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Oil Rig Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calista Corporation

Motorman

Anchorage, AK · On-site

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Inside enclosed oil rig and outside in elements. Hazardous conditions may include a wet, oily, icy steel floor, noise, steam. PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIROMENTAL DEMANDS: The ...

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Oil Rig Worker information

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How much do oil rig worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig worker in the United States is $26.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectOil Rig WorkerDrilling Engineer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety certificationsEngineering degree, specialized drilling certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore oil rigs, outdoor, physically demandingOnshore/offshore offices, technical and supervisory
Employer & Industry UsageOil and gas companies, drilling contractorsOil companies, engineering firms, project management

Oil Rig Workers perform hands-on tasks on offshore rigs, focusing on safety and equipment operation. Drilling Engineers plan and oversee drilling operations, requiring technical engineering skills. While both roles are essential in oil extraction, Oil Rig Workers handle physical tasks, whereas Drilling Engineers focus on planning and management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil rig worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, safety awareness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery, drilling equipment, and safety certifications like H2S and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are highly valued. Teamwork, communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, operational efficiency, and the successful execution of complex tasks in challenging offshore conditions.

What does an oil rig worker do?

An oil rig worker is responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment used to extract oil and gas from beneath the earth's surface, either on land or offshore. Their duties include drilling, monitoring machinery, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing routine maintenance. Oil rig workers often work long shifts in challenging environments and must be physically fit and safety-conscious. They play a vital role in ensuring the continuous and safe production of energy resources.

What does an oil rig worker do?

As an oil rig worker, your responsibilities involve supporting oil and gas drilling and extraction operations on an offshore oil platform. You may perform a specific job on the rig, or your duties may focus on general labor tasks. Oil rig positions such as a derrickman and driller work directly with the equipment needed to drill and extract the oil. You may also perform other tasks such as catering, cleaning, or providing medical services.

What are some common challenges oil rig workers face during their shifts, and how are they addressed?

Oil rig workers often face challenges such as long hours, physically demanding tasks, and extended periods away from home. The work environment can be harsh, with exposure to extreme weather and the need to adhere to strict safety protocols. To address these challenges, companies typically provide comprehensive safety training, implement rotating shift schedules to manage fatigue, and offer amenities on-site to support worker well-being. Teamwork and clear communication are also emphasized to ensure efficiency and safety on the rig.

How much do oil rig workers make?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific roles such as roustabout, roughneck, or driller. Many positions also include overtime pay, hazard pay, and benefits due to the demanding environment and shift schedules.
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Oil Rig Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,272 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Motorman

Calista Corporation

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Nordic Calista
On-Call
JOB SUMMARY:
This is a skill level position in the petroleum industry. The applicant must possess excellent knowledge of diesel electric drilling rig equipment. Will perform preventive maintenance to include minor repair work to hydraulic and heat exchange system, generators, gas and diesel engines. Maintains preventive records when required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • General upkeep of drilling rig mechanical equipment. Read and understand manuals for equipment.
  • Inspects main engines each tour for oil level, coolant, oil leaks, noise and vibration.
  • Responsible for proper periodic oil changes and greasing of diesel engines and rig equipment.
  • Inspects air compressors and compressed air system daily.
  • Inspects BOP accumulator, AC generators, motors, drill water pump and fuel oil transfer pump daily.
  • Inspects and services boilers for proper operation daily, including blow down boiler daily. Check Nordic Policies & Procedures manual for proper procedure.
  • Ensures that the pipe spinner, rotary table, draw-works, air hoist, wireline unit and swivel function properly and preventive maintenance is conducted daily.
  • Works closely with floorhands when making trips and assists derrickman in working on mud pumps.
  • Responsible for fuel transfers and monitors same.
  • Performs spill inspections of rig and pad. Min. 2 per tour must be documented.
  • Complete motor book report and check all items daily.
  • Refuel vehicles.
  • Wash crew clothing per policy.
  • Performs any other duties that may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
  • Conducts his job duties in compliance with Nordic HSE policies.
  • Works toward achieving Nordic's annual HSE goals.
  • Assists Rig Management in identifying operational non-conformances at the rigsite.
  • Reports any spills on pad to Rig Manager's office immediately- including oil, water, glycol, drilling mud, dry mud products, etc.
  • Notifies Rig Manager of any environmental non-compliances immediately.
  • Reports any property or environmental damage by third-party vendors to Rig Manager's office immediately.
  • Encourages rig personnel to report any unsafe work conditions or practices and any environmental non-compliances immediately to supervisors.
  • Assists in development and implementation of standard operating procedures.
  • Keeps timely and accurate motor reports, noting any spills or releases.
  • Assists in maintaining waste management tracking system and hazardous waste determinations.
  • Assists in completing daily spill champion activities log.
  • Assists in any internal audits as necessary.
  • Assists Driller in daily rig site duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to obtain or currently hold North Slope Training Cooperative card.
  • Must have a minimum of one year's experience on a diesel electric rotary drilling rig.
  • Must be able to operate hopper ad viscosity testing equipment.
  • Must be functionally literate, able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Familiarity with oilfield-related equipment and procedures preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Inside enclosed oil rig and outside in elements. Hazardous conditions may include a wet, oily, icy steel floor, noise, steam.
PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIROMENTAL DEMANDS:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Frequently: Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending Over, Pushing or Pulling, Talking, Grasping, Lifting 50 lbs. or less, Carrying 50 lbs. or less, Eye/Hand coordination.
VISUAL ACUITY:
Frequently: Distance vision (clear at 20' or more), Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus). Continuously: Close vision (clear at 20" or less), Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and special relationships).
MENTAL EFFORT:
Frequently: Discriminating colors. Continuously: Thinking analytically, Using effective verbal & written communication, Handling stress & emotions, Concentrating on tasks, Remembering details, Making decisions, Adjusting to changes, Examining/observing details.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Frequently: Working w/others, working alone.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).
EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

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