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Entry Level Drilling Rig Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Drilling Rig information

See Louisiana salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do entry level drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level drilling rig in Louisiana is $23.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level drilling rig job?

Entry level drilling rig jobs are positions on an oil or gas drilling site that require little to no prior industry experience. These roles often include positions such as roustabout, roughneck, or floorhand, where employees are responsible for basic labor tasks like equipment maintenance, cleaning, and assisting more experienced crew members. Entry level workers receive on-the-job training and have opportunities to advance to more skilled positions as they gain experience. These jobs can be physically demanding and often require working outdoors in challenging conditions. Safety training and adherence to strict protocols are essential parts of the work.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level drilling rig workers, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level drilling rig workers often face physically demanding tasks, long shifts, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Adapting to the fast-paced, safety-focused environment can be challenging, especially for those new to industrial settings. Building physical stamina, learning safety protocols thoroughly, and maintaining good communication with team members can help new hires succeed. It's also important to be adaptable, as responsibilities can shift quickly based on operational needs.

How to become an entry level drilling rig with no experience?

To become an entry-level drilling rig worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam. On-the-job training is provided, and having basic knowledge of safety procedures, physical fitness, and willingness to work in challenging environments is important; some positions may require certifications like OSHA or HAZWOPER. Prior experience is not usually required for entry-level roles, which focus on training new workers on equipment and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level drilling rig worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drilling Rig worker, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, willingness to work long hours, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, basic hand tools, and sometimes certifications like H2S Alive or First Aid are typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and strong communication skills are valuable soft skills in this physically demanding, team-oriented environment. These attributes are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity on drilling sites.

What is the difference between Entry Level Drilling Rig vs Entry Level Oilfield Worker?

AspectEntry Level Drilling RigEntry Level Oilfield Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, outdoor, physically demandingOn-site at oilfield locations, outdoor, physically demanding
Industry UsageSpecifically involved in drilling operationsBroader oilfield tasks including maintenance and support
Job FocusAssisting with drilling operations, equipment setupSupporting various oilfield activities, equipment handling

Both roles require safety certifications and involve outdoor, physically demanding work environments. The main difference is that Entry Level Drilling Rigs focus specifically on assisting with drilling operations, while Entry Level Oilfield Workers have a broader scope supporting multiple oilfield tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Louisiana? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Louisiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Drilling Rig jobs in Louisiana? For Entry Level Drilling Rig jobs in Louisiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drilling Rig jobs in Louisiana look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drilling Rig jobs in Louisiana are:
What cities in Louisiana are hiring for Entry Level Drilling Rig jobs? Cities in Louisiana with the most Entry Level Drilling Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Drilling Rig job openings in Louisiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,963 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Driller Assistant - Baton Rouge

Tetra Tech

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

400th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Description
Like working outdoors? Want an entry level position with FULL BENEFITS that could lead to a career in test drilling?
Ardaman & Associates, Inc. is one of the largest geotechnical, materials testing, and environmental engineering consulting firms in the Southeastern U.S. Ardaman has the following opportunity available:
DRILLER ASSISTANT
Our Baton Rouge office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller trainee will assist the crew chief in solid auger and rotary drilling techniques. The trainee will help move, set up and operate drill rigs and related equipment to drill test holes for geotechnical engineering studies. Site investigation/geotechnical drilling is done to determine the soil characteristics on sites to be developed as building, roadways and bridges. Work is outdoors. The work is generally physically demanding. However, safety is in our work is an uncompromised value and we are proud of our safety record.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist in drilling operations.
  • Expedite field supplies.
  • Perform duties at multiple job sites.
  • Perform yard duties at direction of supervisor.
  • Assist in measuring test boring locations
  • Load and unload trucks.
  • Smoothly and quickly connect and disconnect the lower parts of the drill pipe when it is being lowered into and raised from the hole.
  • Catch samples of drilled cuttings to be analyzed.
  • Clean and maintain equipment.
  • Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up.
  • Dig and clean mud pits and drains.
  • Assist with well development and pumping tests.
  • Operate equipment such as pumps for air, water and mud, and equipment and tools used to correct problems in drilled holes caused by mechanical breakdowns or by harmful natural conditions.
  • Carry out minor maintenance and repairs, including lubrication and cleaning.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience preferred, but will train
  • Mechanical skills preferred
  • Class A or Class B CDL license a plus
  • Must be able to obtain DOT Medical Examiners Certificate or have current certificate prior to employment
  • Available to work overtime, out of town, and weekends as required to meet client schedules
  • Ability to lift drill steel and materials weighing up to 80 lbs.
  • Must pass company background checks including drug screen
  • Must have acceptable driving record within company standards
  • Local candidates preferred; no relocation assistance.

We offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, and much more.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ardaman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, who is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans. Ardaman is a Drug Free Workplace.
We invite applications from all interested parties. No agencies.
Learn about Ardaman and explore our open positions at www.ardaman.com
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