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Entry Level Derrickman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX · On-site

Serves in entry-level capacity on drilling crew under immediate supervision of Driller and receiving direction from Derrickman and Motorman. Supports drilling rig set up, operation and dismantling.

New

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX

Serves in entry-level capacity on drilling crew under immediate supervision of Driller and receiving direction from Derrickman and Motorman. Supports drilling rig set up, operation and dismantling.

New

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX

Serves in entry-level capacity on drilling crew under immediate supervision of Driller and receiving direction from Derrickman and Motorman. Supports drilling rig set up, operation and dismantling.

New

Helmerich Payne

U.S. Rig Based Positions

Odessa, TX · On-site

$25 - $34.50/hr

At a Glance: Non-supervisory rig-based drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore entry-level), Motorman and Derrickman . When completing your ...

Helmerich Payne

U.S. Rig Based Positions

Tyler, TX

$25 - $34.50/hr

At a Glance: Non-supervisory rig-based drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore entry-level), Motorman and Derrickman . When completing your ...

Helmerich Payne

U.S. Rig Based Positions

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$25 - $34.50/hr

At a Glance: Non-supervisory rig-based drilling positions include positions such as Floorman (entry-level), Roustabout (Offshore entry-level), Motorman and Derrickman . When completing your ...

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Entry Level Derrickman information

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$12

$16

$22

How much do entry level derrickman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level derrickman in the United States is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges an Entry Level Derrickman might face during their first few months on the job?

As an Entry Level Derrickman, you'll likely face challenges adapting to the physically demanding nature of the role and following strict safety protocols while working at heights. The work environment can be intense, with long shifts and exposure to varying weather conditions. Additionally, quickly learning to communicate effectively with the rig team and mastering the operation of equipment are key to success. With time and experience, you'll become more comfortable with these demands and develop the skills needed for advancement within the drilling team.

How to become a roughneck with no experience?

To become an entry-level roughneck, you should gain physical fitness, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and complete safety training such as OSHA certifications. Many employers provide on-the-job training, so prior experience is not required, but having a high school diploma or equivalent can be beneficial.

Is a Derrick hand an entry level job?

A Derrick hand is typically an entry-level position in the oil and gas industry, responsible for assisting with drilling operations and maintaining equipment. It often requires basic safety training and physical stamina, with opportunities for advancement through experience and additional certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Derrickman, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Derrickman, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a basic understanding of oil drilling operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rig safety procedures, hand tools, lifting equipment, and sometimes basic certifications such as H2S awareness are essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions are critical soft skills for working safely and efficiently on the rig. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure personal safety, support smooth drilling operations, and minimize hazards in a demanding work environment.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An entry-level derrickman in the oil and gas industry can earn around $10,000 per month with experience, on-the-job training, and safety certifications. These roles typically require physical fitness and knowledge of drilling operations but do not require a college degree.

What are the duties of an entry level derrickman?

An entry level derrickman works on an oil or gas drilling rig, mainly assisting with the handling and maintenance of drill pipes and drilling fluids. They often work high up on the derrick, guiding drill pipes into and out of the well and ensuring the drilling process runs smoothly. Other responsibilities include cleaning equipment, monitoring mud systems, and following strict safety procedures. This role requires physical strength, attention to detail, and the ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions.

What is the easiest job in the oilfield?

An entry-level derrickman position is often considered one of the less technically demanding roles in the oilfield, focusing on assisting with the drilling process and handling equipment. It requires basic physical fitness, safety training, and the ability to work in challenging environments, but typically involves less complex decision-making than other drilling roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Derrickman jobs? The most popular types of Derrickman jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Derrickman jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Derrickman jobs include:
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Entry Level Derrickman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Derrickman job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,227 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Floorhand

Floorhand

Lewis Energy Group

Encinal, TX • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

Lewis Energy Group rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Overview
Summary:
Serves in entry-level capacity on drilling crew under immediate supervision of Driller and receiving direction from Derrickman and Motorman. Supports drilling rig set up, operation and dismantling. Racks and move tubulars and makes up and breaks out drill string in absence of automated equipment. Dopes threads and inspects drill string. Maintains tools and equipment and performs housekeeping around rig. Relieves Derrickman or Motorman, as assigned, to gain experience for promotion.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assists in drilling rig erection (rig up) and dismantling (rig down). Inspects, places, assembles, pins, bolts and levels components to prepare rig for drilling operations. May install substructure, rig floor, derrick, handrails, guardrails, stairs, walkways, ladders, hoisting systems, rotating systems, power systems, circulating systems and auxiliary equipment using hand and power tools under direction of senior drilling crew members. Reverses process to dismantle rig for storage and portability after production casing is run and cemented.
  • May unload tubulars from trucks onto racks, secure with chocks or pins and move from rack and catwalk up ramp and through V-door to derrick, using catline, air hoist or hydraulic winch, in absence of automated pipe handling equipment.
  • Makes up (trips in or runs) and breaks out (trips out or pulls) drill string. Sets and removes slips. Maneuvers suspended tubulars using floor tugger when rig is not top drive-equipped, doping threads, stabbing into drill stem and unlatching pipe elevator while tripping in or latching pipe elevator and stacking in derrick while tripping out. Latches power tongs above and below tool joints in absence of top drive, operating controls to spin and torque tool joints, then releasing tongs. Dopes threads only when top drive is used, latching single backup tong to prevent rotation of drill string as connections are being made, subsequently releasing tong.
    Visually inspects drill string and reports washouts, excessive wear, joint or thread damage.
  • Maintains tool room inventory and performs minor maintenance on tools and equipment. Inspects tongs, greasing and replacing dies as needed. Checks and replaces snub lines, break out lines, chains, hanging lines and counterweight assembly as required.
  • Performs housekeeping around rig, keeping rig floor clean and clear of tools after each trip. Washes down blowout preventers and keeps shale shaker and de-sander clean when in use. Chips, scrapes and paints rig components and equipment as required.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education
Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
Minimum 2 years recent oilfield, heavy construction, mining, farming, ranching or military work experience requiring significant, sustained physical effort and mental alertness over full course of extended workdays in all weather conditions.
Other Requirements
Ability to read and write.
Capability to work and communicate effectively in team environment.
Familiarity with function, safe use and basic maintenance of variety of machines and tools.
Valid driver's license.
Physical Demands
Regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; taste or smell; and talk or hear. Frequently required to lift or exert force up to 100 pounds. Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Regularly exposed to wet or humid non-weather conditions; moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions; and vibration. Noise level in work environment usually is loud.

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