1

Oil Rig Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX ยท On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... C Technicians: Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Oil Rig Technician information

See salary details

$14

$22

$38

How much do oil rig technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig technician in the United States is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Oil Rig Technicians?

Oil Rig Technicians are skilled workers who maintain, operate, and repair equipment on oil rigs, both onshore and offshore. They ensure the safe and efficient extraction of oil and gas by troubleshooting machinery, monitoring drilling operations, and performing routine inspections. Their role is vital to prevent accidents and minimize downtime, often requiring them to work long shifts in challenging environments. Oil Rig Technicians must have technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety protocols.

Is it hard to get hired at an oil rig?

Getting hired as an oil rig technician can be competitive and requires relevant technical skills, certifications, and physical fitness. Employers often look for experience in safety procedures and familiarity with equipment, and the hiring process may include background checks and training programs.

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

To thrive as an Oil Rig Technician, you need strong mechanical and technical skills, a solid understanding of safety protocols, and typically a relevant technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with drilling machinery, hydraulic systems, and digital monitoring tools like SCADA is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this demanding environment. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of oil rig equipment, minimize downtime, and help prevent accidents in a high-risk setting.

How much do oil rig mechanics get paid?

Oil rig mechanics typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced technicians and those working offshore earning higher wages. Compensation often includes overtime pay, hazard pay, and benefits due to the demanding environment and specialized skills required.

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

AspectOil Rig TechnicianDrilling Engineer
CredentialsTechnical certifications, safety trainingEngineering degree, specialized drilling certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at oil rigs, hands-on maintenanceOffice-based planning, on-site supervision
Industry UsageOperational roles on rigsDesign and planning of drilling operations

Oil Rig Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing equipment on oil rigs, requiring technical certifications and hands-on work. Drilling Engineers plan and oversee drilling operations, needing engineering degrees and project management skills. Both roles are essential in the oil industry but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

How to become an oil rig tech?

To become an oil rig technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in oil and gas operations. Certifications such as H2S safety training and basic offshore safety training are often required, along with physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments on offshore platforms.

What are some typical challenges Oil Rig Technicians face when working offshore, and how can they prepare for them?

Oil Rig Technicians working offshore often encounter challenges such as extended periods away from home, physically demanding tasks, and rapidly changing weather conditions. Adapting to a rotating shift schedule and living in close quarters with colleagues requires strong interpersonal skills and resilience. To prepare, candidates should focus on physical fitness, familiarize themselves with safety protocols, and develop effective communication skills to ensure seamless collaboration with team members.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Oil rig technicians can earn around $4,000 or more per week due to the demanding nature of offshore work, specialized skills, and often hazardous environments. High-paying roles in the oil and gas industry typically require technical training, certifications like HAZWOPER or BOSIET, and experience, but may not always require a college degree.
More about Oil Rig Technician jobs
What states have the most Oil Rig Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Rig Technician jobs include:
Field Service Technician I

Field Service Technician I

LUFKIN Industries, Inc.

Williston, ND โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Field Service Technician I will provide support to the Field Manager related to all areas of operation and repairing Oilfield Pumping Unit equipment. The Technician will be responsible for a number of tasks associated with the operation, rig-up / down of equipment & tools and related equipment in the shop, yard, or location, as well as helping to drive process improvements to help management and operations make tactical and strategic decisions.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Under the direction of a Field Manager, perform a number of tasks associated with the operation, rig-up / down of equipment & tools and related equipment in the shop, yard, or location (equipment used will vary by product line)
  • Perform duties which may involve some technical elements but primarily focused on installation, inspection, and repairing of Oilfield Pumping Units
  • Play a role in hands-on and directly manipulate equipment, machinery or systems requiring precise instrumentation / operation
  • Be trained in operating more than one type of equipment or combinations of equipment / processes (level is determined by competency development program)
  • Assist with product efforts such as multi-jack bolt tensioner, beam pumping unit assembly, long stroke unit assembly, beam pumping unit inspection, linear pumping unit inspection, unit alignment, pumping unit brake system, pumping unit stroke change, structural bearing replacement, well pump re-space, and wireline removal and installation
  • Ability to safely deploy to remote geographic assignment locations -locations with limited access to medical care, which may require 4 hours (or more) travel time to reach secondary level medical care.
  • Assist with equipment efforts such as bucket truck aerial lift, crane rig up, crane load chart site setup, and truck driving.

Qualifications/Requirements
  • High School Diploma / GED from an accredited school or institution OR applicable pumping unit experience in lieu of High School Diploma/GED.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Work overtime, weekends and holidays, as required
  • Work at heights
  • Carry various pieces of the pumping unit of substantial weight
  • Work in a constant pushing, pulling, lifting, stretching, bending and other physical activities
  • Be in the shop environment a minimum of 8 hours per day, primarily standing and sitting, as required
  • Lift objects weighing up to 55 lbs.
  • Be subjected to extreme heat and cold for extended periods of time.

Desired Characteristics
  • Experience in field service repair or oil field repair
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
LUFKIN US Acquisitions Company LLC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.
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.