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Offshore Oil Rig Operator Jobs in Bismarck, ND (NOW HIRING)

Offshore Oil Rig Operator information

See Bismarck, ND salary details

$6

$14

$23

How much do offshore oil rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore oil rig operator in Bismarck, ND is $14.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $7.69 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Offshore Oil Rig Operator vs Drilling Technician?

AspectOffshore Oil Rig OperatorDrilling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOn offshore oil rigs, working in harsh, remote conditionsOn drilling sites, often onshore or offshore, focused on drilling operations
Industry UsageCommonly employed on oil rigs for operational tasksInvolved in drilling processes, often working closely with rig operators

Both Offshore Oil Rig Operators and Drilling Technicians work in the oil and gas industry, often on offshore platforms. While they share similar certifications and work environments, Offshore Oil Rig Operators focus on overall rig operations, whereas Drilling Technicians specialize in drilling processes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

How can I get a job on an offshore oil rig?

To become an offshore oil rig operator, you typically need relevant technical training, such as a certification in offshore safety and operations, and experience working in the oil and gas industry. Applying through oil companies, staffing agencies, or job boards that specialize in offshore work is common, and physical fitness and the ability to work long shifts in challenging environments are essential. Some positions also require a valid offshore survival certification and a clean background check.

How much do offshore oil rig operators get paid?

Offshore oil rig operators typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work long shifts in challenging environments and may receive additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.

Is it hard to get hired on an offshore oil rig?

Getting hired as an offshore oil rig operator can be competitive and requires relevant experience, certifications such as H2S and safety training, and sometimes prior work in the industry. Employers often look for technical skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work in challenging environments, which can make the hiring process demanding.

Solids Control Field Technician - Bakken Basin

Stage 3 Separation

Mandan, ND

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Stage 3 specializes in high quality solids control equipment designed for mud systems to effectively manage solids, reducing costs for the customer and providing limited or zero discharge solutions as necessary. But we don't stop there. Additionally, Stage 3 uses a team of Solids Control Field Technicians, field supervisors, engineers and scientists to make intelligent and informed recommendations on how to best manage your job for efficiency and cost savings.

While our business has expanded, our mission remains to provide superior service and performance through:

  • Emphasis on Safety
  • Teamwork
  • Technology innovation
  • Operational integrity

Under general direction from and reporting to the Field Leader(s), the Solids Control Technician is responsible for overseeing mechanical processes which are used to provide enhanced drilling operations and recycled drilling fluid through closed loop and other mud systems. You will receive on the job training, on a variety of our specialized Stage 3 equipment. You will work 12 hour shifts, on a 20 days on 10 days off rotational schedule, in the "back yard" of various drilling rigs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Able to work 20 days on and 10 days off.
  • Able to work 12-hour shifts (rotation), daily, including overtime.
  • Able to work a Swing (rotation) from 12:00PM to 12:00AM or 12:00AM to 12:00PM. Trainee will job shadow with an experienced Technician and Field Leader.
  • Must be able to travel domestically to remote rig locations, in personal vehicle, throughout the United States.
  • Will be assigned to one rig for rotation, or multiple rigs - based on business requirement.
  • Will learn how to rig up and rig down equipment.
  • Will learn and operate a variety of solids control equipment including shaker tanks, centrifuge, drying equipment, and pumps.
  • Will develop basic understanding of oil and gas drilling processes.
  • Will develop basic knowledge of Environmental Services.
  • Will gain an understanding of basic electrical principles.
  • Will develop an understanding of drilling fluid properties including drilling fluid weight, funnel viscosity, retort analysis, etc., and will perform drilling fluid analysis.
  • Will learn how to perform various solids control services such as air drilling, barite recovery, de-watering, floc water, fluid transfers, target lo gravity solids, cuttings drying/invert recovery, etc.
  • Will learn how to perform basic routine maintenance services and routine electrical services on various equipment.
  • Will learn how to move cuttings from pits to trailers, by operating heavy machinery, safely and efficiently, with supervision.
  • Must maintain a clean and orderly "backyard" by using a variety of pressure washing equipment.
  • Will attend and actively participate in daily safety meetings.
  • You will be responsible for completing daily PJRA/JSA, inspection reports, observation reports, and checklists, as required.
  • You will be required to wear proper PPE/FR's while working in the backyard of a drilling rig.
  • Must always abide by safety protocols.

NOTE: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time by a manager, with or without notice.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Team player who can work independently.
  • Must be mechanically inclined with comprehension for electronics.
  • Will learn how to input routine data into various systems including company Portal.
  • Must be a problem solver and use time efficiently.
  • Must have ability to develop professional relationships with everyone working on the rig.
  • Must be customer service oriented, learning how to use diplomacy and tact.
  • Will learn how to operate and will operate an excavator, forklift or Wheel Loader and will operate them daily, will and earn certification.
  • Will earn certifications for various Rig Safety programs including PEC Safe Land, H2S, and CPR/First Aid.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, wet, and hot).
  • Must have the ability to be away from home for 20 days or longer, to complete scheduled rotation (hitch).
  • Must keep living quarters clean, and orderly.
  • Must be able to read, write and comprehend English.
  • Trainee will advance to Field Level 1 by passing a Performance Evaluation and competency test(s).

Minimum Required Education, Credentials, Licenses and Experience:

  • High School diploma, or GED equivalent.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • 2-year Associate's degree or technical diploma, in Technology, Electronics, or Mechanics, or similar field, is preferred.
  • Prior Forklift, Excavator, or Wheel Loader experience, or Certifications, is/are preferred. Certification training will be provided prior to working on a rig.
  • Basic Microsoft Office experience including Outlook.
  • Must have a valid State driver's license, valid insurance, and an acceptable driving record.
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from assigned rig site locations.
  • This position is contingent upon successfully passing a background check which includes running a criminal history, pre-employment drug testing (hair folicle and urine), and fit for duty physical.

Requirements

  • Solid's Control Experience.
  • Oil and gas experience.
  • Shaker tanks,
  • Centrifuge.
  • Drying equipment.
  • Pumps.
  • Heavy Equipment Experience
  • Forklift.
  • Wheel Loader.
  • Drilling fluids.

Benefits

Company Provided Benefits

  • Employee Health Insurance (100% Employer -paid)
  • Dependent Health Insurance (After 18 Months, 100% Employer Paid)
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays

Additional Available Benefits

  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Additional Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • 401(K)