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Freelance Oil Rig Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ranger Energy Services LLC

Operator - Rig

El Reno, OK · On-site

Seven (7) years' of experience working on a well servicing rig preferred * 5 years of experience ... is an oil & gas completion and production solutions company with a foundation built on well ...

Ranger Energy Services LLC

Operator-Rig

Artesia, NM · On-site

Seven (7) years' of experience working on a well servicing rig preferred * 5 years of experience ... is an oil & gas completion and production solutions company with a foundation built on well ...

Ranger

Operator - Rig

Odessa, TX · On-site

Responsible for keeping worksite, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Ranger Energy Services

Operator - Rig

Kermit, TX

Responsible for keeping worksite, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Ranger Energy Services

Operator - Rig

Andrews, TX

Responsible for keeping worksite, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Ranger Energy Services

Operator - Rig

Wharton, TX · On-site

Responsible for keeping work site, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Ranger Energy Services

Operator - Rig

Hobbs, NM · On-site

Responsible for keeping worksite, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Ranger

Operator - Rig

Artesia, NM · On-site

Responsible for keeping worksite, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Ranger

Operator - Rig

Hobbs, NM · On-site

Responsible for keeping worksite, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Ranger Energy Services

Operator - Rig

Belfield, ND

Responsible for keeping work site, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Ranger

Operator - Rig

Wharton, TX · On-site

Responsible for keeping work site, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Key Energy Services

Rig Operator - 1910

Alice, TX · On-site

... 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 ...

Ranger

Operator - Rig

Pleasanton, TX · On-site

Responsible for keeping work site, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order * Perform ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

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Freelance Oil Rig Worker information

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$7

$26

$46

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

As of Jul 23, 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 are freelance oil rig workers?

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.

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, and why are they important?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 20% Contract, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 60% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,272 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Operator - Rig

Operator - Rig

Ranger Energy Services LLC

El Reno, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Ranger Energy Services rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

194th of 242 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

Operator I - Rig
SUMMARY
The primary duty of the Rig Operator is to work the controls and equipment on a rig. The Rig Operator supervises crewmembers while rig operations are in process, maintains productivity standards, and works closely with customer representatives to provide safe, reliable, and quality service.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Promote RES concept of Stop Work Accountability
  • Promote RES safety policies and procedures
  • Perform Meet and Greet at location sites
  • Be aware of Simultaneous Operations and able to coordinate vendor and contractor groups on location as needed
  • Operate the rig safely during rig up/down and pulling operations
  • Operate the crown and ground saver
  • Check brake systems and confirm functionality
  • Pull and lay down rods, tubing, casing, and other equipment as needed
  • Understands job steps and arranges rods and tubing in derrick correctly
  • Understand the rig's hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems
  • Perform all required equipment inspections-workover rig, fall arrest system, derrick, hoisting and mud pump
  • Able to instruct floor and derrick hands in use of all safety equipment
  • Able to instruct the floor and derrick hand in use of all rig and pumping equipment
  • Operate the power swivel
  • Perform Blowout Preventer (BOP) inspection, testing and installation as needed
  • Assist HSE, DOT, and all other applicable departments with document completion, collection, and management
  • Complete field tickets in a timely manner and turn in to appropriate department for processing
  • Troubleshoot maintenance issues; to include performing worn equipment recognition checks and turning in maintenance requests for repair or replacement of equipment as needed
  • Accurately perform torque calculations and specs
  • Oversee JSA/DWP and tail gate meetings as scheduled
  • Oversee pipe tallying, rigging up and down, nipple up and down of BOP units, and pipe handling
  • Responsible for keeping work site, equipment, and tools clean and in good working order
  • Oversee day to day lubrication and minor adjustments of equipment
  • Oversee use of Hazard ID programs and means of documenting hazards
  • Oversee daily inspection and maintenance of equipment
  • Perform and oversee energy isolation procedures
  • Train and mentor crew members on day to day operations
  • Responsible to stop work if conditions are unsafe and report concerns immediately
  • Report all incidents as per the standard operating procedures
  • Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma or equivalent, preferred
  • Seven (7) years' of experience working on a well servicing rig preferred
  • 5 years of experience working on a well servicing rig preferred
  • 2 years of experience as a relief operator preferred
  • Must be able to successfully perform the duties of a Floor Hand III and derrick hand
  • Must be familiar with pump and tank operations
  • Must have a valid state issued driver's license, CDL, or the ability to obtain one
  • Ability to perform manual labor required to operate well servicing equipment
  • Competent communication, people, and leadership skills
  • Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Must have understanding of workover/completions operations
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule

COMPUTER
  • Basic knowledge of MS Office preferred
  • Able to use the company's HSE Management Platforms

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
  • Must complete and pass all required pre-employment drug screenings

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions company with a foundation built on well servicing, wireline, and natural gas processing. Ranger Energy is committed to providing employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive. The programs are designed to invest in you and the things you care about - your health, your family, and your future. Come join our team of highly skilled, motivated employees, working on state-of-the-art equipment with outstanding compensation and additional benefits, including:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
  • PTO (depending on eligibility)

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