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Oil Rig Job Jobs in Chester, MD (NOW HIRING)

Handles lines to moor vessel to wharves, tie up vessel to another vessel, or rig towing lines ... Sweeps and washes decks to remove dirt, oil and debris; performs general housekeeping duties.

Field Crane Technician

Dundalk, MD · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Must have experience in preventative maintenance and light equipment repair (i.e. oil changes, break jobs, etc.) * May be required to travel to job sites and for training up to 50% of the time.

Oil Rig Job information

See Chester, MD salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do oil rig job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig job in Chester, MD is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oil rig job?

Oil rig jobs refer to the various positions involved in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas from beneath the earth's surface, often at offshore or remote locations. These jobs can include roles such as drillers, roughnecks, derrickhands, engineers, geologists, and support staff. Working on an oil rig typically involves long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and adhering to strict safety regulations. Oil rig jobs can be well-paying but often require workers to stay on-site for extended periods before rotating off for rest. The industry offers opportunities for career advancement, especially for those willing to gain experience and additional training.

What are some common challenges faced by workers on oil rigs, and how are these typically managed by teams?

Oil rig jobs often involve working in remote locations, harsh weather conditions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Workers may face challenges such as long shifts, extended periods away from home, and physically demanding tasks. Teams manage these challenges through rigorous safety training, strong communication, and a rotational work schedule that allows for adequate rest. Collaboration and support among crew members are essential to maintain safety and productivity on the rig.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an oil rig job, and why are they important?

To thrive in an oil rig job, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and knowledge of safety protocols and basic mechanical skills. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety certification (such as H2S and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training), and experience with rig-specific software are often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These qualifications are vital to ensure operational efficiency and safety in the challenging and hazardous environment of an oil rig.

How do I get hired on an oil rig?

To get hired on an oil rig, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and physical fitness. Experience in related fields like construction or mechanical work can be advantageous, and applying through offshore staffing agencies or directly to oil companies is common.

How much does an oil rig job pay?

Oil rig jobs typically pay between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions like roustabouts start around $40,000 to $60,000, while specialized roles such as drillers or engineers can earn significantly more, often exceeding $100,000 per year. Overtime, safety certifications, and working offshore shifts can also impact overall compensation.

What cities near Chester, MD are hiring for Oil Rig Job jobs?

Cities near Chester, MD with the most Oil Rig Job job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Rig Job job openings in Chester, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,491 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Deckhands/Skilled Laborer II

Kokosing

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Kokosing rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Kokosing (www.kokosing.biz) is one of America's 50 largest General Contractors and services a broad spectrum of clients in both the private and public business sectors. Kokosing's services include heavy civil/industrial construction such as highways, bridges, underground utilities, water/wastewater facilities, and marine construction. For over 75 years, Kokosing has successfully attracted the most qualified technical personnel in the construction industry by offering visible challenges, superior quality, and attractive rewards. With over $2.8 billion in annual sales and a commitment to its workforce, Kokosing is the winning team.

Job Description:

We are seekingDeckhands/Skilled Laborer II (Marine projects) in at the Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge in Hopewell, VA and other projects based out of Baltimore, MD.

*Must be willing to travel.

**Must be able to work 7-day/12-hour shifts, and be able to work day or night shift.

SUMMARY

Works onboard watercraft, such as barges, crew boats, push boats, and tug boats by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Handles lines to moor vessel to wharves, tie up vessel to another vessel, or rig towing lines.
  • Handle pushing gear and mooring lines.
  • Communicate via radio with Captain or Foreman giving distance and aids to navigation, as well as spotting obstructions and other vessels.
  • Sweeps and washes decks to remove dirt, oil and debris; performs general housekeeping duties.
  • Stands steering watches or lookout watches while underway.
  • Moves controls or turns handwheels to tighten/loosen push cables.
  • Loads or unloads material from vessels.
  • Chip and clean rust spots on decks, hull and superstructure; prime and paint these areas.
  • Lubricates machinery and equipment.
  • Assists with performing maintenance of the vessel including caring for tools and equipment.
  • Splices and repairs cables and ropes.
  • Examines cables that holds vessels in tow and tightens cables to ensure vessels are snug.
  • Works in a safe and responsible manner at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

  • Ability to follow directions;
  • Handle lines to moor vessels;
  • Handle basic hand tools, such as hammer, wrench, bar, ax, razor knife, etc.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The work environment is on barges, boats and floating equipment, and accessing the work site may require climbing from barges, boats and floating equipment when they are at different levels above the water. The employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, occasionally loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must regularly work or walk on uneven ground on onboard floating equipment. Access and egress to barges, boats and piers requires ability to do so from moving surfaces due to water motion.

Expected base pay range for this position is: $21.00/hr - $28.00/hr

This compensation range is specific to the job level and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to: education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. The range has been created in good faith based on information known to Kokosing at the time of the posting. Compensation decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each case. This salary range does not include any potential incentive pay or benefits, however, such information will be provided separately when appropriate.

BENEFITS

Kokosing offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and a 401K plan.

Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.


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