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Lead Tong Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Tong information

See salary details

$10

$25

$72

How much do lead tong jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead tong in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Tong, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Tong in the oil and gas industry, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling operations, and experience with drill pipe handling, often acquired through on-the-job training and safety certifications. Familiarity with hydraulic tong equipment, torque monitoring systems, and adherence to safety protocols is essential. Leadership, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for overseeing crew operations and maintaining safety standards. These skills are vital to ensure efficient, safe drilling operations and to minimize risks on the rig site.

What are Lead Tongs?

Lead tongs are specialized tools used primarily in the oil and gas industry for handling and making up or breaking out drill pipe, casing, or tubing on a drilling rig. They are large, heavy-duty wrenches designed to grip and turn sections of pipe, ensuring they are securely tightened or loosened during drilling operations. Operators use lead tongs to apply the necessary torque for these tasks, which is vitally important for safety and efficiency on the rig. Proper use of lead tongs helps prevent equipment damage and ensures a secure connection between pipe sections.

What are some common challenges faced by Lead Tong operators in oil drilling operations?

Lead Tong operators often encounter challenges such as working under high-pressure conditions and ensuring the safety of both themselves and their team during pipe handling operations. The role requires strong coordination and communication with other crew members, especially during rig-up and rig-down procedures. Additionally, Lead Tongs must remain vigilant for equipment malfunctions and be prepared to troubleshoot issues quickly to minimize downtime and maintain efficiency. Adhering to strict safety protocols is essential to prevent accidents and ensure smooth drilling operations.

What is the difference between Lead Tong vs Driller?

AspectLead TongDriller
Required CredentialsTechnical training, safety certificationsTechnical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOil & gas rigs, drilling sitesOil & gas rigs, drilling sites
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas companies, drilling contractorsOil & gas companies, drilling contractors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Lead Tongs and Drillers both work in oil and gas drilling environments, requiring similar certifications and operating in the same industry. The Lead Tong typically refers to the worker responsible for handling and operating the tongs used to make or break drill pipe connections, while the Driller oversees the entire drilling operation. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient drilling, often searched together by industry professionals.

More about Lead Tong jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Tong job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Construction Foreman (Construction)

Construction Foreman (Construction)

EPB

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

PURPOSE OF JOB

The Construction Foreman will lead, and provides direction, coordination, and leadership to a group of personnel assigned to a crew for the purpose of construction, improvements, and changes to the overhead, underground, and telecommunications facilities at EPB. The Construction Foreman is responsible for the safety, job completion, and administrative requirements for each job assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Including but not limited to the following:

 Lead line crews in safe work practices as outlined in EPB Safety Rules Manual, Division, and Department Safety Policies.

 Responsible for the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential URD facilities.

 Hold individuals accountable for their actions; enforce changes in the workplace as needed.

 Knowledgeable in standards, interpreting prints, and meeting customer needs promptly.

 EPB focused and customer service oriented in daily work and actions.

 Responsible for installing and maintaining overhead and underground facilities, transmission, and distribution.

 Lead resources (personnel & equipment) during system emergencies and scheduled work to provide minimal customer inconvenience.

 Plan work for maximum efficiency of expenditures of assigned personnel. Must meet productivity requirements as set forth by Division Vice-President, Assistant Vice President, and/or Department Manager, understanding that crew performance and 

 actions are the responsibility of the crew Construction Foreman.

 Responsible for ensuring job briefings and vehicle inspections occur daily.

 Work during system emergencies and scheduled activities to prevent schedule delays or customer inconveniences a minimum of 70% of the time.

 Understand and explain the operation of pole handling equipment, digging equipment, and grounding equipment.

 Perform data entry into EPB's Computer-aided-dispatch system.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has supervisory responsibilities.


QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

 Journeyman Lineman with 5 years' experience as a Lineman or Troubleman at EPB.

 Meet the minimum score of 70% on the pre-qualifying Foreman test.

 Demonstrated problem-solving skills and communication skills, both verbal and written.

  Ability to read and interpret detailed oneline URD prints, switch complex URD 3-phase and single-phase circuits, know URD emergency restoration plans of action and appropriate troubleshooting methodology, and have a good working knowledge

  of URD installations and practices throughout the EPB system.

CERTIFICATION(S) AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  A valid "Class A" Commercial Driver's License with a DOT health card and the authorization to drive Class I, II, III, IV, and V vehicles.

  Ability to read and interpret detailed one-line URD prints, switch complex URD 3-phase and single-phase circuits, know URD emergency restoration plans of actions and appropriate troubleshooting methodology, and have a good working   

  knowledge of URD installations and practices throughout the EPB system.

  Ability to use a body belt, safety harness, lineman climbing tools, hot line tools, chain saw, recording voltmeter and ammeter, two-way radio, and small meters such as tong, volt, tick tracer, phase rotator, and others as required for job efficiency.



EPB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, DISABILITY OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.


EPB logo

About EPB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Utilities

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

Year founded

1935