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Oil Rig Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

AXI Education Solutions

Derrick Hand

Hull, TX · On-site

This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig Operator. Primary ... oil and gas wellsite conditions. * Wear required PPE and maintain adequate vision and hearing to ...

Axis Energy Administration LLC

Derrick Hand

Hull, TX · On-site

This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig Operator. Primary ... oil and gas wellsite conditions. * Wear required PPE and maintain adequate vision and hearing to ...

iWorkforce Solutions LP

MPD Field Operator

Katy, TX · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

... rig operations.This role is responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance ... Experience RequirementsRequiredMinimum 3 years of Oil & Gas field experience.Minimum 2 years of ...

iWorkforce Solutions LP

MPD Field Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$34 - $40/hr

Safely install, rig up, operate, and rig down MPD equipment on drilling locations. * Monitor and ... Minimum 3 years of Oil & Gas field experience. * Minimum 2 years of experience in MPD operations.

iWorkforce Solutions LP

MPD Field Operator

Katy, TX · On-site

$34 - $40/hr

Safely install, rig up, operate, and rig down MPD equipment on drilling locations. * Monitor and ... Minimum 3 years of Oil & Gas field experience. * Minimum 2 years of experience in MPD operations.

Beyond Energy

MPD Field Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Rig up and operate all MPD equipment on site and at shop facilities when required * Liaise between ... of oilfield experience, with at least 1 year specifically in MPD * High School diploma or ...

Patterson-UTI

HR Advisor

Houston, TX · On-site

... normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather) including proper use of ... Experience in the Oil & Gas industry * Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

NOV, Inc.

Field Service Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

Proven experience as an Oilfield, Rig or Industrial Mechanic or similar role, with a focus on Iron ... are safely operated, tested, calibrated and problems resolved in a timely manner. * Travel to ...

NOV, Inc.

Field Service Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

... are safely operated, tested, calibrated and problems resolved in a timely manner. * Travel to ... Proven experience as an Oilfield, Rig or Industrial Mechanic or similar role, with a focus on Iron ...

Beyond Energy

MPD Field Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Rig up and operate all MPD equipment on site and at shop facilities when required * Liaise between ... of oilfield experience, with at least 1 year specifically in MPD * High School diploma or ...

KLX Energy Services

Wireline Operator

Rosharon, TX · On-site

Installs / disassembles (rig up/rig down) of wireline and pressure control equipment in accordance ... Relevant oilfield product line experience * Class A CDL with Hazmat Endorsement * Current ...

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All JobsOil Rig Operator JobsOil Rig Operator Jobs in Houston, TX

Oil Rig Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$6

$14

$24

How much do oil rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig operator in Houston, TX is $14.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.03 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an oil rig operator do?

An Oil Rig Operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations on an oil drilling rig, ensuring that drilling activities are conducted safely and efficiently. They manage the rig crew, monitor drilling equipment, and coordinate with engineers to achieve production targets. Operators are also tasked with troubleshooting mechanical issues, maintaining safety protocols, and keeping accurate records of drilling progress. Their role is critical in the extraction of oil and gas from underground reservoirs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil rig operator?

To thrive as an Oil Rig Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with drilling control systems, heavy machinery, and certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help operators excel in challenging offshore environments. These skills are vital for ensuring safe, efficient operations and minimizing risks on the oil rig.

What are some common challenges oil rig operators face when working offshore, and how can they prepare for them?

Oil Rig Operators working offshore often encounter challenges such as extended periods away from home, working in harsh weather conditions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. The work environment is physically demanding and requires operators to be vigilant and adaptable, as operational needs can change rapidly. To prepare, it's important to develop resilience, maintain physical fitness, and complete all required safety and technical training. Building strong communication skills also helps operators effectively collaborate with their crew and respond to emergencies.

What is the difference between Oil Rig Operator vs Drilling Technician?

AspectOil Rig OperatorDrilling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentOffshore oil rigs, on-site operationsOffshore rigs, drilling sites, maintenance areas
Job RoleOperates and monitors drilling equipment, ensures safety protocolsAssists with drilling operations, maintains equipment, troubleshooting

Oil Rig Operators and Drilling Technicians share similar credentials and work environments, often collaborating on offshore rigs. While Oil Rig Operators focus on operating drilling machinery and overseeing safety, Drilling Technicians assist with technical tasks and equipment maintenance. Both roles are essential for efficient drilling operations in the oil industry.

How much money do oil rig operators make?

Oil rig operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore or in specialized roles earning higher wages. Compensation often includes shift differentials, overtime pay, and benefits due to the demanding environment and required certifications.

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Oil Rig Operator jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Oil Rig Operator job openings:

Oil Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,877 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Derrick Hand

AXI Education Solutions

Hull, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in rigging up and down the well service rig and perform servicing on the well.

  • Perform elevated work on the derrick, including tasks related to the tubing board and rod basket.

  • Support other workover rig functions as directed by the Tool Pusher or Rig Operator.

Job description

***This job has preference to qualified local job seekers within 60 miles of our Axis Hull, TX facility.
The Derrick Hand is part of a 4-5-person workover rig crew responsible for performing services on workover rigs. This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig Operator. Primary responsibilities include performing elevated work on the derrick, including the tubing board and rod basket; completing routine maintenance on derrick structures or components; and supporting other workover rig functions as directed by the Tool Pusher or Rig Operator.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Assists the operator in rigging up and down, lining up the well service rig with the well; performs servicing on the well.
  • Responsible for all elevated work associated with rigging up/down (such as removing horse head from pumping unit).
  • Responsible for all work performed for the rod basket and tubing board (transferring rods and tubing from the vertical racks to the elevator).
  • Operates tubing elevators for standing tubing in derrick.
  • Assists in picking up or laying down tubing, manually lifting the tubing from the rack onto the work floor or vice versa.
  • Sets hydraulic jacks, handles pads/boards, and assists in attaching the guy wires to the anchor.
  • Assists in walking the rods when laying down rods.
  • Reports any safety hazards, accidents, or maintenance issues to the Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor.
  • Ensures that work carried out follows Axis policies and procedures and according to Axis and customer safety programs.
  • May be required to work floors or operate the rig when needed.
  • May drive the crew truck as needed (must maintain active state issued driver license).
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent.
  • Must have a valid state issued driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR); CDL Class A or B preferred.
  • Minimum (1) year of Derrick hand experience required; at least two (2) years of workover rig floor experience required.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and written in English.
  • Must be able to work a rotational field schedule and travel as business needs require.
  • Must be able to work safely in outdoor field environments and comply with all required PPE, safety, and customer-site requirements.
  • Able to perform duties with protective equipment, working near or with heavy tools and moving machinery.
  • Ability to interact with others in a team environment.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at once.
  • Basic problem solving and organizational skills.
  • Reliable telephone (cell phone) communication and transportation.
  • Must successfully complete pre-employment drug/alcohol testing and any job-relevant post-offer evaluations required for the position, which may include physical, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, audiogram, vision, functional capacity, and DOT medical evaluations where applicable and consistent with business necessity.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship or direct threat as defined by applicable law.
  • Frequently lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; team lift up to 100 lbs. when required.
  • Stand up to 8 hours and walk up to 4 hours per shift while performing rig operations and related field duties.
  • Constantly climb, including ladders and derrick structures up to 50 feet, and perform elevated work on the tubing board, rod basket, and related rig components.
  • Frequently bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, and handle rig tools, tubing elevators, hand tools, and other workover rig equipment.
  • Demonstrate grip strength of approximately 80-100 lbs. per hand for safe tool handling and rig-related tasks.
  • Use occasional fine motor skills for hand tools, equipment checks, and related rig support tasks.
  • Work outdoors in field environments, including exposure to temperature extremes, high noise levels, heavy tools, moving machinery, and oil and gas wellsite conditions.
  • Wear required PPE and maintain adequate vision and hearing to safely communicate and perform work in hazardous field environments.
  • Work typical 12-hour shifts on a 14/7 rotation schedule, with travel up to approximately 75% based on operational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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