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Entry Level Mud Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This includes mud hydraulics, Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) planning, formation evaluation, drilling ... Entry-Level Job Family: Operations Product Service Line: Sperry Drilling Svcs Full Time / ...

Want an entry level position with FULL BENEFITS that could lead to a career in test drilling ... Dig and clean mud pits and drains. * Assist with well development and pumping tests. * Operate ...

Want an entry level position with FULL BENEFITS that could lead to a career in test drilling ... Dig and clean mud pits and drains. * Assist with well development and pumping tests. * Operate ...

Job Summary This entry level position performs geosteering operations on all assigned wells, under ... Analyzes data from gamma, offsetting wells, structure maps, seismic and mud logs to make educated ...

Want an entry level position with FULL BENEFITS that could lead to a career in test drilling ... Dig and clean mud pits and drains. * Assist with well development and pumping tests. * Operate ...

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Entry Level Mud Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

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

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level mud engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. For example, senior mud engineers or drilling engineers in the oil and gas industry with extensive expertise and certifications may reach this level, especially in senior or managerial roles. These positions typically require advanced skills, industry experience, and sometimes working in remote or high-pressure environments.

What is an Entry Level Mud Engineer job?

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 hard is it to be a mud engineer?

Becoming an entry-level mud engineer requires technical knowledge of drilling fluids, safety procedures, and equipment operation. The role involves working in challenging environments, often with irregular hours and physical demands, but with proper training and certifications, it is accessible to those interested in the oil and gas industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Mud Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

How to get into mud engineering?

To become an entry-level mud engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or certification in drilling fluids or mud engineering. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions in the oil and gas industry is also important, as well as understanding the use of drilling fluid tools and safety protocols.

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.

Are there entry-level mud engineer positions?

Yes, entry-level mud engineer positions are available in the oil and gas industry. These roles typically require basic knowledge of drilling fluids, safety training, and sometimes a relevant certification, making them accessible to newcomers with limited experience.
More about Entry Level Mud Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Mud Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Mud Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mud Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Mud Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Mud Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Mud Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mud Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Driller Assistant - Baton Rouge

Driller Assistant - Baton Rouge

Tetra Tech

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 hours ago


Tetra Tech rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

336th of 356 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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