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Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Mansfield, LA · On-site

The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor. Job Duties ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Mansfield, LA · On-site

The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor. Job Duties ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Morgantown, WV · On-site

Perform rig up and rig down activities as assigned * Perform "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

Sound Oil Plc

Lease Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

... rig floor during drilling. 9. Ensure the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the ...

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Morgantown, WV · On-site

Perform rig up and rig down activities as assigned * Perform "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

Sound Oil Plc

Lease Analyst

Houston, TX

... rig floor during drilling. 9. Ensure the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the ...

QB Energy

Slickline/Swab Rig Technician

Parachute, CO · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... oil and gas production. This role supports slickline/swab operations by assisting with equipment ... This is an entry level role with opportunities for advancement. Essential Duties & Responsibilities ...

Calista Corporation

Roustabout

Anchorage, AK · On-site

This is an entry-level position with Nordic Calista rigs. This position requires physical strength ... Inside enclosed oil rig and outside in elements. Hazardous conditions may include a wet, oily, icy ...

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Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck information

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$14

$22

$38

How much do entry level oil rig roughneck jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level oil rig roughneck in the United States is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level oil rig roughnecks, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Entry level oil rig roughnecks often face challenges such as physically demanding work, long shifts (sometimes 12 hours or more), and adapting to a fast-paced, safety-focused environment. The work can be repetitive and is usually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. New hires can prepare by building physical stamina, learning about safety protocols, and being ready to work collaboratively as part of a close-knit team. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and willingness to learn can help overcome these initial challenges and lead to advancement opportunities.

What is an entry level oil rig roughneck?

Entry level oil rig roughnecks are workers who perform basic, physically demanding tasks on oil and gas drilling rigs. Their responsibilities include handling drill pipes, cleaning equipment, assisting more experienced crew members, and maintaining safety standards on site. Roughnecks are essential to the drilling operation, often working long hours in challenging outdoor environments. This position is considered an entry point into the oil and gas industry, offering opportunities to gain experience and advance to higher roles over time.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, heavy machinery, and sometimes certifications like H2S Alive or first aid are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a willingness to work long hours in challenging environments are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability needed for successful oil rig operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck vs Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout?

AspectEntry Level Oil Rig RoughneckEntry Level Oil Rig Roustabout
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn drilling rigs, physically demanding, outdoorOn drilling rigs, physically demanding, outdoor
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with drilling operations, handling equipmentAssisting with general rig maintenance and support tasks
Industry UsageCommonly used in oil and gas drillingCommonly used in oil and gas drilling

Both roles are entry-level positions on oil rigs requiring similar certifications and work environments. The Roughneck typically focuses more on assisting with drilling operations and handling equipment, while the Roustabout performs general maintenance and support tasks. Both are essential for rig operations and often overlap in daily duties.

How easy is it to get hired at an entry level oil rig roughneck?

Entry level oil rig roughneck positions are competitive but accessible for candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers often seek individuals willing to work long shifts in physically demanding environments and may require safety certifications such as OSHA training. Prior experience is not always necessary, but having physical fitness and a strong work ethic can improve chances of hiring.
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Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,194 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Roughneck

Expand Energy

Mansfield, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Our core values - Stewardship, Character, Collaborate, Learn, Disrupt - are the lens through which we evaluate every business decision. As a dynamic, growing company that offers extremely competitive compensation and benefits, our employees are our most valued assets and the foundation of Expands performance among our E&P competitors.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We realize that, historically, underrepresented groups feel the need to be 100% qualified in order to apply. If you meet any combination of our requirements, we encourage you to apply. We strive to hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

Job Summary

The Roughneck is primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling machinery and equipment. They will perform maintenance to the equipment and minor repairs in a safe and efficient manner under the direct supervision of the Driller. The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Performs rig up and rig down activities as assigned.
  • Performs "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of the blowout preventer stack.
  • Performs general repairs and maintenance on major and minor rig components.
  • Assists the Assistant Driller (Derrickman) with mud-mixing duties.
  • Performs emergency procedures.
  • Ensures that work carried out is in compliance with company policies and procedures and according to safety regulations.
Job Specific Skills
  • Ability to assist with tools and parts
  • Ability to maintain a safe work environment
  • Knowledge of heavy equipment
  • Knowledge of chemical and fractionator systems
Education & Experience

Minimum: High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent is required

Minimum: 0 - 6+ years related experience

Minimum training requirements: Health, Safety and Environment Orientation and Rig Specific Start Up Training

Additional Qualifications

Expand Energy takes necessary action to ensure that all applicants are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Expand Energy Corporation's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

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