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Mwd Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scientific Drilling

MWD Operator - Midland, TX

Odessa, TX

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Scientific Drilling is looking for a MWD Operator to work in Midland, TX . The MWD Operator will provide quality service related to job preparation and planning. Assist the Senior and Lead MWD ...

KLX Energy Services

$23.50 - $32.25/hr

... and pass MWD Operator 1 and Basic Rig Knowledge Exams. EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color ...

Patterson-UTI

MWD Shop Technician - Level 1

Conroe, TX · On-site

The MWD Shop Technician will work under the direction of the Shop Manager. Detailed Description ... Basis skills at operating and interpreting lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, voltmeters ...

New

Native Navigation

Be Seen First

MWD/LWD Lead Field Engineer I

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

MWD/LWD Lead Field Engineer I Company: Native Navigation Location: Field-Based (100% Travel ... operating parameters, and align tool face references. * Own the Data: Monitor multiple screens ...

Urgent

Luck Stone Corporation

Area Blaster

Kershaw, SC · On-site

$30.58 - $45.87/hr

Leverage Measure While Drilling (MWD) data - including penetration rate, rock hardness, and flush ... Collaborate with drill operators and site supervision to align drill patterns with blast design ...

Luck Stone

Area Blaster

Kershaw, SC

$63K - $95K/yr

Leverage Measure While Drilling (MWD) data - including penetration rate, rock hardness, and flush ... Collaborate with drill operators and site supervision to align drill patterns with blast design ...

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Mwd Operator information

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$13

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How much do mwd operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for mwd operator in the United States is $24.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is MWD a good job?

Mud Logging and Drilling (MWD) operators play a key role in oil and gas drilling by providing real-time data on well conditions using specialized tools. The job often involves shift work, physical activity, and technical skills, with opportunities for advancement and competitive pay in the energy industry.

What is the difference between Mwd Operator vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectMwd OperatorDrilling Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in MWD technology, basic drilling knowledgeRequires engineering degree, advanced technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling rigs, operating MWD toolsOffice-based, overseeing drilling operations and planning
Industry UsageCommonly used in oil and gas drilling projectsInvolved in designing and optimizing drilling programs

The Mwd Operator focuses on operating measurement while drilling tools on-site, ensuring real-time data collection. The Drilling Engineer designs and manages drilling plans, often working in an office setting. While both roles are essential in drilling operations, they differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What are MWD Operators?

MWD Operators, or Measurement While Drilling Operators, are professionals in the oil and gas industry responsible for monitoring and transmitting real-time data from downhole sensors during the drilling process. They operate specialized tools and equipment that measure parameters such as direction, inclination, and geological information while drilling is underway. This data helps drilling engineers make informed decisions to optimize well placement, improve safety, and increase efficiency. MWD Operators often work on-site at drilling locations, collaborating closely with drilling teams to ensure accurate data collection and reporting.

How much do MWD hands make?

Mud Logging While Drilling (MWD) operators typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drilling operations. They often work in offshore or remote environments and may receive additional compensation for overtime, travel, and certifications such as well control or safety training.

What are the typical challenges faced by MWD Operators during drilling operations and how are they addressed?

MWD Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, signal interference, and real-time data transmission issues while monitoring drilling parameters. To address these, operators rely on strong troubleshooting skills, regular equipment calibration, and close coordination with drilling engineers and the rig crew. Working in remote or high-pressure environments also requires adaptability and clear communication to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations. Continuous training and adherence to safety protocols help MWD Operators effectively manage these challenges.

What is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically specialized roles such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, or offshore installation managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, technical skills, and certifications, and often involve long shifts in challenging offshore environments.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a Mwd Operator, high-paying roles in the oil and gas industry can reach $4,000 or more per week, especially with experience and specialized skills in directional drilling, well control, or hydraulic fracturing. These positions often require technical training, certifications, and working in remote or demanding environments, but they typically do not require a college degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an MWD Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an MWD Operator, you need a background in engineering or geoscience, strong mathematical abilities, and relevant field experience, often supported by technical training or certification in Measurement While Drilling. Familiarity with MWD/LWD tools, data acquisition systems, and downhole telemetry technology is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure and in remote environments help an operator excel. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate wellbore placement, optimizing drilling performance, and maintaining safety standards in challenging oilfield operations.
More about Mwd Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Mwd Operator jobs? Cities with the most Mwd Operator job openings:
What states have the most Mwd Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Mwd Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mwd Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mwd Operator jobs are:
Mwd Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mwd Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 76% As Needed, 10% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,704 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
MWD Operator - Midland, TX

MWD Operator - Midland, TX

Scientific Drilling Inc.

Odessa, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Scientific Drilling is looking for a MWD Operator to work in Midland, TX. The MWD Operator will provide quality service related to job preparation and planning. Assist the Senior and Lead MWD Operators in supervision, training, and development of the MWD Operator Trainees. Scientific Drilling is an independent directional drilling and wellbore navigation, surveying and logging Service Company serving customers worldwide. Our industry leading navigation systems provide definitive wellbore placement information, enabling safer and more efficient placement of tightly spaced wellbores throughout the world. We are motivated by crafting innovative and elegant solutions to technically challenging problems.
Key Job Functions:
  • Assists and supports Senior and Lead MWD Operators at the well site.
  • Learns through hands on training while focusing on achieving necessary level of proficiency.
  • Assists in the initiation, investigation and close out of non-conformance reports.
  • Assists in the management of inventory and supplies required at the well site.
  • Becomes familiar with the oilfield in general and company specific tools and services.
  • Works under the supervision of other company MWD Operators.
  • Provides pre-job and post-job support to MWD Operators.
  • Able to rig-up and rig-down at the well site.
  • Able to prepare MWD and basic LWD tools.
  • Assists in LWD log generation and delivery.
  • Assists shop technicians in checking and preparing MWD/LWD equipment for the job.
  • Assists in the management of inventory and supplies required at the well site.
  • Assists the Senior and Lead MWD Operators in the preparation of required reports.
  • Participates in post job debriefings.
  • Perform other relevant duties as required.
  • Actively supports Quality Management Systems, requirements, and initiatives.

Key Job Competencies:
  • Learns quickly and adapts to new problems and situations.
  • Pursues every job with drive and determination.
  • Uses logic to solve problems with effective solutions.
  • Is personally committed to continual improvement and customer satisfaction.
  • Listens and is able to communicate effectively with managers and peers, both written and verbally.
  • Able to understand and follow instructions.
  • Presents self with professional appearance and behavior.
  • Ability to multi-task.

Education, Experience, Certification and Training:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • 6 months minimum MWD Operator Trainee experience or equivalent.
  • Bachelor's degree (preferred but not required).

Work Environment, Physical Job Requirements and PPE:
  • Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb stairs, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift, and carry under 45 lbs., perceive depth, and operate a motor vehicle.
  • Conditions include working inside and outside in all types of weather. Working around moving objects, moving vehicles and machines with moving parts. Working around radiant and electrical energy. Working closely with others, working alone, working extended, or irregular hours, and travelling by all possible modes of transportation. Working environment may include but not limited to excessive, intermittent, or constant noise, fumes, smoke, gases, grease, dust, oils and solvents.
  • Equipment (machines, tools, devices) used in performing the essential job function include but not limited to computer and related equipment, calculator, special instrumentation, forklift, pallet jack, hand tools, power tools, air tools, telephone, and automobile. Ability to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to, safety glasses, hardhat, reinforced toed shoes, coveralls, gloves & hearing protection.

Limitations and Disclaimer:
This job description describes the general duties and responsibilities, and physical requirements associated with the position; it is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or skills required for the position.
The general duties and responsibilities and physical requirements associated with the position are subject to modification in order to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some physical requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health or safety to themselves or others.
This job description neither states nor implies that the listed general duties and responsibilities and physical requirements associated with the position are the only tasks expected of an employee. An employee is also required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related tasks requested by their supervisor and not in violation of any applicable laws, regulations, or rules.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities. To perform this job successfully, an employee must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty, responsibility, and physical requirement proficiently.
Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

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