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Calista Corporation

Motorman

Anchorage, AK · On-site

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Inside enclosed oil rig and outside in elements. Hazardous conditions may include a wet, oily, icy steel floor, noise, steam. PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIROMENTAL DEMANDS: The ...

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Freelance Oil Rig Worker information

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance oil rig worker in the United States is $26.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance oil rig worker?

Freelance oil rig workers are independent contractors who are hired on a temporary or project basis to perform various tasks on oil rigs, such as drilling, maintenance, or safety operations. Unlike permanent employees, they typically work for multiple companies and may travel to different locations depending on where their expertise is needed. Freelance oil rig workers often have specialized skills and certifications, and their schedules can be unpredictable, with long shifts and periods spent offshore. This role offers flexibility and potentially higher pay, but also comes with less job security and benefits compared to full-time positions.

How can I get a job working on a freelance oil rig worker?

To become a freelance oil rig worker, you should acquire relevant certifications such as H2S, BOSIET, and basic safety training, along with experience in offshore environments. Networking with industry contractors and applying through specialized staffing agencies can help secure freelance opportunities, which often require flexibility and the ability to work long shifts in challenging conditions.

What are the typical work schedules and living conditions for freelance oil rig workers?

Freelance oil rig workers often work in rotational shifts, such as two weeks on the rig followed by two weeks off, though schedules can vary by company and project needs. Living conditions are usually communal, with shared accommodations and amenities provided on the rig to ensure workers' comfort and safety. The work environment can be physically demanding and requires adaptability to long hours and sometimes harsh weather, but strong camaraderie often develops among crew members. Freelancers should be prepared for rapid deployment and flexible with assignments, as project durations can be unpredictable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance oil rig worker?

A Freelance Oil Rig Worker needs strong physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a relevant vocational qualification or safety certificate such as BOSIET or HUET. Familiarity with drilling equipment, rig safety systems, and specialized tools is critical in this environment. Standout soft skills include teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication, given the demanding and often remote nature of the work. These skills and certifications are vital for maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity on the rig while minimizing risks.

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

AspectFreelance Oil Rig WorkerContract Oil Rig Worker
CredentialsBasic safety certifications, specialized rig trainingSame as freelance, often with additional certifications
Work EnvironmentOn offshore oil rigs, remote locationsOn offshore oil rigs, similar environment
Employer/Industry UsageHired independently or through agenciesHired through staffing agencies or directly by companies
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding freelance opportunities vs contract roles

Freelance Oil Rig Workers operate independently, often securing short-term or project-based roles on offshore rigs. Contract Oil Rig Workers are hired through agencies or directly by companies for fixed-term projects. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same offshore environments, but freelance workers typically have more flexibility and independence, while contract workers may have more structured employment terms.

More about Freelance Oil Rig Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Oil Rig Worker jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Oil Rig Worker job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Worker jobs? The most popular types of Oil Rig Worker jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Oil Rig Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Oil Rig Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Oil Rig Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Oil Rig Worker jobs are:
Freelance Oil Rig Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Oil Rig Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,272 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Motorman

Calista Corporation

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Nordic Calista
On-Call
JOB SUMMARY:
This is a skill level position in the petroleum industry. The applicant must possess excellent knowledge of diesel electric drilling rig equipment. Will perform preventive maintenance to include minor repair work to hydraulic and heat exchange system, generators, gas and diesel engines. Maintains preventive records when required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • General upkeep of drilling rig mechanical equipment. Read and understand manuals for equipment.
  • Inspects main engines each tour for oil level, coolant, oil leaks, noise and vibration.
  • Responsible for proper periodic oil changes and greasing of diesel engines and rig equipment.
  • Inspects air compressors and compressed air system daily.
  • Inspects BOP accumulator, AC generators, motors, drill water pump and fuel oil transfer pump daily.
  • Inspects and services boilers for proper operation daily, including blow down boiler daily. Check Nordic Policies & Procedures manual for proper procedure.
  • Ensures that the pipe spinner, rotary table, draw-works, air hoist, wireline unit and swivel function properly and preventive maintenance is conducted daily.
  • Works closely with floorhands when making trips and assists derrickman in working on mud pumps.
  • Responsible for fuel transfers and monitors same.
  • Performs spill inspections of rig and pad. Min. 2 per tour must be documented.
  • Complete motor book report and check all items daily.
  • Refuel vehicles.
  • Wash crew clothing per policy.
  • Performs any other duties that may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
  • Conducts his job duties in compliance with Nordic HSE policies.
  • Works toward achieving Nordic's annual HSE goals.
  • Assists Rig Management in identifying operational non-conformances at the rigsite.
  • Reports any spills on pad to Rig Manager's office immediately- including oil, water, glycol, drilling mud, dry mud products, etc.
  • Notifies Rig Manager of any environmental non-compliances immediately.
  • Reports any property or environmental damage by third-party vendors to Rig Manager's office immediately.
  • Encourages rig personnel to report any unsafe work conditions or practices and any environmental non-compliances immediately to supervisors.
  • Assists in development and implementation of standard operating procedures.
  • Keeps timely and accurate motor reports, noting any spills or releases.
  • Assists in maintaining waste management tracking system and hazardous waste determinations.
  • Assists in completing daily spill champion activities log.
  • Assists in any internal audits as necessary.
  • Assists Driller in daily rig site duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to obtain or currently hold North Slope Training Cooperative card.
  • Must have a minimum of one year's experience on a diesel electric rotary drilling rig.
  • Must be able to operate hopper ad viscosity testing equipment.
  • Must be functionally literate, able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Familiarity with oilfield-related equipment and procedures preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Inside enclosed oil rig and outside in elements. Hazardous conditions may include a wet, oily, icy steel floor, noise, steam.
PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIROMENTAL DEMANDS:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Frequently: Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending Over, Pushing or Pulling, Talking, Grasping, Lifting 50 lbs. or less, Carrying 50 lbs. or less, Eye/Hand coordination.
VISUAL ACUITY:
Frequently: Distance vision (clear at 20' or more), Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus). Continuously: Close vision (clear at 20" or less), Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and special relationships).
MENTAL EFFORT:
Frequently: Discriminating colors. Continuously: Thinking analytically, Using effective verbal & written communication, Handling stress & emotions, Concentrating on tasks, Remembering details, Making decisions, Adjusting to changes, Examining/observing details.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Frequently: Working w/others, working alone.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).
EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

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