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

National Oilwell Varco

Senior FP&A Analyst

Houston, TX

$78K - $98K/yr

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Prepare, coordinate, and maintain annual operating budgets, quarterly forecasts, and long-range ...

NOV, Inc.

Senior FP&A Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Prepare, coordinate, and maintain annual operating budgets, quarterly forecasts, and long-range ...

NOV, Inc.

Senior FP&A Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Prepare, coordinate, and maintain annual operating budgets, quarterly forecasts, and long-range ...

Evolution Workspace

Frac Move Tech

The Woodlands, TX

$18.50 - $23/hr

Follow and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lockout/tagout, and environmental ... Equipment Setup and Movement * Assist in the rig up, rig down, and transportation of large bore ...

Beusa Energy Group

Frac Move Tech

The Woodlands, TX

$18.50 - $23/hr

Follow and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lockout/tagout, and environmental ... Equipment Setup and Movement * Assist in the rig up, rig down, and transportation of large bore ...

Evolution Workspace

Frac Move Tech

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

Follow and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lockout/tagout, and environmental ... Equipment Setup and Movement * Assist in the rig up, rig down, and transportation of large bore ...

NOV, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... operating procedures, inspection criteria, bill of materials and defining final acceptance test ...

Seadrill Limited

Head of Supply Chain 90330

Houston, TX · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

... rig OMCs are supported and trained on Company policies. Lead common management and coordination of procurement processes across operating areas, ensuring adherence to policy and full use of global ...

New

NABORS

Southern Training Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

This role leads the integration of technical (product line) and rig operations training, bringing ... Technical background in oilfield equipment, mechanical/electrical systems, drilling technology, or ...

Fervo Energy

Drilling Operations Lead

Houston, TX

Joining Fervo's Geoblock Factory organization means operating where subsurface innovation meets ... Establish and enforce HSE standards and practices across all rig sites, ensuring full compliance ...

NOV, Inc.

Maintenance Technician

Houston, TX

To learn more about Rig Technologies products and services, please visit us at PRIMARY ... Communicate and listen to operators, vendors and other maintenance personnel to ensure production ...

NOV, Inc.

Maintenance Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

To learn more about Rig Technologies products and services, please visit us at PRIMARY ... Communicate and listen to operators, vendors and other maintenance personnel to ensure production ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 17, 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, reflecting the demanding environment and technical skills required for the job.

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 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,877 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

AUTOMATION ENGINEER II

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


The Rig Automation Technology Engineer II, within Rig Automation Technology - NCS Engineering & Technical, supports the development, integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of new and existing drilling rig automation technologies.
The position serves as a technical link between engineering development and field execution, working closely with Controls & Automation, EMS Technical Support, Rig Engineering, Rig Operations, and third-party suppliers to deliver safe, reliable, and field-proven solutions.
Responsibilities
  • Perform basic engineering calculations and technical evaluations to assess the safety, suitability, and feasibility of designs and applications.
  • Support the integration, testing, commissioning, deployment, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of drilling rig automation systems.
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including functional requirements, FMECA, test procedures, commissioning reports, troubleshooting guides, field reports, and as-built records.
  • Review drawings, specifications, manuals, and technical data to support evaluation of feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements.
  • Work with multidisciplinary teams and third-party suppliers to support field execution, testing, troubleshooting, quality, and project deliverables.
  • Expand technical knowledge through hands-on engineering assignments, field exposure, testing, and commissioning activities.

Qualifications
  • Preferably Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum three years of oil and gas industry experience, with working knowledge of drilling rig components and drilling operations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
  • Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks and ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working for a drilling contractor or organization directly involved in drilling operations.
  • Hands-on experience with drilling rig equipment, automation systems, commissioning, deployment, or troubleshooting.
  • Basic understanding of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and familiarity with Studio 5000 for diagnostics, logic review, and basic troubleshooting.

Behavioral Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, field-focused approach.
  • Demonstrates ownership, accountability, reliability, and commitment to completing assigned work.
  • Organized and dependable in managing priorities, meetings, follow-up actions, and project commitments.
  • Demonstrates initiative to participate in field testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and development activities.
  • Works effectively with multidisciplinary engineering, operations, field, and supplier teams.

Technical Competencies
  • Ability to perform basic engineering calculations related to mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and drilling rig systems.
  • Working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulics, electrical systems, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and integrated rig automation systems.
  • Willingness to expand learning to PLC-based control systems, Allen-Bradley platforms, and machine-vision technologies.
  • Ability to support systematic troubleshooting and identify practical improvements to equipment and automation systems.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
  • Ability to travel to domestic and international rig-up yards, test yards, and operating drilling rigs, approximately 25% of time worked.
  • Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated rig structures, including the rig floor and racking board, while wearing required PPE and fall-protection equipment.
  • Ability to work in office, yard, and drilling-rig environments and safely access equipment for testing, commissioning, inspection, and troubleshooting.

#LI-JA1
Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.
About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
About the Team
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.

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