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Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

This is a junior/entry level position. This position is considered to be a safety-sensitive ... Previous experience in oil and gas industry. * Familiar with rig in and rig out procedures.

This is a junior/entry level position. This position is considered to be a safety-sensitive ... Previous experience in oil and gas industry. * Familiar with rig in and rig out procedures.

Job Overview This is an entry level position to operate, maintain and provide basic repairs to the ... Incumbents in this position have a comprehensive knowledge of jobsite operations to include, rig-up ...

Job Overview This is an entry level position to operate, maintain and provide basic repairs to the ... Incumbents in this position have a comprehensive knowledge of jobsite operations to include, rig-up ...

Job Overview This is an entry level position to operate, maintain and provide basic repairs to the ... Incumbents in this position have a comprehensive knowledge of jobsite operations to include, rig-up ...

Serves in entry-level capacity on drilling crew under immediate supervision of Driller and ... Supports drilling rig set up, operation and dismantling. Racks and move tubulars and makes up and ...

Serves in entry-level capacity on drilling crew under immediate supervision of Driller and ... Supports drilling rig set up, operation and dismantling. Racks and move tubulars and makes up and ...

Serves in entry-level capacity on drilling crew under immediate supervision of Driller and ... Supports drilling rig set up, operation and dismantling. Racks and move tubulars and makes up and ...

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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 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:
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.
Floorhand - Lower Rockies

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Detailed Description:

  • Frequently lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person during the tour work shift
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe
  • Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist with general assembly and maintenance and help prepare new location
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for any problems and safety issues
  • Assist with inspecting, slipping and cutting drilling line
  • Responsible for picking up and laying down tubulars, attaching or detaching pick- up lines, and the hook up and tear out of flare and degasser lines
  • Assist Motorhand with preventative maintenance and repairs of equipment and motors, pipe, and off-loading materials as well as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines
  • Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
  • Inspect safety equipment and PPE for wear and replace as needed
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Support other crew members by carrying supplies, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:

  • Ability to stand and walk while wearing steel-toed boots and PPE for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Able to stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Prior experience or ability to use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Able to have accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Able to work closely with others in the confined area of the drilling rig and may live together in crew quarters
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

  Minimum Qualifications:

  • One (1) year stable related work history (e.g. farming, ranching, construction, heavy equipment or other trade) or military service

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 6 + months of experience working on a rig based position for drilling contractor
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Forklift Certification
  • Valid Well Control Certification, IADC WellSHARP

Additional Details:

This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located.  Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80 to low 100 with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as - 40.

Rate of Pay:  Starting at $27.00/hr.

This role is classified as Hourly

The role is eligible to receive per diem

At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments:  Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance,  401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program.  In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy

The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting.  All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.


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