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Oil Rig Helper Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Oil Rig Helper information

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$9

$16

$21

How much do oil rig helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig helper in Alabama is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges oil rig helpers face during their shifts, and how can they prepare for them?

Oil Rig Helpers often work long hours in physically demanding and sometimes harsh outdoor environments. Common challenges include adapting to rotating shifts, maintaining safety standards in potentially hazardous conditions, and performing repetitive manual labor. To prepare, candidates should focus on building physical stamina, learning about industry safety protocols, and developing teamwork skills, as close collaboration with crew members is essential for both efficiency and safety on the rig.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an oil rig helper?

To thrive as an Oil Rig Helper, you generally need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with basic hand and power tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety certifications such as H2S awareness or first aid are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient operations and to minimize risks in a demanding and hazardous environment.

What is an oil rig helper?

Oil Rig Helpers, also known as roustabouts or floorhands, are entry-level workers on oil rigs who assist with the maintenance, repair, and general operation of drilling equipment and facilities. Their tasks may include cleaning and preparing the rig, handling materials and supplies, assembling or repairing equipment, and supporting more experienced crew members. Oil Rig Helpers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of drilling operations and often work long shifts in challenging environments. This position is often a starting point for those wishing to advance in the oil and gas industry.

Is it hard to get hired at an oil rig helper?

Getting hired as an oil rig helper can be competitive, but entry-level positions are often available to those with a high school diploma or equivalent. Physical fitness, willingness to work long shifts, and basic safety training are important factors in the hiring process.

How do you get into working on an oil rig?

To become an oil rig helper, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and the ability to work in challenging environments. Entry-level positions often require on-the-job training, and obtaining safety certifications such as OSHA or BOSIET can improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig Helper jobs in Alabama?

For Oil Rig Helper jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Helper jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Helper jobs in Alabama are:

Oil Rig Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Helper job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,312 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator (Telecommunications)

Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit

Thomasville, AL • On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

THIS IS A TRAVEL ROLE AND MAY REQUIRE EXTENDED OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR 4+ CONSECUTIVE WEEKS TO SUPPORT ASSIGNED PROJECT(S).

THIS POSITION MAY BE FILLED AS A LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2, LEVEL 3, OR FOREMAN LEVEL ROLE.

WHO WE ARE

EPC was conceived and operates to provide anyone who desires to provide for their families through the work they do, an opportunity to do so. Everything we do revolves around the vision of a company that provides safe, quality work, driving customer demand that ultimately results in the creation of new job opportunities in the markets we serve. We focus heavily on our Core Values and expect all our employees to operate with those Core Values in Mind. These Core Values are Live Safe, Customer First, Do the Right Thing, Be at Team Player, and Be Productive.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Driller II will be using the in-house directional drill, create a directional drill plan; and execute plan. Daily work will involve traveling to different jobsite locations, survey, plan and execute directional bores to place client facilities. Must have full knowledge of underground piping, conduit, cable, and fiber installation operations. The operator will be responsible for directional drilling, locating, and reading prints.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

  • Reviewing blueprints or other plans to determine where to begin drilling holes.
  • Inspecting the progress of a drill site at regular intervals to ensure that it is progressing according to schedule.
  • Analyze job locations for utility lines, permitting, and traffic control to complete construction activities without quality defects, safety incidents or any type of property damage.
  • Complete daily inspections and reporting of maintenance issues on vehicles, trailers, and equipment.
  • Perform service, safety checks, check oil and fluids, and minor repairs on equipment.
  • Visually assess digging areas to ensure it has been properly staked/located prior to digging.
  • Safe operation of directional drills, trenching, or excavating equipment when needed.
  • Perform laborer requirements and responsibilities as needed.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Perform a variety of tasks requiring the use of hand tools and power tools and motorized equipment.
  • Communicates with supervisor daily to turn in required reports, bore logs, etc...
  • Ability to properly clean and maintain the equipment, including winterizing equipment.
  • Strive for optimal production while working safely and performing quality work.
  • Ensures all work is performed to quality standard while always complying with proper safety standards/procedures and work practices/policies & procedures according to EPC and OSHA/ANSI standards.
  • Assist with filling water tanks and adding chemicals when needed.
  • Hook up proper equipment such as reamer, swivel etc.
  • Make minor repairs/change out wearable parts such as jaw dyes etc.

WHAT WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Valid Class A CDL is required for the Level 2 & Level 3 role. Tanker and HazMat endorsements are preferred.
  • At least 3-5 years’ of drilling and equipment operator experience.
  • Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of telecommunications and reading prints.
  • Knowledge of underground pot holing and locating
  • Ability to operate equipment, including, but not limited to directional drills, locating systems, trencher, backhoe, excavators.
  • Work with locator/operator to locate utilities during the bore process
  • Must have the ability to work safely, with or without supervision.
  • Able to safely work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to listen to and implement directions.
  • Knowledge of operation and maintenance of equipment.
  • Daily inspection on bore rig and other equipment.
  • Ability to navigate various terrains, managing equipment, safety equipment and tools. Basic understanding of power and how the strike alert & grounding works and when to use it.
  • Operating a variety of drilling equipment, excavators, locators, air compressors, missiles, or willingness to learn
  • HDD certifications are preferred.
  • OSHA 10 Certification is required.

WHAT WE ARE OFFERING

  • Full-time opportunity in a fast-growth company!
  • Opportunity to work autonomously. None of that micromanaging garbage. We hate that!
  • Competitive pay
  • Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision)
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Company paid time-off.
  • Weekly paychecks!

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Outdoors environment which may require exposure to elements, including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, cold, snow, sleet, mud, etc.
  • May be required to stand, sit, bend, twist, and reach as part of the job.
  • Extended periods of standing on your feet may be required.
  • Must be able to travel to and from job locations, which may vary depending on customer and contract.
  • May be required to lift up to 80 pounds.
  • Must be able to pass a background check, drug screen, or other job-related pre-hire screenings related to the job.
  • This position may require overnight travel for projects, which may be for extended periods of time (4+ consecutive weeks).