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Mwd Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tech 1 Quality MSD

Conroe, TX · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

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 ...

Tech 1 Quality MSD

Conroe, TX

$16 - $21.75/hr

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 ...

Command Specialist

Katy, TX · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Recent MWD experience, specifically electromagnetic (EM) telemetry within the last 3-5 years ... operating across North America and Asia. As a nationally and locally certified Minority Business ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Mwd Operator information

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$13

$24

$37

How much do mwd operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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.

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 is an MWD operator?

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.

What are the typical challenges faced by an MWD operator 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 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:

Infographic showing various Mwd Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,704 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Tech 1 Quality MSD

Patterson-UTI

Conroe, TX • On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


The Shop Technician is responsible for assembling and testing electronic components, cleaning field kits, restocking of MWD kits, and performing electronic roll tests on MWD survey instruments. Non-technical duties will include routine house cleaning of the shop space and equipment, cleaning equipment, moving equipment around the shop and participating and/or conduct various meetings, trainings and development activities.
The MWD Shop Technician will work under the direction of the Shop Manager.
Detailed Description:
  • Operate high temperature and electronic systems
  • Gather data while exposing circuitry to controlled elevated temperatures in the lab oven, and in vibration fixtures
  • Basis skills at operating and interpreting lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, voltmeters, Frequency counters and generators
  • Basic competencies in troubleshooting existing products and identify failed components with little assistance or supervision
  • Clean and maintain MWD field kits, tools, subs and other pre and post job operations Perform inventory control on kit box
  • Follow safety policies and procedures at all times
  • Ensure the shop space is clean and organized
  • Ensure that all equipment is clean and in good working order
  • Participate in and/or conduct required meetings, training and development activities
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills including ability to promptly give, and follow, directions when working with others
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and supervisors at once
  • Must have good interpersonal and communication skills including ability to interact productively with coworkers and third parties
  • Basic computer skills within Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, InfoPath, Access, OneNote, Solid Works
  • Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools to perform a range of mechanically oriented functions including independent use of heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Ability to safely navigate the shop work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)
  • Lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to field and operational work areas
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems
  • Accurate recall of information over short and long-term memory
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Stay alert and focused up including occasional extended work periods
  • Physical ability to immediately respond to emergency situations
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times

Minimum Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite of Applications
  • Live within 1 hour driving distance from Conroe facility

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Oilfield services shop experience
  • Previous Technician experience in a shop environment
  • Previous mechanical or electrical aptitude grained through work, school or personal experience

Additional Details:
The MWD Shop Technician must work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties. The typical work environment will be in the shop or field which will require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, working near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals and airborne particles.

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