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Oil Drilling Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Driller Summary: * The floorhand operates and maintains the rig floor including drill pipe, hosing ... Ensures fuel levels, oil levels, and replenishes the various fuel tanks * Performs routine ...

Rig managers are responsible foroverseeing the day-to-day operations of drilling rigs, well sites ... drilling crews as required. Communicating with the oil company representative (clients). Ensure ...

Driller

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Responsible for the safety and supervision of rig crew. * Advises, consults, and communicates with oil company representatives in regard to drilling program well bore conditions. * Advises, consults ...

Floorhand

Weston, WV · On-site

During non-drilling operations, the rig hand's work activities include repair and maintenance of ... Ensures fuel levels, oil levels, and replenishes the various fuel tanks * Performs routine ...

Rig managers are responsible foroverseeing the day-to-day operations of drilling rigs, well sites ... drilling crews as required. Communicating with the oil company representative (clients). Ensure ...

Oil and gas industry/drilling rig experience preferred. * Safeland or equivalent training preferred. Additional oil and gas industry training a plus, ie. Fall Protection, OSHA, Equipment Operator ...

Provides full-time engineering support to assigned drilling rig(s). Monitors daily morning report ... the Oil & Gas Industry * Risk Management skills, including knowledge of Risk Assessment and ...

Reports any spills on pad to Rig Manager's office immediately- including oil, water, glycol, drilling mud, dry mud products, etc. * Notifies Rig Manager of any environmental non-compliances ...

Righand

Snow Shoe, PA

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Driller Summary: * The righand operates and maintains the rig floor including drill pipe, hosing ... Ensures fuel levels, oil levels, and replenishes the various fuel tanks * Performs routine ...

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Oil Drilling Rig information

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$14

$24

$35

How much do oil drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil drilling rig in the United States is $24.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oil Drilling Rig Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Drilling Rig Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with specialized training or certifications such as Well Control or H2S safety. Proficiency with drilling machinery, safety monitoring systems, and rig-specific software is commonly required. Effective teamwork, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing downtime in a hazardous and demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by workers on an oil drilling rig, and how are they typically addressed?

Workers on oil drilling rigs often face challenges such as harsh weather conditions, long shifts, and the need for strict adherence to safety protocols. The work environment is physically demanding and requires constant vigilance to prevent accidents. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as daily tasks involve coordination with drillers, engineers, and safety personnel. Most companies provide extensive safety training and implement rotation schedules to help manage fatigue and maintain a high level of safety on site.

What are oil drilling rigs?

Oil drilling rigs are large, complex structures used to drill wells into the earth's subsurface to extract oil and natural gas. These rigs can be located on land (onshore) or at sea (offshore), and they include machinery and equipment for drilling, lifting, and processing the extracted resources. Oil drilling rigs are staffed by specialized crews who ensure safe and efficient operations, often working in challenging and hazardous environments. The design and technology of rigs vary depending on the location and depth of the oil reservoir.

What is the difference between Oil Drilling Rig vs Oil Rig Worker?

AspectOil Drilling RigOil Rig Worker
RoleEquipment and structure used to drill oil wellsPersonnel operating and maintaining the rig
CredentialsEngineering, technical certifications for rig operationTechnical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentStationary or mobile offshore/onshore sitesOn-site at drilling locations
Industry UsageComponent of oil extraction processHands-on workers on the rig

While the oil drilling rig is the structure used for drilling, the oil rig worker is the personnel operating and maintaining that equipment. Both roles are essential in the oil extraction industry, with the rig serving as the workspace and the worker as the skilled operator ensuring safe and efficient drilling operations.

More about Oil Drilling Rig jobs
What cities are hiring for Oil Drilling Rig jobs? Cities with the most Oil Drilling Rig job openings:
What states have the most Oil Drilling Rig jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Drilling Rig jobs include:

Job description

Company:

  • Highlands Drilling

Position:

  • Floorhand

Department:

  • Operations

Location:

  • Field-Based

Direct Report:

  • Driller

Summary:

  • The floorhand operates and maintains the rig floor including drill pipe, hosing equipment (winch cat line), tongs, slips and pump systems as direct by the driller. During non-drilling operations, the rig hand's work activities include repair and maintenance of the drilling equipment as directed by the driller, mechanic, or toolpusher. During relocation of the drilling rig, the rig hand assists in positioning of the drill rig on and off location.

Responsibilities:

  • Participates in pre-tour and subsequent safety/JSA/toolbox talk meetings
  • Understands and takes action on "Stop Work Authority" when appropriate
  • Conducts routine and pre-use equipment inspections with proper documentation
  • Properly inspects, maintains and uses all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with company standards and safety policies
  • Follows all Company safety policies and procedures
  • Reports to driller upon timely task completions
  • Assist driller during operations which require running tallies or completing physical tasks
  • Utilizes rig equipment (tongs, slips, elevators, and winch line) to safely perform drilling operations in accordance with client specifications
  • After reaching specified drill depth, assist the driller with pulling and running pipe into and out of well: make and break connections
  • This task may be performed several times per shift and may be completed continuously throughout the shift pending status of project
  • Assist driller in running tubing, fishing tools, mud, grout, and casing into and out of the well
  • Ensures fuel levels, oil levels, and replenishes the various fuel tanks
  • Performs routine maintenance on Rig which includes both mechanical and cosmetic washing of the rig components and surface
  • Participates in housekeeping activities: cleaning, washing, and painting of rig and rig support equipment
  • Complete all other duties as assigned/directed by driller or tool pusher

Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED, preferred

Experience:

  • Previous experience as righand, floorhand, derrickhand preferred
  • Previous experience in a high paced safety sensitive work environment preferred
  • Working knowledge of oil/gas operations preferred

Skills & Abilities:

  • Able to communicate and comprehend the efforts of others
  • Able to think and act quickly
  • Able to work in a team environment
  • Must be organized and attentive to details in a fast paced working environment
  • Able to multi-task, stay organized and close out assigned tasks
  • Able to operate independently and make safe decisions regarding personal conduct
  • Able to work for extended periods of time in harsh weather conditions
  • Able to think and act independently to ensure personal and team success and safety
  • Must be able to work flexible hours and travel

Certifications:

  • MSHA Part 48, preferred
  • OSHA 10 Certification or greater, preferred

Travel:

  • Must be willing to travel

Physical Requirements:

  • The individual must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required
  • This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done
  • Walking, stepping, climbing or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, and normally involves physically getting into and out of equipment through the use of vertical mounted ladders up to and including 10' or more in height
  • Visually seeing driving operations well (either naturally or with corrective lenses)
  • Standing, stooping kneeling, squatting, climbing and sitting
  • Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work
  • Working at elevated heights
  • Lifting 50 lb. objects occasionally and carrying 50 lb. objects occasionally
  • Adapting to outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure to sometimes adverse weather conditions
  • Remaining calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident
  • Exposure to working outdoors in all-weather conditions
  • Ability to work more than 40 hours in any given week including weekend assignments and holidays as required

EEO:

  • SDI HD Holding LLC DBA Highlands Drilling is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabilities and protected veteran status