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Entry Level Mud Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

Niles, MI · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond ... This is an entry level position. No experience is required. * The employee will be expected perform ...

Entry Level Mud Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$26.1K

$60.5K

$102.8K

How much do entry level mud engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level mud engineer in Michigan is $60,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level mud engineer?

An Entry Level Mud Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, testing, and maintenance of drilling fluids used in oil and gas operations. They monitor mud properties, conduct tests, and ensure proper fluid performance to optimize drilling efficiency and well stability. This role involves working closely with senior engineers and rig personnel to troubleshoot issues and make necessary adjustments. Entry-level mud engineers often gain hands-on experience at drilling sites while learning industry best practices and safety protocols.

How much do entry level mud engineers get paid?

Entry-level mud engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, company, and experience. Starting salaries may include additional benefits such as overtime pay and bonuses, especially in remote or high-demand areas.

How do I become an entry level mud engineer?

To become an entry-level mud engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should pursue training in drilling fluids technology, often through technical schools or on-the-job training. Certification in safety and environmental standards, such as HSE training, can improve job prospects, and familiarity with drilling equipment and mud testing tools is beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level mud engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mud Engineer, you need a background in chemistry, geology, or engineering, with a bachelor's degree often preferred. Familiarity with drilling fluids, mud logging software, and basic laboratory testing equipment is highly valuable, and a valid safety certificate (such as H2S training) is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, adaptability, and teamwork are standout soft skills. These competencies help ensure wellbore stability, efficient drilling operations, and safe collaboration in demanding field environments.

What are some typical challenges an entry level mud engineer might face on the job?

As an Entry Level Mud Engineer, you may encounter the challenge of working long hours on remote drilling sites, often in varying weather conditions. Adjusting to rapidly changing downhole conditions and troubleshooting unexpected mud system issues require quick thinking and thorough understanding of drilling fluid properties. Initial responsibilities often include collecting samples, running basic tests, and reporting to senior engineers, but you’ll also need to be comfortable adapting to new environments and multi-disciplinary teams. Over time, overcoming these challenges helps you build valuable technical skills and prepares you for greater responsibility and advancement within drilling operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mud Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Mud Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mud Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,456 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

TERRACON

Niles, MI • On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located.From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Limited or no experience required
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
Preferred Certification and Skills:
  • Experience in diesel mechanics, welding, fabrication, heavy equipment operation, and construction.
  • Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license.
  • This is an entry level position. No experience is required.
  • The employee will be expected perform following tasks:
    • Load tooling and materials.
    • Assist in drilling operations and instrumentation and monitoring well installation.
    • Collect soil and rock samples and log field data.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform basic surveying and site reconnaissance.
    • Drive a medium-duty truck and trailer.
    • Learn to inspect and how to maintain equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

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