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Offshore Rig Construction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Positioning will range from a final position report on a rig move to complex construction projects ... Offshore trips can vary from a few days in the case of a rig move or inshore survey to four to six ...

SCAFFOLD LEADERMAN

Gray, LA · On-site

$18.75 - $24/hr

... Offshore Personnel) and in confined spaces. * Assist construction personnel with various projects including but not limited to: * Rig equipment loads and complete various construction projects ...

SCAFFOLD HELPER

Gray, LA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Onshore/Offshore REPORTS TO: Foreman/Supervisor/Superintendent FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt UPDATED DATE ... construction personnel with various projects including but not limited to: rig equipment loads ...

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Offshore Rig Construction information

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$5

$46

$83

How much do offshore rig construction jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore rig construction in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid offshore job?

The highest paid offshore jobs are typically senior positions such as offshore drilling engineers, project managers, and specialized technical roles like subsea engineers. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in challenging environments, with salaries that can exceed $150,000 annually depending on the project and location.

Can you make 200k in the oil field?

Offshore rig construction jobs can offer high salaries, with experienced workers earning close to or over $200,000 annually, especially with overtime, bonuses, and specialized skills. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the complexity of the project influence earning potential in this field.

What is the difference between Offshore Rig Construction vs Offshore Rig Maintenance?

AspectOffshore Rig ConstructionOffshore Rig Maintenance
CertificationsWelding, safety, and construction certificationsSafety, inspection, and repair certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, new rig assemblyOperational rigs, ongoing repairs
Industry UsageBuilding new offshore rigsMaintaining and repairing existing rigs

Offshore Rig Construction involves building new offshore platforms from the ground up, requiring construction skills and certifications. Offshore Rig Maintenance focuses on inspecting, repairing, and maintaining existing rigs to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Both roles are essential in the offshore oil and gas industry but differ in their primary tasks and work environments.

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

Getting hired as an offshore rig worker can be competitive and requires relevant skills, certifications such as H2S and BOSIET, and physical fitness. Employers often look for experience in the oil and gas industry, safety training, and the ability to work long shifts in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced during offshore rig construction projects, and how are they typically addressed?

Offshore rig construction projects often face challenges such as harsh weather conditions, complex logistics for transporting materials and equipment, and strict safety regulations. Teams address these by thorough planning, using advanced project management tools, and maintaining clear communication among engineers, safety officers, and supply chain coordinators. Regular safety drills and ongoing training are crucial for handling emergencies, while detailed scheduling helps minimize delays caused by unpredictable weather. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams ensures that technical and regulatory requirements are consistently met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Offshore Rig Construction, and why are they important?

To succeed in Offshore Rig Construction, you need expertise in structural engineering, mechanical skills, safety protocols, and typically a relevant technical degree or trade certification. Familiarity with construction management software, offshore safety certifications like BOSIET, and experience with heavy machinery and welding equipment are crucial. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help individuals excel in the demanding offshore environment. These skills ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to regulatory standards in challenging and hazardous conditions.

How do I get a job on an offshore rig?

To work as an offshore rig worker, candidates typically need relevant experience in the oil and gas industry, safety certifications such as BOSIET or HUET, and physical fitness. Applying through offshore staffing agencies or directly to oil companies, and being prepared for rigorous safety training and a demanding schedule, are common steps to secure employment on an offshore rig.

What is offshore rig construction?

Offshore rig construction is the process of designing, building, and assembling large structures used for oil and gas exploration and production in bodies of water. These rigs are engineered to withstand harsh marine environments and are typically built in shipyards before being transported and installed at sea. The construction process involves various disciplines, including engineering, welding, heavy lifting, and project management, to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout the build.
More about Offshore Rig Construction jobs
What job categories do people searching Offshore Rig Construction jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Offshore Rig Construction jobs are:
Infographic showing various Offshore Rig Construction job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,884 per year, or $46.6 per hour.
Senior Engineer- Structural

Senior Engineer- Structural

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 75 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


Serve as a lead contributing Structural engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling structures and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements. Manage capital construction projects from planning through execution, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery. Provide technical support to Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing groups to maintain and improve rig productivity, while evaluating equipment performance and implementing engineering solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
  • Develop and manage structural engineering design scopes for New Rig Construction, Refurbishing, Modification / Upgrade, and Maintenance activities, including scope of work development, drafting oversight and final drawing approval and issuance
  • Performs engineering calculations, drawing review and other engineering functions in relation to above
  • Provides construction management (including scheduling and cost control) and engineering support for rig construction activities
  • Provides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting, condition assessment, repair planning and oversite
  • Maintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices
  • Maintain current knowledge of new project management techniques and practices
  • Review research, analyses, internal and supplier specifications, manuals, and other data supporting team and project needs to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications
  • Review product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, client contract requirements, and related specifications; and, review and recommend capital equipment for Capital and Equipment Standards committees
  • Manage external engineers and support staff including subcontractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project documents.
  • Assists in audits of sub-contractors
  • Participates in the evaluation of new equipment
    #LI-JA1

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • 9+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company
  • Bachelor of Science degree in civil/structural engineering from an accredited university is required
  • Highly proficient in drilling and oilfield structures
  • Proficient with structural analysis, preferably SolidWorks Simulation, StruCAD, SAFI, and/or RISA 3D
  • Proficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or Solidworks
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Project

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer License in Civil/Structural
  • Work experience at mast / derrick / substructure manufacturer, including designing API 4F structures
  • Familiarity with field inspection and leading field repair of drilling structures.
  • Working knowledge of project management tools including cost estimations, contracts, and scheduling.
  • Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and controlling, and project closing.
  • Management and leadership concepts including leading people, driving results, leading change, business acumen, and building coalitions.

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Conflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.
  • Holistic and Interdisciplinary approach to solving problems.
  • Encouragement of team members and engineering group with mentorship and guidance to individual performers
  • Reliable self-starter able to establish priorities and organize workload on a daily basis with minimal direction
  • Dependable and adaptable to change
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Technical Competencies
  • Knowledge of global and local analysis of drilling structures, including designing to API 4F
  • The individual should have proficient drilling knowledge related to the following items:
    • Drilling and rig crew functions and How drilling structures are used during operation.
    • How drilling structures and equipment skids are lifted, moved, assembled and raised
    • How drilling structures and equipment skids are fabricated and repaired.
    • Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API, ASCE, etc.
  • Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding, machining, etc.).
  • Construction, fabrication and manufacturing concepts related to drilling rigs.
  • Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including systems integrated testing (SIT) and integrated acceptance testing (IAT).
  • Ability to read, interpret, and explain drawings to field personnel and/or junior engineers

physical requirements / working conditions
Engineer position may require periods of extended travel to domestic or international rig locations equating to approximately 25% of time worked.
About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
About the Team
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.

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