ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Time Oil Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QB Energy

Slickline/Swab Rig Technician

Parachute, CO

$25 - $30/hr

... oil and gas production. This role supports slickline/swab operations by assisting with equipment ... QB Energy matches 100% of employee contributions up to the first 6% of compensation * Paid Time Off

AKITA Drilling

Driller

Bend, OR · On-site

$48.50/hr

... oil rig according to the regulations of the oil company, making sure that the work of the crew ... on time to the assigned worksite Ability to work 14 days on and 14 days off, or 20 days on and 10 ...

AKITA Drilling

Driller

Midland, TX · On-site

$39.50/hr

... oil rig according to the regulations of the oil company, making sure that the work of the crew ... Ability to have reliable transportation and arrive on time to the assigned worksite * Ability to ...

AKITA Drilling

Driller

Glasgow, MT · On-site

$41.50/hr

... oil rig according to the regulations of the oil company, making sure that the work of the crew ... on time to the assigned worksite Ability to work 14 days on and 14 days off, or 20 days on and 10 ...

AKITA Drilling

Rig Manager

Midland, TX · On-site

Communicating with the oil company representative (clients). Ensure compliance to policies and ... First Aid • Fall Protection, Confined Space, and Loader Training • Gas Monitoring, Boiler ...

Kimble

Swab Rig Operator

Dover, OH

The Swab Rig Operator will be maintaining or increasing the production of a gas or oil well by ... Paid time off * Referral program * Employee Discount Program Schedule: Day shift | Monday to Friday ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomotive JobsAuto Repair JobsAutomotive Technician JobsFirst Time Oil Rig Jobs

First Time Oil Rig information

See salary details

$14

$22

$38

How much do first time oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for first time oil rig 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 is a first time oil rig worker?

A first time oil rig worker is someone who is starting their initial job on an oil drilling platform, often in entry-level positions such as roustabout or roughneck. These workers handle manual labor tasks like cleaning, maintaining equipment, and assisting more experienced crew members. Working on an oil rig can be physically demanding and requires adherence to strict safety protocols. Many first time oil rig workers receive on-the-job training and are expected to work long shifts, often in remote locations. Gaining experience in this field can lead to advancement into more specialized and higher-paying roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first-time oil rig worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a first-time oil rig worker, you need physical fitness, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and certifications like H2S awareness or Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are commonly required. Strong teamwork, resilience, and the ability to communicate clearly are vital soft skills in this high-risk environment. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining safety, productivity, and effective collaboration in challenging and hazardous conditions.

What are some common challenges faced during your first assignment on an oil rig, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Starting your first role on an oil rig can be challenging due to the remote location, long shifts, and the need to quickly adapt to safety protocols and physically demanding work. New hires often find adjusting to the 12-hour shifts and living in close quarters with colleagues to be a significant transition. To prepare, it's helpful to focus on building physical stamina, familiarizing yourself with basic safety procedures, and being open to learning from experienced crew members. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential, as daily tasks often require close collaboration with others to ensure both efficiency and safety.

What is the difference between First Time Oil Rig vs Oil Rig Roustabout?

AspectFirst Time Oil RigOil Rig Roustabout
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffshore drilling sites, physically demandingOffshore or onshore, manual labor
Job RoleEntry-level, assisting crew, learning operationsManual labor, equipment maintenance, support tasks

Both roles typically require safety certifications and involve physically demanding work in offshore environments. A First Time Oil Rig worker is usually new to offshore drilling, focusing on learning and assisting, while an Oil Rig Roustabout performs manual tasks supporting rig operations. The main difference lies in experience level and specific job responsibilities, but both are entry-level positions essential to rig operations.

How do I get a job on a first time oil rig with no experience?

First time oil rig workers with no experience should focus on obtaining relevant certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and demonstrating a willingness to learn. Entry-level positions like roustabout or laborer are often available and serve as a starting point; applying through staffing agencies or directly to oil companies can improve chances. Physical fitness and a strong work ethic are important in this demanding environment.

Is it hard to get hired at a First Time Oil Rig?

Getting hired at a first-time oil rig can be competitive, as employers often seek candidates with relevant safety training, certifications, and physical fitness. Entry-level positions may require completing safety courses like H2S training and demonstrating a willingness to work long shifts in challenging environments.
More about First Time Oil Rig jobs

What states have the most First Time Oil Rig jobs?

States with the most job openings for First Time Oil Rig jobs include:

What job categories do people searching First Time Oil Rig jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for First Time Oil Rig jobs are:

First Time Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Time Oil Rig job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,194 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Rig Operator, Dickinson, ND - 2067

Key Energy Services

Dickinson, ND • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to make a difference? Key Energy Services has immediate openings in our Dickinson, ND location for Rig Operators!
Key Energy Services, LLC has provided services in the oil and gas industry since 1977! We have been around for a long time and looking for individuals who want to help us continue to grow into the future!
Our Rig Operators take pride in their crew and their rigs! Are you an experienced Rig Operator that has 2 or more years as an Operator? Are you ready to be a part of a team that values you and your experience? A job as a Rig Operator with Key is just what you have been waiting for!
Job Type
This position is full-time shift work led by a Supervisor.
Here is what Key Rig Operators do:
  • They work closely with the Supervisor and our valued customer to ensure that Key Energy delivers outstanding service quality!
  • Operating a workover rig to perform maintenance and repair services on oil and gas wells is only part of the job, working with a team is the other part! Our Rig Operators look out for the crew and make sure that everyone is following the customer and Key's processes.
  • There are a lot of skills that new employees need to learn! We look to our experienced Rig Operators for their knowledge to teach and train the Short Service Employees (SSE's), and make sure that the other employees are gaining valuable knowledge!
  • Ensures that quality products and services are provided to the customers including maintaining productivity standards for all rig functions, following safety procedures for a safe working environment for all rig employees, and adhering to all applicable governmental regulations for compliance.
  • Ensures efficient maintenance of assigned rig and equipment.
  • Establishes and maintains a positive and safe work environment for the assigned rig crew, including training and coaching them in carrying out their assigned duties on the rig.
  • There are always odds and ends tasks to be done, your Supervisor may be assigned other duties from time to time.

What's in this for you?
  • Key Energy believes that paying people for their hard work and dedication is important. Therefore, we strive to be competitive with wages.
  • We offer training delivered by employees who understand the position and are willing to work to help you succeed! We want to know what your goals for your career with us are, so we developed a career progression program to help you achieve those goals!
  • We have a choice of medical plans, so you can pick the best for you and your family. We also offer dental, vision, short-term, and long-term insurance. Our benefits start the 1st day of the month after you are hired!
  • Are you planning for your future? We offer a 401(K) plan that you can contribute to.
  • No need to run out and buy a bunch of FR work wear! Key will provide you with what you need for your outer layer! We even provide the warm outer clothing for North Dakota winters!

Are you ready? Here is what we need from you:
  • As a front-line leader in the field, we need you to have the experienced skill level in rigging up/rigging down so that you can pass a competency evaluation.
  • Along with the well servicing knowledge, we need you to help effectively lead the crew!
  • The rigs and other equipment need to move! Having a Class B CDL and knowledge to road a rig is a very big bonus!
  • Our working environment is fast paced! We need you to be able to work with the other members of the team to communicate and solve problems. Our customers rely on you too, so we need you to be able to work with them to be able to provide stellar service!
  • We need you to be able to work long hours and a long stretch of days (sometimes these days are holidays).
  • Everyone has rules to follow. We need you to follow our policies, those are our rules!
  • Safety is one of our top priorities! We need you to work safely and watch out for your co-workers. Key and our customers have made this easy for you by putting all the procedures down for you to review.
  • Engagement is Key! We need you to come to work each day ready and engaged so the team can deliver excellent customer service! Your participation in our Job Safety Analysis (JSA) meetings is important so everyone can be on the same page and work safely!
  • Because we care about your safety and the safety of others, we need you to be able to pass a pre-employment WorkSTEPS® physical designed for this position, it is a physical job, so we want to make sure that you can lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time. A pre-employment drug and alcohol screen are also required.
  • We also need you to have an acceptable criminal and motor vehicle background check.
  • We need you to be able to be able to provide proof that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Education Requirements:
High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent is preferred.
Key Energy Services, LLC is committed to our policy for Equal Employment Opportunity. This means that we will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected status under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the act or any laws that apply. If you need an accommodation for the application process, please reach out to the HR representative with your needs.
Key Energy Services (Key) is an equal opportunity employer. Key does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, age, genetic information, military status, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Apply