ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech

Saint Clairsville, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech

Saint Clairsville, OH

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK

General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning ... Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$27/hr

General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning ... Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning ... Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK · On-site

General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning ... Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Oil Rig Roughneck Jobs

Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck information

See salary details

$14

$22

$38

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

As of Jul 6, 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 are entry level oil rig roughnecks?

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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Roughneck jobs? The most popular types of Oil Rig Roughneck jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs are:
Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,194 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Advanced Roustabout (Oil & Gas Field)

Advanced Roustabout (Oil & Gas Field)

Costys Energy Services

Carnegie, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: +$28/hr

Location:Various Field Locations (PA / OH / WV Region)
Job Type:Full-Time, Hourly
Schedule:12-hour shifts (day/night rotations as required)
Travel:Occasional travel required based on project needs

Annual Compensation: $105,000 - 140,000+


Position Summary

Costys Energy Services is seeking an experiencedAdvanced Roustaboutto support field operations across drilling, completions, and frac locations. This role is designed for individuals with prior oil & gas field experience who can step in immediately and contribute to ongoing operations with minimal training.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience from drilling rigs, completions sites, or similar environments, and has a strong understanding of field layouts, equipment, and operational flow. This position requires a high level of independence, accountability, and professionalism in both field execution and customer interaction.


Key Responsibilities

  • Support daily operations on drilling, completions, and frac sites
  • Assist with rig-up and rig-down activities
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe job sites
  • Operate heavy equipment including:
    • Skid steer
    • Telehandler
    • Front-end loader
    • Man lift
  • Lead small crews or work groups as needed based on project requirements
  • Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and safety standards
  • Serve as a communication liaison with customer representatives when required
  • Execute tasks with a high level of organization, self-discipline, and motivation
  • Follow all safety procedures, policies, and site-specific requirements
  • Handle materials, tools, and equipment in a safe and effective manner
  • Adapt to changing field conditions and operational demands


Qualifications & Requirements

  • Required:Prior oil & gas field experience (rig, backyard, drilling, completions, or equivalent)
  • Strong understanding of oil & gas terminology, processes, and site operations
  • Ability to understand pad layouts and workflows
  • Experience operating heavy equipment listed above
  • Proven ability to work independently and manage responsibilities without direct supervision
  • Ability to lead crews and direct work when needed
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with customers and third-party representatives
  • MANDATORY:Must be able to receive direction, instruction, and constructive feedback from customer representatives in a professional manner
  • Physically capable of performing demanding field work in various weather conditions
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts and extended schedules as needed
  • Valid drivers license required


Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive hourly wage (based on experience)
  • Overtime opportunities available
  • Full benefits package including:
    • Health, dental, and vision insurance
    • Paid time off
    • Company-sponsored benefits

Additional Information

  • Immediate hiring need
  • Candidates must be reliable, safety-focused, and ready to work in a fast-paced field environment
  • This is not an entry-level position prior experience is required