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Oil Rig Worker Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Fabricator Welder

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

We have opportunities for motivated hard workers to learn and develop a career with our Water ... Rig and maneuver skid and piping assemblies using overhead and/or floor cranes. * Clamp, hold, tack ...

Oil Rig Worker information

See Illinois salary details

$7

$25

$45

How much do oil rig worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig worker in Illinois is $25.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $35.19 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Worker jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Oil Rig Worker jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig Worker jobs in Illinois? For Oil Rig Worker jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Oil Rig Worker jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Oil Rig Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Worker job openings in Illinois 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 $53,560 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Fabricator Welder

Hawkins Inc.

Loves Park, IL • On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Hawkins, Inc./WaterSurplus is a trusted and well-known leader in the chemical industry for over 80 years.  We have opportunities for motivated hard workers to learn and develop a career with our Water Treatment business segment.  Our route sales/delivery approach to supplying products and equipment to our customers in 27+ states ensures superb customer service and support.  Our customers include water and wastewater treatment systems, municipal and commercial swimming pools, industrial process and wastewater facilities, and industries like oil/gas and agricultural farmers/growers.

Learn more about us at www.hawkinsinc.com (NASDAQ: HWKN).

ABOUT THE JOB

The Fabricator/Welder supports the company’s need to build and produce inventory of usable water treatment equipment to meet the overall strategic goals and objectives of the organization.  This position will weld, fabricate, refurbish, assemble and test various types of water treatment equipment in order to support the sale of surplus, new, and rental of assets to Water Surplus customers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Weld stainless or carbon steel for the production of skids, tanks, and piping systems in various positions: flat, horizontal, vertical or overhead, etc.
  • Assemble, install and make repairs to electrical wiring, components, piping systems of both plastic (PVC) and metal (SS or CS) as required. Includes PVC gluing of piping, minor welding for skids, cutting and fitting of components for repairs, threaded pipe assembly, tank lateral production.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, specifications, diagrams or schematics to determine appropriate welding process.
  • Prepare and set up necessary components, materials, tools and equipment for welding jobs according to specifications (e.g., TIG, MIG, cut material with powered saws to match measurements).
  • Rig and maneuver skid and piping assemblies using overhead and/or floor cranes.
  • Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-bend, grind or bolt component parts to obtain required configurations and positions for welding.
  • Fabricates carbon or stainless steel and grinds material as necessary to satisfy the technical requirements and creates a welded final product.
  • Control the processes of fitting, burning and welding to avoid problems in relation to overheating, distortion, expansion or shrinking of parts.
  • Test and inspect welded surfaces and structures to discover flaws. Make repairs as required to meet customer specifications.
  • Examine the finished product to ensure specifications are met.
  • Maintain equipment in a condition that does not compromise safety.
  • Support a safe workplace by adhering to the company’s safety program. Follow all OSHA regulations as well as applicable State of Illinois requirements for shop manufacturing and production operations.
  • Inspect, test, operate and maintain material and/or equipment to verify proper operation and safety. Notify the supervisor of any needed repairs.
  • Follow company procedures and documents for recording activity.
  • Identify potential faults or omissions in engineered drawings by notifying the supervisor.
  • May provide guidance or direction to production staff to ensure successful project execution.
  • Other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

  • 5 – 7 years relevant experience in welding (TIG, MIG, Stick) and fabricating and assembling equipment required. Preferred experience in water treatment, piping or tank systems.
  • Water treatment industry experience preferred.
  • Ability to read blueprints/engineered design drawings and accurately use measuring tools including tape measure, caliper, micrometer in both imperial (inch) and metric units.
  • Experience operating power grinders/tools, welding equipment, drill press, lathe and other miscellaneous hand tools.
  • Experience operating powered forklifts preferred.
  • Mechanical and electrical aptitude.
  • Ability to effectively work independently, as part of a team, and to build strong working relationships with other departments and those outside the organization.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new systems.
  • Well versed in understanding welding symbols.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary. Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels within an organization.
  • Knowledge and use of Microsoft applications (Excel, Outlook, Word).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, ascend or descend stairs, and walk for extended periods of time in an office or manufacturing setting or outdoors, including areas where conditions may include odors, varying temperatures, humidity, and moderate levels of noise.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the facility and or job
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to safety use power hoist, pallet transport trucks, powered forklifts, and banding machines and or company vehicles.
  • Close vision and hand eye coordination required to efficiently and safely perform job.

TRAVEL:

May be required to travel at times for work related activities. 

Expected Compensation: $23/hr-$33/hr + 5% Bonus eligibility

Hawkins/WaterSurplus offers eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD/STD and more.Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) match, Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP), paid time off, and paid holidays.

For more information on Hawkins benefits, visit:   https://www.hawkinsinc.com/careers/benefits/

Ref 2027-060

All applications must be received online.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.  Hawkins is a Drug Free workplace