1

Land Rig Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Control Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

Support the development and implementation of advanced control systems for land-based drilling rigs and drilling rig equipment, including participation in customer and vendor facing meetings, and ...

Responsibilities include troubleshooting and commissioning Rig control systems and integrated rig ... land and offshore). Providing 24 hour on-call technical support while on rotation. Customer ...

... US Land market. This role plays a critical part in accelerating the adoption of emerging ... Support rig-level execution to ensure optimal tool performance and customer satisfaction.

Ability to independently rig up and rig down CT-related fluid and nitrogen equipment * Ability to ... the most demanding US land basins. Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from ...

... US Land market. This role plays a critical part in accelerating the adoption of emerging ... Support rig-level execution to ensure optimal tool performance and customer satisfaction.

Ability to independently rig up and rig down CT-related fluid and nitrogen equipment * Ability to ... the most demanding US land basins. Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from ...

Properly position and rig-up/rig-down equipment as per company standards. Submit accurate and ... the most demanding US land basins. Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from ...

Properly position and rig-up/rig-down equipment as per company standards. Submit accurate and ... the most demanding US land basins. Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from ...

Must have Direct In-House Land Experience managing Rig Schedules * At least five (5) years of progressive Land experience with at least three (3) of those being in-house * At least four (4) years of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Land Rig information

See Texas salary details

$4

$43

$77

How much do land rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for land rig in Texas is $43.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.45 and $44.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Land Rig jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Land Rig jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Land Rig jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Land Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Land Rig job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,262 per year, or $43.4 per hour.
Project Manager - Western Hemisphere - Brandt

Project Manager - Western Hemisphere - Brandt

NOV, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


NOV rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 433 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description


Overview
The Project Manager is responsible for planning and executing solids control projects across land and offshore drilling operations. This role ensures equipment, personnel, and services are delivered safely, on time, and in line with customer expectations. The position sits between operations, service technicians, field crews, and the client, with full accountability for project performance.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage solids control projects from planning to mobilization through execution.
Coordinate equipment, personnel, and logistics for land and offshore rigs.
Work closely with internal stake holders, 3rd party contractors, drilling contractors, and operators to align on scope and execution.
Monitor daily operations, performance, and cost against plan.
Ensure compliance with all HSE standards and company procedures.
Identify operational risks early and resolve issues in real time.
Manage vendors, transportation, and equipment readiness.
Track project financials including cost control, invoicing, and margin performance.
Provide clear reporting to internal leadership and customers.
Support field teams and step in when escalation is needed.
Requirements
Experience in solids control, drilling fluids, or related oilfield services.
Proven track record managing field operations or projects in oil and gas.
Strong understanding of drilling operations, rig workflows, and equipment.
Ability to operate in high pressure environments with tight timelines.
Strong communication skills with both field personnel and customers.
Willingness to travel to field locations, including offshore as required.
Preferred
Experience with centrifuges, shakers, and related solids control equipment.
Offshore experience and relevant certifications (BOSIET, HUET, etc.).
PMP or equivalent project management training.
Success Looks Like
Safe execution with zero incidents.
Equipment on location and running when the rig needs it.
Minimal non productive time tied to solids control.
Projects delivered on budget with strong margins.
Customers who trust you to solve problems without escalation.

What NOV employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


NOV logo

About NOV

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Throughout every region in the world and across every area of drilling and production, our family of companies has provided the technical expertise, advanced equipment and operational support necessary for success. We have the people, capabilities and vision to serve the needs of a challenging and evolving industry. One the world can’t live without. We are a global family of thousands of individuals, working as one team to create lasting impact for ourselves, our customers and the communities where we live and work. We take responsibility for each other and our company’s future, knowing that personal ownership leads to broader success. We believe in purposeful innovation because we see what others do not and we act. Through business innovation, product creation and service delivery, we are driven to power the industry that powers the world better.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1841