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Land Rig Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Machinist IV

Boulder, CO · On-site

$66K - $105K/yr

Safely set-up and rig materials using overhead crane. * Thorough knowledge of GD&T: Positional as ... air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology ...

Land Rig information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$48

$87

How much do land rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for land rig in Colorado is $48.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.63 and $50.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do land oil rig workers make?

Land oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers and those in supervisory roles earning higher wages. Compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific company or location, and workers often work long shifts in challenging environments.

What are land rigs?

Land rigs are drilling rigs specifically designed to operate onshore, as opposed to offshore drilling platforms. They are used to drill wells into the earth’s surface to extract oil, natural gas, or other subsurface resources. Land rigs come in various sizes and configurations depending on the depth and type of well being drilled. Their mobility and adaptability make them suitable for a range of drilling environments, from deserts to forests. Land rigs typically include all necessary equipment for drilling, including derricks, engines, blowout preventers, and drilling mud systems.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A land rig worker, such as an oil rig roustabout or roughneck, can earn $10,000 or more per month with experience and specialized skills. These roles often require physical stamina, safety certifications, and training on heavy equipment, but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying positions are usually found in the oil and gas industry, especially offshore drilling operations.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Land rig jobs, such as drilling supervisors or toolpushers, can pay around $2,000 or more per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in remote or offshore environments. These roles often require specialized skills, safety training, and long shifts, reflecting the high compensation for demanding conditions.

What Are Land Rig Jobs?

A land rig is a drilling rig used to drill holes onshore rather than offshore and requires a crew to function. The size and function of the rig determine the positions available, but typically there are six people in the crew: rig manager, derrickhand, leasehand, motorhand, driller, and floorhand. Your duties and responsibilities in any of these careers involve cleaning, maintaining, and operating the rig. Drills operate 24 hours a day, so multiple crew members rotate to fill 12-hour shifts. There are additional land rig positions, including truck drivers to transfer material to various locations, managers to oversee production, and oil and gas support staff.

Do roughnecks make 180k a year?

Roughnecks, who work on land rigs in the oil and gas industry, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers in high-paying regions sometimes reaching around $120,000. Earning $180,000 a year is uncommon for land roughnecks and usually requires additional certifications, extensive experience, or working in offshore or specialized environments. Factors such as overtime, hazard pay, and union benefits can influence total compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a land rig, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working on a land rig often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, long shifts, and the need to maintain strict safety protocols at all times. Working in remote locations can also present difficulties related to communication and access to amenities. To address these challenges, it's important to prioritize teamwork, participate in regular safety training, and maintain open lines of communication with supervisors and crew members. Additionally, staying physically and mentally prepared helps ensure both personal well-being and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Land Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Rig Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, control panels, and safety certifications such as H2S or Well Control are typically required. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills are essential for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing downtime on drilling sites.

What is the difference between Land Rig vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectLand RigDrilling Engineer
Primary RoleOperates and maintains drilling equipment on land rigsDesigns and plans drilling operations, oversees drilling processes
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, experience with rig equipmentEngineering degree, specialized drilling certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, field-basedOffice-based with site visits, technical planning
Industry UsageCommonly employed in onshore oil and gas drillingInvolved in planning and execution of drilling projects

While both roles are integral to drilling operations, a Land Rig operator focuses on operating and maintaining the drilling equipment on-site, whereas a Drilling Engineer is responsible for designing and managing the drilling process. The roles often collaborate closely but require different skill sets and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Land Rig jobs in Colorado? For Land Rig jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Land Rig job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,875 per year, or $49 per hour.

Experienced Drilling Rig Personnel - Join our USA Talent Pool

Precision Drilling

Brighton, CO • On-site

$36.63 - $44.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Join Our USA Drilling Rig Talent Pool

Precision Drilling is inviting experienced drilling professionals to register their interest for future opportunities across our U.S. fleet and operating regions. If you'd like to be considered for upcoming roles, we'd love to have you in our talent community.

Positions of Interest:

  • Motorhands
  • Derrickhands
  • Drillers
  • Rig Managers

Why Precision Drilling

Precision Drilling is a leading land drilling contractor providing High Performance, High Value services across North America and select international markets. Guided by our Core Values, we're committed to safe, sustainable operations driven by passionate people. We empower our teams to grow, lead, and strive for excellence in everything we do.


Our Culture

Precision Drilling fosters a strong safety culture through our Human Organizational Performance (HOP) approach, focusing on learning, communication, and supporting our people. We invest in career growth through continuous training and development, encourage balance with competitive benefits and generous time off, and foster a team-oriented workplace grounded in integrity and trust. When you join Precision, you join a company that puts people first.


What We're Looking For

  • Minimum two (2) years of drilling industry experience at the Motorhand level
  • Progressive experience for advanced roles (Derrickhand, Driller, Rig Manager)
  • Valid driver's license and dependable vehicle
  • Ability to pass a physical fitness test and drug/alcohol screening
  • Ability to work 14day rotations and 12hour outdoor shifts
  • Strong work ethic and commitment to safety and teamwork
  • Willingness to embrace Precision's safety culture and operating principles

Why Build Your Career With Us

We offer competitive pay, industryleading support, and a work environment where your skills are recognized and rewarded.

  • Daily per diem plus comfortable Texasstyle housing accommodations
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
  • Clear pathways for career advancement
  • A proven safety culture supported by experienced leadership

Base Pay by Position

  • Motorhands: $32.37/hr
  • Derrickhands: $36.63/hr
  • Drillers: $44.20/hr
  • Rig Managers: Managementlevel compensation discussed during interview