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Mud Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Derrickhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK

Quickly follow instructions from Mud Engineer and Driller to ensure operational mud systems * Handle and mix hazardous chemicals into the mud as directed by Mud Engineer, while properly using ...

Patterson-UTI

Derrickhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$32.50/hr

Quickly follow instructions from Mud Engineer and Driller to ensure operational mud systems * Handle and mix hazardous chemicals into the mud as directed by Mud Engineer, while properly using ...

Patterson-UTI

Derrickhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$32.50/hr

Quickly follow instructions from Mud Engineer and Driller to ensure operational mud systems * Handle and mix hazardous chemicals into the mud as directed by Mud Engineer, while properly using ...

Bedrock

Solids Control Technician

Carthage, TX · On-site

Communicating with the Company man/Mud Engineer/Derrick Hand *Rigging up Drying Shakers, Centrifuges, and Pumps *Loading Trucks with a Excavator *Dependable Vehicle *Capable of working a 12.5hr shift

Calista Corporation

Derrickman

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Conditions the drilling fluid and maintains mud pumps (i.e., tests for weight and viscosity), adds chemicals to drilling mud following specific mud engineer or driller's directive. * Ensures ...

ARMBRUST & BROWN PLLC

MUD Paralegal

Austin, TX

... with Developer agreements and title work • Coordinate distribution of packets and posting of ... MUD legal notices • Schedule, coordinate and occasionally attend Board meetings • Prepare ...

ConeTec

Mud Rotary & Auger (Driller)

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Set up and operate mud rotary drilling and auger equipment, sampling systems, geophysical ... Provide timely assistance to Engineers and Technicians as required. * Assist with the mobilization ...

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Mud Engineer information

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$83.5K

$115.8K

$122K

How much do mud engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for mud engineer in the United States is $115,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are mud engineers?

Mud engineers, also known as drilling fluid engineers, are specialized professionals in the oil and gas industry responsible for designing, testing, and managing the properties of drilling fluids (commonly called 'mud'). These fluids are crucial for lubricating drill bits, controlling subsurface pressures, stabilizing wellbores, and carrying drill cuttings to the surface during drilling operations. Mud engineers monitor and adjust the chemical and physical characteristics of drilling mud to ensure safe and efficient drilling, minimize environmental impact, and reduce operational risks.

How much do mud engineers get paid?

Mud engineers, also known as drilling fluid engineers, typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drilling operation. Salaries often increase with certifications, specialized skills, and offshore or remote work environments.

What does a Mud Engineer do?

A Mud Engineer, also known as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, is responsible for designing, testing, and managing drilling fluids used during oil and gas well drilling. They ensure the fluids maintain well stability, control pressure, and prevent contamination, often working with specialized equipment and requiring knowledge of geology and chemistry. The role typically involves monitoring fluid properties and making adjustments to optimize drilling operations.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes certifications or security clearances.

Is it hard being a Mud Engineer?

Being a Mud Engineer involves working in challenging environments, often on offshore or remote sites, and requires technical knowledge of drilling fluids and equipment. The job can involve long hours, physical labor, and adherence to safety protocols, making it demanding but essential in the drilling process.

What Is the Job of a Mud Engineer?

As a mud engineer, also known as a drilling fluids engineer or mud man, you manage the drilling fluid used in the digging of oil wells. This involves making adjustments to the liquid being used, supervising the equipment on a rig, and helping test for oil and gas. This position offers a significant amount of control over the specifications of a drilling plan, in part because the fluid mixture must be customized to create the most effective drilling path through the unique terrain of the area. Since your presence is required during the drilling process, mud engineers spend almost all of their time on-site.

What are some common challenges faced by Mud Engineers on drilling sites, and how can they be addressed?

Mud Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining the correct mud properties under varying geological conditions, preventing equipment clogging, and responding quickly to unexpected wellbore issues like lost circulation. Addressing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, effective communication with drilling crews, and the ability to adjust mud formulations on short notice. Staying up-to-date with new drilling fluids technology and working closely with geologists and drilling supervisors can help Mud Engineers implement effective solutions and ensure smooth drilling operations.

What is the difference between Mud Engineer vs Drilling Fluids Engineer?

AspectMud EngineerDrilling Fluids Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications, technical degrees in petroleum or mechanical engineeringSimilar certifications, specialized training in drilling fluids
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sites, oil and gas industryOffshore/onshore drilling operations, oil and gas industry
Employer & IndustryOil & gas companies, drilling contractorsOil & gas companies, drilling service companies
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Mud Engineers and Drilling Fluids Engineers work in the oil and gas industry, focusing on managing drilling fluids to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations. While their roles are similar, the term 'Mud Engineer' is more commonly used in the field, and both titles often overlap in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Mud Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, geology, and drilling fluid technology, often supported by a degree in engineering or earth sciences. Familiarity with drilling fluid software, mud logging systems, and relevant certifications like Well Control or H2S safety are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are essential for ensuring safe, efficient drilling operations and maintaining wellbore stability under challenging conditions.
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Mud Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mud Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, and 34% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $115,787 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
Derrickhand - North Dakota & Wyoming

Derrickhand - North Dakota & Wyoming

Patterson-UTI

Dickinson, ND • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


The Derrickhand is responsible for the mud systems. This includes measuring mud weight and viscosity, mixing chemicals, and maintaining mud pumps, shakers, and tanks. Other responsibilities include steadying pipe during connections/disconnections and guiding pipe into and out of elevators. The Derrickhand works closely with and oversees the Floorhands and Motorhand and works under the supervision of the Driller and assists in day-to-day operations.
Detailed Description:
  • Stand or stand and walk for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots
  • Frequently climb steep stairs
  • Frequently climb ladders and work while wearing a harness on an elevated platform
  • Independently use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Utilize proper hand signals when working on the board to communicate with others
  • Work independently while staying on task for the majority of the tour work shift
  • 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
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Frequently measure mud weight and viscosity using a scale and timer
  • Regularly maintain and inspect mud systems (mud levels, pumps, shakers, and tanks)
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
  • Performs preventative maintenance on all equipment above the rig floor and all equipment associated with the drilling fluid system
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • 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 the following items in the derrick every tour: all hanging sheaves for wear and grease; all lights on derrick; boom and boom lines; derrick climbing device and derrick ladder; and the stand pipe and Kelly hose
  • 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
  • Performs daily inspections of the following: crown block (sheaves and cables); proper working order of the shale shaker (grease bearings, check or loose bolts and replace screens as required); mud agitators; mud mixing equipment; and mud pumps
  • Quickly follow instructions from Mud Engineer and Driller to ensure operational mud systems
  • Handle and mix hazardous chemicals into the mud as directed by Mud Engineer, while properly using required Personal Protective Equipment
  • Prepare stands and steady and guide pipe into and out of elevators during drilling activities
  • Ensure correct mud pit valves are open / closed
  • Monitor Floorhands who are assisting in the pits or with chemical sacks
  • General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area
  • Assist with rig up / down procedures
  • Support other crew members as needed, ensure compliance with safety procedures, and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand and Motorhand
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Ability to frequently climb ladders and work while wearing a harness on an elevated platform.
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English
  • Understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English; along with the ability to provide clear and understandable verbal, non-verbal and written direction to others in English.
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of surroundings, work with moving pipe, watch and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Able to stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • 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
  • Internal applicants will have at least 3 months of experience as a Motorhand and the external applicant will have at least 3 months of Derrickhand experience

Preferred Qualifications
  • 6 months of experience as a Derrickhand
  • High School Diploma or GED

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°.

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