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Entry Level Oil Rig Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Oil Rig information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$21

$36

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level oil rig in Ohio is $21.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $27.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Oil Rig jobs in Ohio? For Entry Level Oil Rig jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Entry Level Oil Rig jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Entry Level Oil Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Oil Rig job openings in Ohio as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,867 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Floorhand - Appalachia

Floorhand - Appalachia

Patterson-UTI

Saint Clairsville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Job Description
Brief Description:
The Floorhand assists the Motorhand, Derrickhand, and Driller in day-to-day rig operations. Major responsibilities include general maintenance and cleaning, checking the rig and equipment, and assisting in drilling activities. The Floorhand is responsible for making drill pipe connections and tripping pipe in/out of the drilling hole. This is an entry-level job that provides initial introductory training and substantial on-the-job training.
Detailed Description:
  • Lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person frequently 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
  • Clean and general upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular 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 on an ongoing basis
  • 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 replacing 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
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Ability to stand and walk for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots
  • 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
  • Stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Prior experience or ability to use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Ability to safely lift and carry 50 pounds independently and repetitively climb steep stairs
  • 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
  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties
  • 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 of stable work history

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Six (6) months stable related work history (e.g., farming, ranching, construction, heavy equipment or other trade) or military service
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent

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°.

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