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First Time Oil Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Swab Rig Operator

Dover, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... or oil well by removing fluids and materials. About us: Kimble Company is locally owned ... Paid time off * Referral program * Employee Discount Program Schedule: Day shift | Monday to Friday ...

Reports any spills on pad to Rig Manager's office immediately- including oil, water, glycol ... The ability to withstand working at heights for prolonged periods of time is a requirement. VISUAL ...

Truck Lead

Fairfield, CT · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

... Hot Oil Rig" is a custom-built, fully self-contained pizza truck that delivers our signature thin ... Studies all evidence of waste - time, materials, and recommendations for prevention. * Personifies ...

Inspect and clean tools and equipment used on the rig floor and derrick. * Assist in the rig-up and ... Strong time management and organizational skills. * Commitment to workplace safety and following ...

Truck Lead

Fairfield, CT · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

... Hot Oil Rig" is a custom-built, fully self-contained pizza truck that delivers our signature thin ... Studies all evidence of waste - time, materials, and recommendations for prevention. * Personifies ...

Loader Operator (Expression of Interest)

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

... rig • Record equipment operating information on daily report • Maintain spare parts, oil and ... PREFERENCE STATEMENT Doyon grants preference to qualified Doyon Shareholders first, and second to ...

Inspect and clean tools and equipment used on the rig floor and derrick. * Assist in the rig-up and ... Strong time management and organizational skills. * Commitment to workplace safety and following ...

Rig Up Hand

Monahans, TX · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Basic knowledge of all tools and equipment utilized by oil and gas industry * Manage multiple tasks ... The employee is frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods of time and walk distances ...

Relief Rig Operator

Odessa, TX · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

... their scheduled time and maintains productivity standards for all rig functions. When not ... Knowledge and experience in oilfield well servicing is required. * Must possess CDL B driver ...

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First Time Oil Rig information

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$14

$22

$38

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

As of Aug 18, 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:

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 Manager, Drilling

Savanna Energy Services Corp

Odessa, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Manager

Savanna Drilling

Job Description

General Statement of Duties

  • The Rig Manager is responsible for the effective leadership and supervision of rig crews; maximizing the profitability and efficiency of rig operations and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Supervision Received:

  • The Rig Manager reports to the Field Superintendent
  • Monitored by Health and Safety management

Supervision Exercised:

  • Supervision of assigned rig crew(s): driller directly and all other rig staff and personnel operating on the lease as required.

Summary of Duties (Duties may include, but are not limited to the following):

  • Manage the daily operation of the rig;
  • Coordinate the work of the crew, ensuring that operations run smoothly, safely and efficiently;
  • Organize the set-up and shut down of the rig;
  • Ensure procedures and policies are posted and understood;
  • Prepare and submit required reports and necessary paperwork; establish operating procedures for equipment; implement preventative maintenance and organize servicing supplies and equipment;
  • Communicate corporate information to all rig personnel on an ongoing basis;
  • Manage, motivate and support the performance and development of rig crews, including orientation of new crew members, on the job training, supervision and appropriate discipline;
  • Monitor the rig and maintain equipment at optimal productivity and profitability;
  • Work with the oil company representative as necessary to maintain a level of excellence set forth by their company and Savanna, including input towards the daily operations and procedures;
  • Adhere to environmental and safety legislation, policy and recommended practice;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

  • Mechanical aptitude;
  • Good working knowledge of relevant equipment and practices;
  • Ability to direct, motivate and develop teams through empathetic leadership;
  • Ability to manage conflict and deal with challenging people issues;
  • Commitment to modeling, facilitating and supporting Savanna’s core values in all aspects of day-to-day operations and decision-making;
  • Cultural awareness and commitment to managing diversity in the field.
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving capability;
  • Ability to communicate, collaborate and keep others informed of key processes, policies etc.;
  • Ability to plan and implement initiatives/decisions in a timely and effective manner.

Education and Experience:

  • Must have valid H2S ticket, Standard First Aid ticket, Loader Training, Safeland, and Well Control (IADC) ticket;
  • Must have a valid driver’s license;
  • Relevant experience of field work in the oilfield services industry. Previous experience must include supervisory responsibility;