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Mud Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

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 ...

Job Summary The Assistant Derrickhand works in the mud pump room and assists the Derrickhand in performing all tasks related to drilling fluid management including operating and maintaining drilling ...

Job Summary The Assistant Derrickhand works in the mud pump room and assists the Derrickhand in performing all tasks related to drilling fluid management including operating and maintaining drilling ...

Assists the Driller with the monitoring of mud volumes and maintenance of equipment required for completion of the job. Supervision Received: * Receives directions from the Driller and overall ...

Industrial Electrician

New Braunfels, TX · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Leads electrical aspect of new mud cooling unit builds. Performs troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on existing units. Utilizes experience and expertise to provide electrical ...

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Commercial Painter

Kemp, TX · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Experience with drywall finishing, tape and bed, and mud work * Ability to perform surface preparation, masking, and minor repairs * Reliable transportation * Strong attention to detail * Ability to ...

This position will be responsible for tracking, monitoring and ensuring the MUD reimbursable amounts due to D.R. Horton and the other developer clients of Tierra are reimbursed. Essential Duties and ...

Sr. Firmware Engineer

Katy, TX · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Design and optimize high-speed mud pulse telemetry schemes, including pulser generation and control, modulation/encoding, power-efficiency optimization, and surface decoding algorithms. * Develop ...

This position will be responsible for tracking, monitoring and ensuring the MUD reimbursable amounts due to D.R. Horton and the other developer clients of Tierra are reimbursed. Essential Duties and ...

Plant Operator

Kermit, TX · On-site

$26.75/hr

Description AES Drilling Fluids is seeking Plant Operators for our Kermit mud plant and warehouse. At AES Drilling Fluids we offer great benefits, competitive salary, paid overtime, opportunity for ...

Plant Operator

Midland, TX · On-site

$23.50/hr

Description AES Drilling Fluids is seeking Plant Operators for our Midland mud plant and warehouse. At AES Drilling Fluids we offer great benefits, competitive salary, paid overtime, opportunity for ...

Showing results 21-40

Mud information

See Texas salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do mud jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for mud in Texas is $23.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $31.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mud engineer?

Mud Engineers, also known as Drilling Fluid Engineers, are specialists in the oil and gas industry responsible for designing, testing, and managing the drilling fluids (also called mud) used during drilling operations. These fluids are critical for lubricating the drill bit, stabilizing the wellbore, controlling pressure, and carrying drill cuttings to the surface. Mud Engineers monitor the properties of the drilling fluids and make adjustments as needed to ensure safe and efficient drilling. They typically work on drilling rigs, both onshore and offshore, and collaborate closely with drilling teams to troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to drilling fluids.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a mud engineer?

To thrive as a Mud Engineer, you need a strong understanding of drilling fluid properties, chemistry, and wellbore hydraulics, usually supported by a degree in engineering or geology. Familiarity with industry-standard software, mud testing equipment, and safety certifications like H2S are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient drilling operations by maintaining optimal mud properties and effectively collaborating with drilling teams.

What challenges do mud engineers face on drilling sites?

Mud Engineers often encounter challenges such as adjusting drilling fluid properties in response to rapidly changing downhole conditions, maintaining fluid consistency to prevent wellbore instability, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. They must also work closely with drilling crews and geologists to troubleshoot issues as they arise, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, long shifts and remote locations can add to the complexity of the role, making adaptability and resilience important qualities for success.

What is the difference between Mud vs Carpenter?

AspectMudCarpenter
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but some training or apprenticeshipOften requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, interior and exterior walls, drywall finishingConstruction sites, framing, installing structures, finishing carpentry
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in residential and commercial construction for wall finishingUsed across various construction projects for structural and finish carpentry
Common Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing wall finishing roles with carpentry tasksPeople looking to understand different construction roles

The main difference between Mud and Carpenter roles lies in their focus and skills. Mud workers primarily handle drywall finishing and wall surface preparation, often with minimal formal credentials. Carpenters have a broader skill set, including framing and structural work, usually requiring more training. Both roles are essential in construction but serve different functions within the building process.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Mud jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Mud job openings:

Infographic showing various Mud job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,225 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Derricks - ETX/STX.

Patterson-UTI

Victoria, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Perform daily inspections and maintenance of rig equipment, including mud systems, derrick, and associated machinery.

  • Handle, measure, and mix hazardous chemicals into the mud system following instructions from the Mud Engineer.

  • Work independently on the rig floor, communicate using hand signals, and support other crew members to ensure safety and operational efficiency.


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

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) 

Certification

  • Forklift Certification or willingness to complete Forklift Certification training within 60 days

Minimum Qualifications

  • Six (6) months of experience as a Derrickhand on a drilling rig

  • Twelve (12) months of stable related work history

  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50ft. or greater) 

Preferred Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Valid Well Control Certification, IADC WellSHARP

  • Previous experience as a Motorhand on a drilling rig

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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