2

Entry Level Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Roughneck information

What is an Entry Level Roughneck job?

An Entry Level Roughneck is a labor-intensive position in the oil and gas industry, typically working on drilling rigs. Responsibilities include handling drilling equipment, maintaining the rig site, and assisting with general operations. The job requires physical endurance, long shifts, and working in challenging outdoor conditions. It is often the starting point for a career in the oilfield, with opportunities for advancement to higher roles like Derrickhand or Driller. Safety training and adherence to strict protocols are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Roughneck, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn on-the-job safety and drilling practices, with a high school diploma or GED often required. Familiarity with basic hand tools, safety gear, and equipment used in oil rigs is important, and certifications like H2S awareness or First Aid may be beneficial. Dependability, strong teamwork, and clear communication skills help roughnecks excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient rig operations and foster trust and reliability within the crew.

What are the typical work hours and conditions like for an Entry Level Roughneck?

Entry Level Roughnecks can expect to work long shifts, often 12 hours at a time, and may be scheduled for several days on followed by several days off, depending on the rig's rotation system. The work environment is physically demanding and can involve exposure to extreme weather, loud machinery, and sometimes remote locations far from town. Teamwork is crucial, as you'll be working closely with other crew members to maintain equipment and ensure safety on site. Adaptability and a strong work ethic are important, but those who enjoy hands-on, active work can find the experience rewarding and the pay competitive. Many roughnecks who demonstrate reliability and a good attitude have opportunities for advanced training and promotion within the industry.

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

An entry-level roughneck in the oil and gas industry can potentially earn around $10,000 per month with experience, overtime, and hazard pay, despite not requiring a college degree. These jobs often involve physically demanding work on drilling rigs, with high pay due to the challenging environment and specialized skills. Advancement and certifications like H2S safety or well-control training can increase earning potential.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Roughneck jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Roughneck job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Roughneck jobs? The most popular types of Roughneck jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Roughneck jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Roughneck jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Roughneck jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Roughneck jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Roughneck job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Floorhand - Appalachia

Floorhand - Appalachia

Patterson-UTI

Saint Clairsville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 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°.

What Patterson-UTI employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom