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Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rig Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rig information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$19

$39

$67

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

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level offshore drilling rig in Baton Rouge, LA is $39.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.03 and $42.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Entry-level workers on offshore drilling rigs often face challenges such as adapting to long shifts, working in physically demanding and sometimes harsh environmental conditions, and adjusting to an extended time away from home. Safety is a top priority, so following strict protocols and being vigilant about hazards is essential. New hires can prepare by focusing on physical fitness, familiarizing themselves with safety procedures, and being open to learning from experienced crew members, which will help them succeed and thrive in this unique work environment.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are essential soft skills due to the challenging and remote work environment. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safety, operational efficiency, and effective collaboration on offshore rigs.

What is an entry level offshore drilling rig?

Entry level offshore drilling rig jobs are positions on oil or gas rigs that require little to no prior experience in the industry. Common roles include roustabout, roughneck, or floorhand, where employees handle general labor tasks, assist with equipment, and maintain safety standards. These jobs are physically demanding, often involve working long shifts in challenging conditions, and are a starting point for advancing to more specialized positions on the rig. Training is typically provided on the job, and workers must adhere strictly to safety protocols.

How do I get started working on an entry level offshore drilling rig?

To start working as an entry-level offshore drilling rig worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and physical fitness. Gaining experience through entry-level positions like roustabout or roughneck and demonstrating a willingness to learn are important steps in entering the offshore drilling industry.

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

AspectEntry Level Offshore Drilling RigEntry Level Oilfield Roustabout
CredentialsHigh School diploma, safety certificationsHigh School diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn offshore drilling platforms, demanding conditionsOn oilfield sites, onshore or offshore
Industry UsagePrimarily on drilling rigs for exploration/extractionSupport roles on oilfields, assisting with equipment and maintenance
Job FocusAssisting drilling operations, safety proceduresGeneral labor, equipment handling, site maintenance

Both roles require safety certifications and involve working in demanding environments. The main difference is that Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rigs focus on supporting drilling operations on offshore platforms, while Entry Level Oilfield Roustabouts perform general labor tasks on oilfield sites, often onshore. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right entry point in the oil and gas industry.

How much does an entry level offshore drilling rig worker make?

Entry-level offshore drilling rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, with wages increasing with experience and certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET). They often work long shifts in challenging environments, and compensation may include additional allowances for overtime and living expenses.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rig jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? For Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rig jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rig jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rig jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Offshore Drilling Rig job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,819 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Driller Assistant - Baton Rouge

Tetra Tech

Baton Rouge, LA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

395th of 439 rated engineering


Job 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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Additional Information
  • Organization: 113 AAI

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