estimates.
  • Works closely with drilling team to help daily planning and safe execution of operations.
  • Analyzes and improves drilling and cost performance.
  • Evaluates vendor performance and new technology application.
  • Works cohesively across all disciplines of the asset team.
  • Open and willing to aggressively seek better methods and techniques of drilling wells.
  • Manages a variable workload as rig activity rises and falls based on the goals of the company.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership and supervisory skills.
  • Mentorship and collaborative development of field and office staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies
  • Drilling engineering industry training, such as IADC Wellsharp Certification, Murchison, Prentice/Northstar, Extended Reach drilling or similar courses.
  • Experience and understanding of casing design principles.
  • Experience with computer software for modeling casing design, directional well plans, hydraulics, torque & drag. (Landmark suite or ERA is preferred)
  • Has detailed and demonstrated technical knowledge of drilling horizontal wells.
  • Drives results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
  • Action oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
  • Optimizes work processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Situational adaptability - Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
  • Experience writing detailed operational procedures.
  • Strong risk management knowledge and strong well cost management skills.
  • Good contractor management skills.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering field from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of drilling experience with an independent or major oil company working in a major horizontal unconventional basin.
  • An acceptable pre-employment background and drug test.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous well-site supervision experience.
  • Prior experience supporting international operations.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

Continental Resources, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities and access for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.