ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Oil Rig Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

WATERFLEET LLC

Field Technician - NM

Carlsbad, NM

WWST must be able to function effectively both as a member of a rig-move team, and also ... Knowledge of the oilfield industry--expectations and environment. * Experience with customer ...

WATERFLEET LLC

Field Technician - NM

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

WWST must be able to function effectively both as a member of a rig-move team, and also ... Knowledge of the oilfield industry--expectations and environment. * Experience with customer ...

All JobsOil Rig JobsEntry Level Oil Rig JobsEntry Level Oil Rig Jobs in New Mexico

Entry Level Oil Rig information

See New Mexico salary details

$14

$21

$37

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level oil rig in New Mexico is $21.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Oil Rig worker, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, good physical fitness, and a willingness to work long shifts in challenging conditions. Basic knowledge of safety regulations, heavy machinery, and certifications such as TWIC, H2S, or OSHA safety training are often required. Dependability, teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication are important soft skills in this physically demanding environment. These qualities are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and smooth operations on the rig while building the foundation for career advancement.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An entry-level oil rig worker can earn around $10,000 per month, especially with overtime and hazard pay, despite not needing a college degree. These jobs typically require specialized training, safety certifications, and physical endurance, and they often involve working long shifts in challenging environments.

What is the typical work schedule like for entry-level oil rig workers?

Entry-level oil rig positions usually follow a rotational schedule, such as working 12-hour shifts for two or three weeks straight, followed by an equal period of time off. This means you may be away from home for extended periods, but also have several days or weeks off in a row. The work is physically demanding and involves outdoor conditions, so it's important to be prepared for long days and a challenging environment. However, the schedule allows for a unique work-life balance and provides opportunities to develop new skills and advance within the oil and gas industry.

What is an Entry Level Oil Rig job?

An entry-level oil rig job involves basic tasks that support drilling operations, such as cleaning, maintaining equipment, and assisting more experienced crew members. Common positions include roustabout and roughneck, which require physical labor in harsh environments. No prior experience is usually needed, but employers prefer candidates with mechanical skills and physical endurance. Training and certifications, such as H2S safety and first aid, may be required. These jobs offer competitive pay and opportunities for advancement within the oil and gas industry.

What is an entry-level job on an offshore oil rig?

An entry-level job on an offshore oil rig typically involves supporting roles such as roustabout, roughneck, or floorhand, which include tasks like cleaning, maintenance, and assisting with drilling operations. These positions often require physical fitness, safety training, and sometimes basic certifications like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET).

Is it hard to get hired at an oil rig?

Getting hired as an entry-level oil rig worker can be competitive due to the physically demanding environment and safety requirements. Candidates often need relevant certifications, such as safety training and basic technical skills, and may face a rigorous screening process. Prior experience is not always necessary, but a strong work ethic and willingness to work long shifts are important.

What do entry-level oil rig workers make?

Entry-level oil rig workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, company, and experience. They often receive additional compensation for overtime, hazardous conditions, and certifications such as H2S or BOSIET, and may work long shifts in challenging environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in New Mexico? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in New Mexico are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Oil Rig jobs in New Mexico? For Entry Level Oil Rig jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Oil Rig jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Oil Rig jobs in New Mexico are:
What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Entry Level Oil Rig jobs? Cities in New Mexico with the most Entry Level Oil Rig job openings:
Entry Level Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Oil Rig job openings in New Mexico as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,734 per year, or $22 per hour.
Field Technician - NM

Field Technician - NM

WATERFLEET LLC

Carlsbad, NM

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

General Information:

Title: Based on experience--Field Service Technician (FST), Lead Technician, or System Operator

Reports to: System Operator or Field Superintendent.

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Site: Functions in the field out of our New Mexico facility, supporting West Texas and the New Mexico area.

Hours: 10 days-on/5 days-off hitch schedule

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • FST has no direct reports;
  • Lead Technicians may supervise up to 3 FST;
  • System Operators supervise 1- Lead Technician and up to 3-FST

Position Overview:

WaterFleet, LLC is seeking reliable and detail-oriented Water/Wastewater System Technicians (WWST) to join our Operations team. WWST must be able to function effectively both as a member of a rig-move team, and also independently in the delivery of service, maintenance and repairs. Work locations are remote, geographically dispersed, and fully exposed to all extremes of weather. WWST will work directly and indirectly with a small crew, as a System Operator (Advanced Applicants), Lead Technician (Experienced Applicants), or Field Service Technician (Entry Level Applicants). Successful performance will require both physical and mental exertion & resilience. Maintenance issues that occur after-hours will be addressed in an on-call rotation basis. WWST will frequently drive long distances, work with exposed wastewater (sewage), and experience double & triple shifts consecutively. The successful WWST must be able to accomplish these tasks without compromising the delivery of quality, safety, or customer service.

Responsibilities:

  • Deliver water and waste-water purification trailers to remote customer sites
  • Repair and maintain wastewater equipment, and associated contact with raw sewage
  • Rig equipment up/down as customer sites relocate
  • Perform various types of basic preventative maintenance & repairs
  • Plumbing from source to delivery
  • Communicate clearly & respectfully with both co-workers and customers
  • Monitor the performance of water and waste-water purification units
  • Coordinate maintenance activities with System Operators, Lead Technicians, FSTs and Remote Monitoring Technicians

Requirements:

  • High School Grad; or GED
  • Overtime and On-Call when on hitch schedule
  • Valid drivers license and clean driving record (no more than 2 moving violations in previous 3 years)
  • Acceptable background check, clear of DWI convictions, for the last 5 years
  • Travel to work locations (Permian and/or Delaware Basins)
  • Maintain respectable appearance professional demeanor
  • Drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles are required to be 21 years of age or older - DOT regulations

Qualifications:

  • Ability to use basic hand/power tools for installation and maintenance purposes
  • Physical ability to sit, stand, walk for long periods, and to lift up to 40 lbs.
  • High mechanical aptitude, ability to apply trouble-shooting techniques productively
  • Ability to access computer systems to determine required maintenance activities
  • General computer/cellphone navigation abilities, navigating on a computer, using a mouse, typing, changing screens, etc.
  • Knowledge of the oilfield industry--expectations and environment.
  • Experience with customer service, client communication, and technical environments
  • Experience in water/waste-water purification preferred

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • Field Service Technician has no direct reports;
  • Lead Technician may supervise up to 3-FST;
  • System Operators supervise 1-Crew Leader and up to 3-FST

Americans with Disabilities/Specifications/Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds. Ability to drive and then walk for extended periods of time. Ability to work extended hours in extreme weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Benefits:

  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (Medical)
  • Disability Insurance (Short & Long Term)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement Plan

Time Off:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Eight (8) Company Paid Holidays

Pay Frequency:

  • Bi-Weekly (26x/year)

Company Website:

  • https://www.waterfleet.com/who-we-are/

Apply