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Oil Rig Safety Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Regularly check rig and equipment for any problems and safety issues * Assist with inspecting ... as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines * Assist Derrickhand with watching and ...

Field Specialist

Wellington, CO · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... rig down operations in industrial, energy, or related field environments. Background in oil and gas ... Relevant safety training or certifications (e.g OSHA, HSE, or equivalent) are an advantage.

Operator - Wireline I

Milliken, CO · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Learn basic oil well operations including identifying different rig types and drill string components, BOP procedures and equipment, HSE procedures and guidelines, and other safety and service ...

Tech I - Fire

Frederick, CO · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

Learns to rig-up and use a wide range of safety equipment including, but not limited to retractable ... oil refinery or related industry. Associate's degree, technical or military training strongly ...

... equipment, supporting rig-in/out activities, and ensuring compliance with all safety and ... or oilfield services preferred. Skills & Knowledge * Must be able to work flexible schedules ...

Field Operator-CDL

Rifle, CO · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

... equipment, supporting rig-in/out activities, and ensuring compliance with all safety and ... or oilfield services preferred. Skills & Knowledge * Must be able to work flexible schedules ...

Tech I - Fire

Denver, CO · On-site

$39K - $52K/yr

Learns to rig-up and use a wide range of safety equipment including, but not limited to retractable ... oil refinery or related industry. Associate's degree, technical or military training strongly ...

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Oil Rig Safety information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$23

$40

How much do oil rig safety jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig safety in Colorado is $23.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Oil Rig Safety vs Oil Rig Driller?

AspectOil Rig SafetyOil Rig Driller
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, H2S certificationDrilling engineer certification, CDL
Work EnvironmentOn-site safety monitoring, safety equipment managementDrilling operations, equipment handling
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas industry, safety departmentsOil & gas industry, drilling companies

Oil Rig Safety professionals focus on maintaining safety protocols, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance to prevent accidents. Oil Rig Drillers operate drilling equipment, manage drilling operations, and oversee well construction. While both roles are essential on oil rigs, Oil Rig Safety emphasizes safety procedures, whereas Oil Rig Drillers concentrate on drilling operations.

What is the highest paid job on an oil rig?

The highest paid job on an oil rig is typically the drilling engineer or drilling supervisor, who oversees drilling operations and ensures safety and efficiency. These roles require extensive experience, technical skills, and often involve long shifts and high responsibility, leading to higher compensation compared to other rig personnel.

How safe are oil rig jobs?

Oil rig jobs are considered high-risk due to the nature of offshore drilling, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials. Safety measures such as strict protocols, safety training, and personal protective equipment are mandatory to reduce accidents and injuries on site.

What are some common challenges faced by oil rig safety professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Oil rig safety professionals often face challenges such as ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations, managing high-risk environments, and promoting a strong safety culture among diverse crews. They must stay vigilant about potential hazards, conduct regular safety drills, and facilitate ongoing training to keep all personnel prepared. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as safety officers regularly collaborate with engineers, supervisors, and crew members to identify and mitigate risks. By staying updated on industry best practices and fostering open dialogue, safety professionals can proactively address issues and help maintain a secure work environment.

How to become a safety man in the oil field?

To become a safety man in the oil field, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with safety training such as OSHA certifications and specialized courses like H2S awareness. Gaining experience in oil and gas operations and understanding safety protocols is essential, and some employers prefer candidates with related technical or safety certifications. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in challenging environments are also important.

What is oil rig safety?

Oil rig safety refers to the practices, regulations, and equipment used to protect workers, the environment, and the rig itself from accidents and hazards during drilling operations. This includes training personnel in emergency procedures, using proper protective gear, conducting regular safety inspections, and following strict protocols to manage risks such as fires, explosions, and equipment failures. Ensuring oil rig safety is crucial because of the dangerous conditions associated with offshore and onshore drilling environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Oil Rig Safety, and why are they important?

To thrive in Oil Rig Safety, you need a solid understanding of safety regulations, risk assessment, and emergency response, often supported by relevant safety certifications such as NEBOSH or OSHA. Familiarity with safety management systems, incident reporting software, and specialized equipment like gas detectors is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and leadership skills help individuals proactively identify hazards and coordinate safety protocols. These skills and qualities are crucial for preventing accidents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting lives in high-risk environments.

How much do oil field safety workers make?

Oil field safety workers, such as safety technicians or safety officers, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They are responsible for enforcing safety protocols and often work in challenging environments requiring knowledge of safety regulations and equipment.
What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig Safety jobs in Colorado? For Oil Rig Safety jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Safety jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Safety jobs in Colorado are:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Safety job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,625 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Floorhand - Lower Rockies

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Detailed Description:

  • Frequently lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person during the tour work shift
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe
  • Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist with general assembly and maintenance and help prepare new location
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for any problems and safety issues
  • Assist with inspecting, slipping and cutting drilling line
  • Responsible for picking up and laying down tubulars, attaching or detaching pick- up lines, and the hook up and tear out of flare and degasser lines
  • Assist Motorhand with preventative maintenance and repairs of equipment and motors, pipe, and off-loading materials as well as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines
  • Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
  • Inspect safety equipment and PPE for wear and replace as needed
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Support other crew members by carrying supplies, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:

  • Ability to stand and walk while wearing steel-toed boots and PPE for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Able to stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Prior experience or ability to use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Able to have accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Able to work closely with others in the confined area of the drilling rig and may live together in crew quarters
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

  Minimum Qualifications:

  • One (1) year stable related work history (e.g. farming, ranching, construction, heavy equipment or other trade) or military service

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 6 + months of experience working on a rig based position for drilling contractor
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Forklift Certification
  • Valid Well Control Certification, IADC WellSHARP

Additional Details:

This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located.  Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80 to low 100 with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as - 40.

Rate of Pay:  Starting at $27.00/hr.

This role is classified as Hourly

The role is eligible to receive per diem

At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments:  Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance,  401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program.  In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy

The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting.  All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.


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