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Offshore Drilling Rig Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Offshore Drilling Rig information

See Oregon salary details

$5

$49

$88

How much do offshore drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore drilling rig in Oregon is $49.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.88 and $50.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an offshore drilling rig?

Offshore drilling rigs are large structures used to drill wells into the seabed to explore for and extract oil and natural gas from beneath the ocean floor. These rigs can be fixed platforms, floating structures, or mobile units, depending on the water depth and project needs. Offshore drilling is a complex and highly regulated process that requires advanced technology and skilled professionals to operate safely. The rigs are equipped with living quarters, drilling equipment, and safety systems to support extended operations at sea.

What does an offshore drilling rig worker do?

Offshore drilling rig jobs involve working on a crew to operate, maintain, or provide support operations on an oil and gas platform. Entry-level laborers, called roustabouts, clean and perform unskilled labor on an oil rig. Roughnecks are more-experienced deck-hands. These crew members work under a toolpusher (rig manager). In this management role, your duties focus on overseeing rig operations. Drillers operate the drill, while a mud logger examines the material from the hole for evidence of oil or gas. Technicians, such as welders and electricians, have responsibilities related to the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of equipment on the rig.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work on an offshore drilling rig?

To thrive as an Offshore Drilling Rig Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, safety awareness, and typically a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety systems, and certifications like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are commonly required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial soft skills in this high-risk environment. These competencies are vital to ensure operational efficiency, minimize accidents, and maintain safety standards on the rig.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working on an offshore drilling rig, and how are they addressed?

Professionals on offshore drilling rigs often face challenges such as extended periods away from home, working in harsh weather conditions, and maintaining safety in a high-risk environment. To address these challenges, rigs usually operate on a rotational schedule (e.g., two weeks on, two weeks off), invest heavily in safety training, and foster a team-oriented culture to support crew well-being. Rig workers also have access to amenities onboard and regular communication with onshore support teams to help manage both professional and personal challenges.

What is the difference between Offshore Drilling Rig vs Offshore Drilling Engineer?

AspectOffshore Drilling RigOffshore Drilling Engineer
Primary RoleProvides the platform and equipment for drilling operations at seaPlans, designs, and supervises drilling projects on offshore rigs
Required CredentialsBasic certifications in safety and equipment operationEngineering degree, specialized drilling certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard the rig, physically involved in operationsOffshore/office setting, overseeing drilling activities
Industry UsageOperational platform for drillingTechnical role supporting drilling operations

While offshore drilling rigs are the physical platforms used for drilling at sea, offshore drilling engineers are the professionals who plan, design, and oversee these drilling operations. Both roles are essential in offshore oil and gas extraction, but they differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

Infographic showing various Offshore Drilling Rig job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,434 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

$23.75 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Offshore Drilling Group

Transocean is focused on being the employer of choice for the drilling industry.

We are challenging ourselves every day to push the performance of the company through technological advances and passion for our work.

Job Summary

- Assist the Driller in operating drilling and mud circulating equipment as instructed in the well program and in accordance to Company policies and procedures.
- Actively promote Transocean Shared Values.

Job Description

REPORTING:

Driller

SUPERVISION:

Provides guidance to the Derrickhand, Pumphand and Floorhand

PRE-REQUISITE/QUALIFICATION:

  • High School Diploma (U.S.)/ Proof of Completion of Formal Education or Relevant Craft Certificate (where applicable)
  • Successful Military Discharge - Preferred for U.S.
  • Graduate of Trade School or University where knowledge and training acquired are applicable to job requirements - Preferred
  • Valid medical examination and vaccination certificates
  • Knowledge of all technical calculations required for the safe operation within the drilling operations.
  • Basic computer skills
  • Valid well control certificate per the standard defined on the training matrix.
  • Norway Specific: Must hold qualifications in accordance with relevant authority requirements and the requirements of the Havtil ref. Activities Regulations.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Promotes a Safe and Respectful Work Environment: Proactively promotes and maintains a healthy respect for open and transparent dialogue between all levels of personnel.
  • Demonstrates care for the safety and well-being of all personnel, at all times. Invests in each person to provide equal opportunity for development and advancement of those qualified, to fulfill their career objectives. Respects the dignity of all personnel and recognizes their merit.
  • Attend and participate in all required Safety and Operational meetings.
  • Participate fully in the performance appraisal process, competency assessments based on performance against Operational Discipline requirements.
  • Complete company training requirements for the Assistant Driller job level as per the training matrix, including in local/regulatory requirements.
  • If applicable, the duties and responsibilities in the safety case for this position must be observed.
  • Full participation in emergency drills and respond to emergency situations as per assigned duties on the station bill.
  • Norway Specific: Responsible to follow up on the working environment within the rig department.

OPERATIONAL DISCIPLINE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Disciplined application and participation in the Task Planning & Risk Assessment Process.
  • This is inclusive of:
  • Understanding and perform the roles and responsibilities as assigned at the pre-job meeting.
  • Understanding the hazards associated with the task.
  • Understanding and effectively implementing the control measures required to mitigate identified hazards.
  • Execute all tasks and task steps in a disciplined manner, following the sequence detailed in the relevant procedures.
  • Recognize at risk behavior or conditions during tasks and call 'Time out for Safety' when unsure, or when the job does not go as planned.
  • Participate in After Action Reviews to feedback lessons learned from performing the task.

HSE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstrate commitment and leadership in the protection of personnel, the environment, and assets.
  • Coach personnel in the understanding of applicable Company OI & HSE requirements.
  • Ensure work is executed in accordance with Company OI & HSE requirements.
  • Call a Time Out when a real or perceived at risk behavior or unsafe condition is observed.
  • Coach personnel to use WorkSight ENGAGE during the execution of planned work.
  • Use WorkSight COACH during the execution of planned work and daily operations to reinforce Company requirements.
  • Report all incidents, potential hazards, or abnormal situations. Ensure reported situations are acknowledged properly.
  • Ensure the Control of Work process is complied with when planning and managing the execution of work.
  • Ensure major accident barriers / controls are maintained.
  • Ensure safe and organized work areas are maintained.
  • Understand your role in an emergency, as designated in the Emergency Response Plan and Station Bill.
  • Lead or participate in all emergency drills and exercises, as required.
  • Ensure change is properly controlled and managed.

DUTIES:

The underlying expectation is that all duties are carried out in compliance with the Company Operational Discipline expectations and HSE requirements. When considering assignment of duties for the Assistant Driller, the Supervisor and the Assistant Driller will apply the Control of Work process to determine if the assigned role is appropriate. This means confirming that the individuals involved have the knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the task, and the task plan complies with policy before they are authorized to proceed.

GENERAL DUTIES:

Operations/Maintenance:

  • Perform the drilling department's daily checklists, i.e. QHSE checks, Derrick inspection, choke and mud manifold line ups, etc.
  • Maintain accurate BHA record of tubular and tool dimensions (i.e. internal and external diameter, fish neck, handling profiles and serial numbers etc.).
  • Calculate ton-miles on drilling line; maintain an accurate logbook and advise the Driller on the need to slip and cut.
  • Maintain an organized drilling equipment store and tubular and subs inventory.
  • Maintain proper communication with the Driller, Toolpusher, and other department heads.
  • Read and interpret various gauges and meters relating to the drilling operations; assist the Driller in maintaining records and logs.
  • Actively participate in pre-tour meeting with the drilling crew for all drilling operations.
  • Assist and relieve the Driller at the Driller's console during drilling operations.
  • Assist with the preparation of equipment for impending drilling operations.
  • Organize and supervise the drilling crews for all operations.
  • Assist the Driller during an emergency or well control situation; assist in the well killing operations.
  • Assist in supervision of Preventive Maintenance carried out on drilling equipment.
  • Assist in supervision of repairs on drilling and associated equipment.
  • Assist in running and cementing casing strings, running and retrieving BOPs and risers, and other operations as directed by the Driller or Toolpusher.
  • Monitor mud systems and supervise solids control equipment and mud mixing operation.
  • Assist in the planning, organization and execution of rig move operations.
  • Operate drilling and associated equipment as directed by the Driller, i.e. Top Drive System, mud pumps, BOP and Diverter controls, etc.
  • Know the clients' rules and Company procedures for well control and blowout prevention.
  • Incorporate the Task Planning Risk Assessment process into all tasks, whether working alone or as part of a team.
  • Participate daily in START process.
  • Ensure subordinate personnel are properly trained in the START process.
  • Call a Time Out for Safety (TOFS) whenever an unplanned hazard or a change in the expected results is observed.
  • Ensure all relevant safety procedures and practices are adhered to during drilling operations, in accordance to the Company management system (CMS).
  • Report any incidents, potential hazards or abnormal situations to the Driller or Toolpusher.
  • Actively participate in weekly safety meetings and pre-tour meetings as required, FOCUS Improvement Process, and all other Company safety management systems.
  • Assist in conducting drilling operations safety drills as and when required.
  • Demonstrate commitment to the Company's safety policies through leadership and guidance.
  • Ensure that a high standard of hygiene and housekeeping is maintained onboard the rig.
  • Meet the training requirements according to the applicable training matrix.
  • Participate in the performance appraisal process.
  • Mentor, coach, develop and train crew members to ensure that they are competent to work at their next job level.
  • Provide leadership and motivation to rig personnel; Apply continuous improvement process.
  • Assist in training to ensure that all personnel are competent to perform their allocated jobs.
  • Promote and maintain a good working relationship with other departments, third-party personnel and Customer Representatives.
  • Promote and maintain a good working relationship with other departments, third-party personnel and Customer Representatives.
  • Assist the Driller with the operation during the running and retrieving of marine risers, BOP and auxiliary equipment.
  • Maintain accurate tallies of all tubulars required for well construction activities
  • Take necessary precautions to ensure nothing drops in the hole

Personnel:

  • Promote and maintain good working relationships with other departments, third-party personnel and Customer representatives.
  • Ensure all Drilling personnel meet the training requirements as per their applicable training matrix.
  • Mentor, coach, develop and train crew members to ensure they are competent to work at their next job level.
  • Provide leadership and motivation to the drilling crews. Apply continuous improvement process.
  • Assist in training to ensure that all personnel are competent to perform their allocated jobs.
  • Participate fully in the annual performance appraisal process.
  • Apply appropriate accountability regarding recognition; recommend promotion or disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

If you want to push yourself to great achievement, let Transocean develop your career.