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Local Oil Rig Jobs in Grand Junction, CO (NOW HIRING)

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines * Assist Derrickhand with watching and ... They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern ...

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines * Assist Derrickhand with watching and ... They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern ...

HSE Advisor PDC - Colorado, Utah

Fruita, CO

$69K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... in a rig-based role. * Must have valid state-issued driver's license and ability to meet ... Three (3) years experience in the oil and gas industry, with a strong understanding of related ...

HSE Advisor PDC - Colorado, Utah

Fruita, CO · On-site

$69K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... in a rig-based role. * Must have valid state-issued driver's license and ability to meet ... Three (3) years experience in the oil and gas industry, with a strong understanding of related ...

Local Oil Rig information

See Grand Junction, CO salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do local oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for local oil rig in Grand Junction, CO is $22.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local oil rig?

Local oil rig jobs refer to employment opportunities on oil drilling rigs that are situated within a specific region or community, rather than offshore or in distant locations. These positions can include roles such as drillers, roughnecks, roustabouts, engineers, and safety technicians, all of whom work together to extract oil and maintain rig operations. Local oil rig jobs often provide stable employment and may offer rotational shifts, competitive salaries, and benefits. Working on a local rig can also reduce travel time and allow employees to spend more time at home compared to remote or offshore assignments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work on a local oil rig?

To thrive as a Local Oil Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring specialized training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety protocols, and certifications such as H2S and first aid/CPR are typically necessary. Teamwork, strong communication, and problem-solving skills are essential soft skills for operating safely and efficiently in challenging environments. These skills and qualifications ensure safe operations, minimize downtime, and contribute to the overall productivity and safety of the rig.

What challenges do workers face on a local oil rig, and how can they be managed?

Working on a local oil rig often involves long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Teamwork and clear communication are essential for ensuring safety and efficiency, as operations require close coordination among crew members. Many oil rigs have well-established safety protocols and provide comprehensive training to help workers manage these challenges. Those considering this role should be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be proactive in following safety procedures to minimize risks.

What is the difference between Local Oil Rig vs Offshore Oil Rig?

AspectLocal Oil RigOffshore Oil Rig
Work EnvironmentOnshore, land-based drilling sitesSea-based platforms in open water
Required CertificationsBasic safety and operational certificationsAdvanced safety, survival, and offshore certifications
Employer & Industry UsageOil companies operating on landOil companies operating at sea
Work ConditionsMore stable, predictable scheduleChallenging, remote, and variable conditions

In summary, Local Oil Rigs are land-based drilling sites with different safety and operational requirements compared to Offshore Oil Rigs, which are located at sea and require specialized certifications and safety measures. The choice depends on the work environment and career focus within the oil industry.

How do I get hired on a local oil rig?

To get hired on a local oil rig, candidates typically need relevant experience in the oil and gas industry, such as working as a roustabout, roughneck, or in a related field. Certifications like OSHA safety training and specialized technical skills can improve job prospects, and applying through company websites or staffing agencies that specialize in oilfield employment is common.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in Grand Junction, CO?

The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in Grand Junction, CO are:

What are popular job titles related to Local Oil Rig jobs in Grand Junction, CO?

For Local Oil Rig jobs in Grand Junction, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Local Oil Rig jobs in Grand Junction, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Oil Rig jobs in Grand Junction, CO are:

Infographic showing various Local Oil Rig job openings in Grand Junction, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,982 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO • On-site

$28.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


Detailed Description:
  • Frequently lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person during the tour work shift
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe
  • Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist with general assembly and maintenance and help prepare new location
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for any problems and safety issues
  • Assist with inspecting, slipping and cutting drilling line
  • Responsible for picking up and laying down tubulars, attaching or detaching pick- up lines, and the hook up and tear out of flare and degasser lines
  • Assist Motorhand with preventative maintenance and repairs of equipment and motors, pipe, and off-loading materials as well as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines
  • Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
  • Inspect safety equipment and PPE for wear and replace as needed
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Support other crew members by carrying supplies, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Ability to stand and walk while wearing steel-toed boots and PPE for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Able to stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Prior experience or ability to use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Able to have accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Able to work closely with others in the confined area of the drilling rig and may live together in crew quarters
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

Minimum Qualifications:
  • One (1) year stable related work history (e.g. farming, ranching, construction, heavy equipment or other trade) or military service

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 6 + months of experience working on a rig based position for drilling contractor
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Forklift Certification
  • Valid Well Control Certification, IADC WellSHARP

Additional Details:
This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80° to low 100° with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20°. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as - 40°.
Rate of Pay: Starting at $28.50/hr.
This role is classified as Hourly
The role is eligible to receive per diem
At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program. In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy
The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.

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