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Freelance Oil Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

C&J Well Services, LLC

Rig Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Critical: * Ability to wear personal protective equipment and/or safety ...

AXI Education Solutions

Rig Operator

Powell, WY · On-site

The Rig Operator, reporting to the assigned Tool Pusher, leads a 4-5-person workover rig crew, and ... Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, around oil and gas well ...

AXI Education Solutions

Rig Operator

La Salle, CO · On-site

$29 - $34/hr

The Rig Operator, reporting to the assigned Tool Pusher, leads a 4-5-person workover rig crew, and ... Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, around oil and gas well ...

New

AXI Education Solutions

Rig Operator

Casper, WY · On-site

The Rig Operator, reporting to the assigned Tool Pusher, leads a 4-5-person workover rig crew, and ... Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, around oil and gas well ...

AXI Education Solutions

Rig Operator

Snyder, TX · On-site

The Rig Operator, reporting to the assigned Tool Pusher, leads a 4-5-person workover rig crew, and ... Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, around oil and gas well ...

C&J Well Services, LLC

Rig Operator

Bakersfield, CA

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Critical: * Ability to wear personal protective equipment and/or safety ...

Key Energy Services

Rig Operator - 1910

Alice, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Key Energy Services, LLC has provided services in the oil and gas industry since 1977! We have been ... Here is what Key Rig Operators do: • They work closely with the Supervisor and our valued ...

AXI Education Solutions

Relief Rig Operator

Odessa, TX · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

In the absence of the Rig Operator, the Relief Operator will perform all duties and ... Knowledge and experience in oilfield well servicing is required. * Must possess CDL B driver ...

AXI Education Solutions

Relief Rig Operator

Marmarth, ND · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

In the absence of the Rig Operator, the Relief Operator will perform all duties and ... Knowledge and experience in oilfield well servicing is required. * Must possess CDL B driver ...

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Freelance Oil Rig Operator information

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How much do freelance oil rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance oil rig operator in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.41 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Oil Rig Operator vs Contract Oil Rig Worker?

AspectFreelance Oil Rig OperatorContract Oil Rig Worker
CredentialsCertifications in offshore safety, equipment operationSimilar certifications, often required for safety and operation
Work EnvironmentOn offshore oil rigs, variable locationsOn offshore oil rigs, temporary or project-based
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed or hired through agencies, flexible contractsHired by companies for specific projects, fixed-term contracts

Both Freelance Oil Rig Operators and Contract Oil Rig Workers operate in offshore environments with similar certifications. The key difference lies in employment type: freelancers work independently or through agencies with flexible arrangements, while contract workers are hired directly for specific projects with fixed durations.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Oil Rig Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs include:

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Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Oil Rig Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Rig Operator

C&J Well Services, LLC

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Key Accountabilities
  • Directs other crew members in rigging up guy-lines, various equipment, and tools; lifts, removes, installs, and operates wellhead, pumping units, matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads, and other production equipment in a manner consistent with safe operating procedures to perform the contracted services.
  • Positions the rig, raises and lowers the mast.
  • Directs the crew members in performing routine maintenance and repair activities of the rig and rig tools.
  • Conducts Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Mitigation.
  • Conducts safety meetings and performs pre-job briefs with his crew members and other service providers on site.
  • Completes the Field Service Reports, documenting services performed, equipment used, billable consumables, and compensable crew time.
  • Interacts positively with customer representatives on location to ensure proper job execution and customer satisfaction.
  • Conducts route planning.
  • Conducts safety observations.
  • Develops and reviews Job Safety Plans (JSP).
  • Completes equipment inspections and audits.
  • May be required to drive a company, light, or DOT-regulated commercial vehicle.
  • Performs all duties in compliance with Customer and Company policies and procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and safe work procedures.
  • Complies with all the Company's Safety and Environmental policies, practices, and programs. Takes corrective action within training limitations. Escalates as necessary.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education, Certificates, Licenses
  • Motor Vehicle Record qualifies the individual to be an approved company driver required.
  • Commercial driver's license preferred.
  • Well Control training required within 30 days.

Experience
  • Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Critical:
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment and/or safety equipment including safety glasses, face shields, goggles, earmuffs/plugs, steel toe boots, hard hat, full body harness with applicable fall protection devices, SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), H2S detectors, slicker or TYVEK suits and gloves.
  • Knowledge of company and client policies, DOT and HSE standards and guidelines.
  • Ability to comply with the client's and the company's safe operating procedures. All activities are to be performed consistent with the company's Safe Operating Procedures, to provide the maximum protection for all workers at the work site, the environment, and the equipment; and to complete the tasks efficiently.

Required:
  • Basic knowledge of downhole conditions and desired outcome from an intervention.
  • Ability to perform the primary thinking called for and encompassed by the overall job description.
  • Ability to make quick decision-making and problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges.
  • Skilled in driving rig and other heavy equipment.
  • Ability to perform and plan rig operations and services.
  • Ability to read and follow job plans.
  • Ability to direct crew members in their daily activities.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members, supervisors, and other personnel on the job site to ensure the efficient and safe completion of tasks.
  • Ability to participate in and contribute to the collaborative resolution of challenges and issues within a team setting.
  • Ability to work at heights up to or greater than 50 feet.
  • Demonstrated dependability i.e. reporting for work at the prescribed location and on time.
  • Ability to work beyond the traditional 8-hour work day; available to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, to meet operational needs.

Desired:
  • Awareness of and familiarity with oilfield operations, including understanding the layout of well sites, pipelines, and other infrastructure.

  • Certification in First Aid, CPR, H2S, confined space entry, and defensive driver.
  • Commercial driver's license.

Work Environment
This role works primarily in a non-office environment. In this capacity, incumbents are regularly:
  • Exposed to outdoor elements such as extreme heat or cold, heavy winds, rain, or snow.
  • Exposed to loud noise level elements.
  • Required to drive to and access job sites, in light of day as well as in darkness, to perform work assignments. Some job site locations may be remote from the office requiring long drives to locations isolated from interaction with others and towns.
  • Required to balance, bend, squat, crouch, climb, reach, grasp, stoop, kneel, push/pull and lift objects, and use apparatus to push/pull and lift heavy objects weighing 50 lbs or more.
  • Subject to exposure to hazards such as but not limited to slippery or uneven surfaces; environmental/industry hazards such as chemicals, high-decibel noise from production equipment, fumes, or poor ventilation; proximity to moving objects and vehicles; potentially combustible components; hazardous off- road conditions such as dust, ice, and snow.
  • May be requested to work long hours to complete job assignments.
  • May work a rotating schedule, shift, and/or be on call.
  • Follow all company safety policies and protocols.
  • Required to perform active, physical tasks including but not limited to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs.
  • Required to have visual acuity to work with parts, equipment, apparatus, etc.
  • Required to possess audible acuity to hear alarms in the event of emergency. field locations.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties nor account for all abilities required to perform the job. It is a general description of the nature of the position.
The pay range for this position in California is between $29.32 per hour and $30.43 per hour. Please note that the hourly rate information is a general guideline, and that the hourly rate will vary depending on your location. C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") will consider factors such as (but not limited to) scope of responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. excellent benefits including full health benefits, 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting, and generous paid time off.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
C&J Well Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
LINK to Equal Employment Opportunity Posters:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at 661-589-5220 or CJWSHR@cjws.com.
Pay Transparency Notice
C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against an applicant or employee because they have inquired about or discussed compensation.
Notice to Third Party Agencies
Please note that C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Agreement, CJWS will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, CJWS explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, will not be reviewed or considered in part of the application process.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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