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Land Rig Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Drilling operations and rig crew functions. * Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API ...

... land-based drilling rigs. This role requires a strong understanding of drilling rig equipment and process, PLC hardware and programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks and communications ...

Senior Engineer- Structural

Houston, TX

$96K - $130K/yr

Drilling and rig crew functions and How drilling structures are used during operation. * How ... Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and ...

Coordinate rig-up and rig-down activities under guidance from the Pumping Specialist, Sr. * Comply ... the most demanding US land basins. Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from ...

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Land Rig information

See Texas salary details

$4

$43

$77

How much do land rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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.
CNG Specialist All Experience Levels

CNG Specialist All Experience Levels

Patterson-UTI

Midland, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 77 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


The CNG Specialist will contribute to the preventive maintenance, application, start-up and commissioning of NexTier Power Solutions CNG assets. The CNG Specialist will be knowledgeable of mechanical, automation, and operation. Including safe operation and best practices of the Power Solutions CNG equipment.
This position reports directly to PSL Operations Manager-Power Solutions.
Detailed Description:
  • The safe and consistent maintenance of the company's permanent and portable CNG equipment/assets.
  • Assists in monitoring the requirements of replacing parts by inspecting tools, hoses, iron and used parts.
  • Provide leak detection service between stages and/or pulling pumps in/out.
  • Troubleshoot equipment outages and get equipment online and operational.
  • Rig up and rig down equipment at the start and end of each project, including transporting rig up/down equipment as needed.
  • Visit customer locations as necessary for rig up/down, maintenance, check-ins, or service calls.
  • Contribute to maintaining spare parts and materials inventory.
  • Be prepared to swap hoses on pumps as needed.
  • Restart equipment after shutdowns, assist in investigations to why unit's shutdown.
  • Regularly monitor gas lines for leaks and integrity.
  • Perform equipment repairs as necessary.
  • Ensure safe and reliable operation of equipment onsite.
  • Participate in recurring onsite safety meetings.
  • Perform other duties as necessary as the key point of contact onsite.

Job Requirements:
  • Mechanical, electrical, PLC, and instrumentation skills/knowledge are helpful.
  • MDT and/or automated control systems knowledge would be beneficial to this role.
  • Hands on mechanical and/or electrical experience in piping or HVAC systems preferred.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, interpersonal skills, and an ability to influence and to deal tactfully with a wide range of personalities.
  • Participate and support the maintenance program development.
  • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
  • Always maintain a high level of housekeeping on customer sites.
  • Perform all work safely and be a leader within the safety program.
  • Exceptional work ethic with a positive, analytical, and safe work attitude.

Language Comprehension:
Ability to understand and speak English at a level of proficiency allowing employee to issue, receive and respond to both safety and operations-related directions in English
Minimum Required Education:
  • All Levels
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older
  • Must have and maintain valid state-issued driver's license, be eligible to drive a Company vehicle and meet the requirements of the Company's vehicle program, policy and/or guidelines
  • Level 2
    • Internal Applicants:6+ months' experience as a Field Specialist 1, successfully meeting all competency requirements
    • External Applicants: 1+ years' experience as a Field Specialist in Oil and Gas industry
    • Experience in repair and maintenance of heavy equipment
  • Level 3
    • Internal Applicants: 6+ months' experience as a Field Specialist 2, successfully meeting all competency requirements
    • External Applicants: 2+ years' experience as a Field Specialist in Oil and Gas industry
    • Experience in repair and maintenance of heavy equipment

About Us
The Evolving Oil Field Demands Evolving Service Providers
NexTier is a leading provider of integrated completions that employs sustainable practices and equipment to support our customers' ESG goals while accelerating production in the most demanding US land basins.
Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics protected by law. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns through multiple channels.

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