ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Oil Rig Worker Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hawkins Inc.

Fabricator Welder

Loves Park, IL

$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 ...

WaterSurplus

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 ...

Hawkins

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 ...

All JobsOil Rig Worker JobsOil Rig Worker Jobs in Illinois

Oil Rig Worker information

See Illinois salary details

$7

$25

$45

How much do oil rig worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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.

How much do you get paid on an oil rig?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000, while specialized roles like drillers or engineers can earn over $100,000. Overtime, shift differentials, and safety certifications can also impact pay.

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.

How do I get to work on an oil rig?

To work on an oil rig as an oil rig worker, you typically need relevant technical skills, safety certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and experience in the oil and gas industry. Job opportunities are often found through industry-specific recruitment agencies, online job boards, or company direct applications, and workers usually travel to offshore locations via helicopter or boat. A valid passport and the ability to work in remote, offshore environments are also required.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Oil rig workers can earn around $4,000 or more per week, especially with experience and specialized skills such as welding, drilling, or safety certifications. These roles often require physical stamina, technical knowledge, and adherence to safety protocols, but typically do not require a college degree.

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 role. Skilled positions such as drillers and engineers tend to have higher salaries, and workers often receive additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.
More about Oil Rig Worker jobs
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 job categories do people searching Oil Rig Worker jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Worker jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Oil Rig Worker jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Oil Rig Worker job openings:
Oil Rig Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Worker job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,560 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Wanted - Heavy-Duty Rebuilder / Diesel Mechanic

Midway Trailer Sales & Service, Inc

Channahon, IL • On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Signing bonus
  • Vision insurance

We are looking for a true wrench-turner who actually knows their way around a gearbox. At Precision Truck Center in Channahon, we don’t do light-duty grocery-getters. We handle the heavy haulers. We need a heavy-duty rebuilder who can diagnose, tear down, and rebuild differentials and transmissions in their sleep. If you love the smell of gear oil and take pride in knowing your rebuild is the reason a Pete or Kenworth can pull through the steepest grades without blowing a seal, you have found your new shop.
We are looking for a guy who prefers tearing into a 18-speed over dealing with office politics. You know how to rip apart a transmission, rebuild a differential, set bearing preloads, and get a rig back on the road without complaining. If you treat your toolbox like a temple and your coffee mug like a lifeline, you’re our kind of people.
What You’ll Be Doing:
  • Sweating the details on manual and automatic transmissions, power dividers, and differentials.
  • Swapping out U-joints, carrier bearings, and fixing driveline vibrations.
  • Turning gears and making sure every spec and tolerance is perfect before the truck hits I-80.
  • Working with a no-nonsense, experienced crew that respects your skills. 
Why You Want This Gig:
  • Real Respect: We let the mechanics do what they do best. No corporate fluff.
  • Serious Pay: Top-tier hourly rates. We pay for your experience.
  • The Location: Right off I-55 in Channahon, making your daily commute in the Will County area a breeze. 
  • Bonus: $2,500 Sign-on Bonus to be paid after the first 90 days with job performance review.
The Requirements:
  • You can diagnose and overhaul heavy-duty transmissions and differentials with your eyes closed.
  • You actually enjoy the grit and heavy lifting of this trade.
  • Own your own tools.
  • Have a CDL (or the desire to get one)