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

NTG Staffing

Pad Crew

Houston, TX · On-site

New Tech Global is currently seeking Pad Crew Workers for an oil & gas client in East Houston, TX. ... General knowledge of rig up yard operational processes * Demonstrate the ability to read ...

Brunel

Project Manager

Houston, TX

... rig-up, pressure testing, execution tracking, and demobilization. • Practical understanding of ... oilfield operators, production teams, completions teams, and field supervisors in a fast-paced ...

ZL Chemicals LTD

EOR Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Experience overseeing operational readiness activities including scheduling, mobilization, rig-up ... Experience working directly with oilfield operators, production teams, completions teams, and field ...

Quaise Energy, Inc

Field Engineer I

Houston, TX

The field operations team is responsible for operating the MMWD system at sites across the U.S. and ... rig equipment. The Field Engineer I will apply prior field experience to ensure safe and efficient ...

NOV, Inc.

Scheduler

Houston, TX

To learn more about Rig Technologies products and services, please visit us at PRIMARY ... Familiarize with product lines, machine capabilities, and operator skillsets to accurately assign ...

NOV, Inc.

Scheduler

Houston, TX · On-site

To learn more about Rig Technologies products and services, please visit us at PRIMARY ... Familiarize with product lines, machine capabilities, and operator skillsets to accurately assign ...

National Oilwell Varco

Scheduler

Houston, TX

To learn more about Rig Technologies products and services, please visit us at PRIMARY ... Familiarize with product lines, machine capabilities, and operator skillsets to accurately assign ...

NOV, Inc.

Scheduler

Houston, TX

To learn more about Rig Technologies products and services, please visit us at PRIMARY ... Familiarize with product lines, machine capabilities, and operator skillsets to accurately assign ...

Expand Energy

Staff Landman

Spring, TX · On-site

Acquire oil and gas leases by contacting mineral and leasehold owners to negotiate the purchase of ... Maintain outside operated wells where the company has interest by researching the company ...

Quaise Energy, Inc

Field Engineer I

Houston, TX

The field operations team is responsible for operating the MMWD system at sites across the U.S. and ... contributing to rig-up, rig-over, and drilling activities. Essential functions (Reasonable ...

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

Oil Rig Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

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How much do oil rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Oil rig operators can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working offshore in remote environments. High-paying roles often require certifications, physical endurance, and the ability to work long shifts in challenging conditions.

Is it hard to get hired at an oil rig?

Getting hired as an oil rig operator can be competitive and requires relevant experience, certifications, and physical fitness. Employers often look for technical skills, safety training, and the ability to work in challenging environments, which can make the hiring process rigorous.

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

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.

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 high-demand areas earning higher wages. Compensation often includes shift differentials, overtime pay, and benefits due to the demanding environment and specialized skills required.

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.

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.

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Oil rig operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore or in high-demand areas earning higher wages. Compensation often includes shift differentials, overtime pay, and benefits, and requires technical skills and safety 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
Category Manager, Drilling Rigs

Category Manager, Drilling Rigs

Fervo Energy Company

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Fervo is building the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world, and drilling is where that cost competitiveness is won or lost. Rig selection, contract structure, and supplier performance have a direct impact on well cost and schedule, making the Category Manager for Drilling Rigs one of the most commercially consequential roles in the supply chain organization.
The Category Manager, Drilling Rigs will report to the Director of Supply Chain and own the full category lifecycle for onshore drilling rigs, from strategy development through contract execution and ongoing supplier performance management. This role requires deep expertise in rig contracting, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to work closely with drilling engineering and field operations teams in a fast-paced environment.
The Category Manager, Drilling Rigs will develop and execute the sourcing strategy for Fervo's onshore drilling rig fleet, managing supplier relationships, leading commercial negotiations, and ensuring that rig contracts are structured to deliver cost, performance, and operational reliability. This role sits at the intersection of supply chain and drilling operations, requiring both category expertise and a practical understanding of how rigs perform in the field.
Success in this position means having the right rigs under the right commercial terms, with suppliers that are held accountable to performance standards and continuously improving. The Category Manager will be expected to drive measurable cost savings and value creation while building category strategies that support Fervo's long-term drilling program.
Requirements
Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Sourcing
  • Own the category strategy for onshore drilling rigs including long-term sourcing models, supplier portfolio management, and 3 to 5 year category plans aligned with drilling program forecasts and corporate objectives.
  • Manage the full category lifecycle from strategy development through RFP execution, commercial evaluation, award, and contract execution.
  • Identify and deliver opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value creation across the rig category.

Commercial Strategy & Contract Negotiation
  • Lead development and negotiation of complex, multi-year, multi-rig agreements with top-tier drilling contractors, including performance-based structures tied to ROP, NPT reduction, and rig uptime.
  • Evaluate and implement advanced commercial models including incentive and penalty structures, integrated service arrangements, and index-based pricing mechanisms.
  • Drive standardization of contract frameworks to increase execution speed and flexibility across the drilling program.

Supplier Performance Management
  • Define and track category-level KPIs including cost per foot, cost per well, rate of penetration, non-productive time, and rig uptime and utilization.
  • Conduct regular business reviews with drilling contractors to drive continuous improvement, address performance gaps, and surface opportunities for operational efficiency.
  • Partner with drilling engineers, field operations, and digital teams to validate supplier performance in the field and identify opportunities to improve drilling outcomes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Digital Integration
  • Work closely with drilling engineering, field operations, finance, and legal to align sourcing strategies with program schedules, well designs, and budget requirements.
  • Partner with drilling and digital teams to ensure rig suppliers meet data-sharing and interoperability requirements, including real-time drilling data integration and automation technology compatibility.
  • Embed data-driven decision-making into sourcing evaluation, contract management, and ongoing performance oversight.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field
  • 10 or more years of experience in upstream oil and gas with deep exposure to rig contracting and drilling services category management
  • Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing drilling rig contracts across multiple suppliers and operating environments
  • Strong knowledge of onshore drilling operations, rig performance metrics, and drilling contractor commercial models
  • Experience with unconventional or high-volume drilling programs such as Permian or Eagle Ford operations
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate complex commercial issues clearly to senior stakeholders

Preferred
  • Experience supporting geothermal, directional, or technically complex drilling programs
  • Familiarity with performance-based contracting models, integrated service arrangements, or digital rig technologies
  • Self-starter with a track record of developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives with measurable outcomes
  • Ability to influence senior leaders through well-structured written and verbal communication

Location
Fervo Energy is headquartered in Houston, TX. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at the Houston location will be required. Although office based, some travel to Fervo operational sites may be required.

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