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Oil Drilling Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Calista Corporation

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 ...

AKITA Drilling

Rig Manager

Midland, TX

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 ...

AKITA Drilling

Rig Manager

Midland, TX

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 ...

Warren Drilling

Swamper/Laborer

Dexter City, OH · On-site

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 ...

Highlands Drilling LLC

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 ...

Coastal Well Service LLC

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 ...

Calista Corporation

Floorhand

Anchorage, AK · On-site

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 ...

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Oil Drilling Rig information

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$14

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$35

How much do oil drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 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 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.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the oil drilling industry, highly experienced rig managers, drilling engineers, and specialized technical consultants can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially with extensive expertise, certifications, and working in remote or high-risk environments. These roles often require advanced skills, safety training, and long shifts, reflecting the demanding nature of offshore and onshore drilling operations.

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Oil rig workers' salaries vary based on experience, role, and location, but entry-level positions typically start around $50,000 to $70,000 per year. More experienced workers, such as drillers and supervisors, can earn $100,000 or more annually, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay. Certifications like H2S and BOSIET can also impact earning potential.

Do roughnecks make 180K a year?

Roughnecks working on oil drilling rigs typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers or those in high-paying regions potentially earning more. Earning $180,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires advanced skills, supervisory roles, or specialized certifications in the industry.

How much does it pay to work at an oil rig?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced personnel and specialized roles such as drillers or engineers earning higher wages. Compensation often includes hazard pay, overtime, and benefits, and workers usually operate on rotational schedules that can impact overall earnings.

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 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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Oil Drilling Rig jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Drilling Rig jobs are:
Oil Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Drilling Rig job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,762 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO • On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Job Description
The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of equipment service and maintenance activities. Activities include servicing, repairing, adjusting, inspecting and testing equipment, documenting equipment condition and maintenance activities. Additional duties include training and mentoring other technicians and rig crews on operational level maintenance, coordinating maintenance related projects on rigs, and providing appropriate feedback to the job site manager and maintenance management team.
Detailed Description:
  • Plan appropriately to drive extended distances to rig locations and perform maintenance duties

  • Basic diagnostic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical faults and plan coordination for the repair of the system(s)

  • Assist in training operational crews and assistant technicians in preventative maintenance checks and services, including how to properly implement and conduct basic and intermediate repairs

  • Assist in maintenance related projects on the rig with the rig crew or 3rd party support

  • Assist with repairs identified during the technical level inspections

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, MudPump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections

  • Ability to read and have a basic understanding of schematics (electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic)

  • Effectively utilize multimeter to detect voltages and current in basic electrical and electric over hydraulic circuits

  • Effectively wire circuitry and plugs ranging from 4 milliamps to 480 volts

  • Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing feeler gauges, dial indicators and other specific tools to perform inspections

  • Utilize Cat ET, Waukesha, and other programming platforms to perform engine diagnostics

  • Effectively install, test, and set hydraulic pressures utilizing a hydraulic pressure testing kit

  • Effectively identify and change filters in equipment

  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize a torque wrench and torque multiplier to appropriately torque connections

  • Perform trouble shooting and problem-solving on assigned equipment and assets

  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrate ability to successfully complete all duties and required trainings of a Field Maintenance Assistant Technician

  • Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)

  • Ability to travel to visit drilling rig work sites and support business units in all areas as assigned; requiring extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area

  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English

  • Knowledge of, ability and experience troubleshooting and repairing complex problems on multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment and systems

  • Possess mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and/or control system skills

  • Possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office

  • Ability to demonstrate proficiency in using maintenance software, updating and properly closing work orders

  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces

  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl during visits to field and operational work areas

  • Frequently 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 judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties

  • Ability to listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems

  • Ability to accurately recall 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 during occasional extended work periods

  • Ability to immediately respond to emergency situations

  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection

  • Ability to work a rotational schedule that can include days or nights as well as weekends, holidays, and be on call after hours

  • Demonstrate basic math skills

  • Possess strong interpersonal skills including ability to interact productively with coworkers and third parties; working closely with others under deadlines including time-sensitive response situations

  • Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary

  • Attend and successfully complete all additional training courses, certification courses and related work, as assigned

  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties

  • Ability to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Level 1

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Two (2) years stable related work history in field maintenance or one (1) year of troubleshooting and repair related experience and successful completion of related vocational training

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

  • Level 2

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Three (3) years stable related work history in field maintenance or two (2) years history in troubleshooting and repair of drilling rig equipment (drawworks, mud pumps, top drive systems, or related electrical systems) and successful completion of advanced education in a relevant vocational field

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

  • Level 3

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Four (4) years of field maintenance experience (additional years of experience may serve in lieu of advanced education) including a minimum two (2) years of experience working with: electrical control systems and/or repair and preventative equipment maintenance of oilfield equipment or related

  • Technical or vocational training or related experience on a variety of control and power systems and mechanical equipment

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2 years of Patterson-UTI field-based experience

  • Related OEM training

  • Experience working with Omron, Amphion, or Current Power Control systems, or related electrical control systems

  • Experience with equipment maintenance to include: Caterpillar 3512 series engines, Waukesha L7044 Series engines, Alta DW, F-1600 mud pumps, Forum Catwalk, GD800 DW, ST-80, Rotary Table, Hydraulics, TDS 11 Top Drive, ADS-10 SD DW, DSDG 375 DW, or related

  • Experience with: Omron, Amphion, Current Power, Siemens, Function Block, Allen Bradley, ABB Drives, Woodward Easy Gen Controls, Yaskawa Drives, or other related electrical equipment

  • Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role in the oil and natural gas industry or related field

Rate of Pay: Starting at $27.30/hr.
This role is classified as Hourly
The role is eligible to receive per diem
This role may be eligible for a cell phone allowance
At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program. In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy
The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.

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