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Oil Rig Worker Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Welder I/Rig Welder

Carlsbad, NM

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seaching for a Rig Welder with extensive experience in carbon steel welding in the oil and gas petrochemical industry working on a project in Carlsbad, NM.

... experience working on a well servicing rig preferred * Must be familiar with pump and tank ... is an oil & gas completion and production solutions company with a foundation built on well ...

... working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

... working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

... working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... is an oil & gas completion and production solutions company with a foundation built on well ...

... experience working on a well servicing rig preferred * Must be familiar with pump and tank ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

... experience working on a well servicing rig preferred * Must be familiar with pump and tank ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

... working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... is an oil & gas completion and production solutions company with a foundation built on well ...

Floor Hand

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... experience working on a well servicing rig preferred * Must be familiar with pump and tank ... is an oil & gas completion and production solutions company with a foundation built on well ...

... working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

... working the rig floor, and assisting in operating the rig when necessary. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

... experience working on a well servicing rig preferred * Must be familiar with pump and tank ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Floor Hand

Hobbs, NM · On-site

... experience working on a well servicing rig preferred * Must be familiar with pump and tank ... ABOUT THE COMPANY Ranger Energy Services is an oil & gas completion and production solutions ...

Water Resources Tech II

Jal, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... and rig down of each water transfer job and the operation of transfer. Furthermore, they will ... The secondary responsibility is developing a strong working relationship with Midland Control Room ...

Water Resources Tech II

Jal, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... and rig down of each water transfer job and the operation of transfer. Furthermore, they will ... The secondary responsibility is developing a strong working relationship with Midland Control Room ...

Water Resources Tech II

Jal, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... and rig down of each water transfer job and the operation of transfer. Furthermore, they will ... The secondary responsibility is developing a strong working relationship with Midland Control Room ...

Water Resources Tech II

Jal, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... and rig down of each water transfer job and the operation of transfer. Furthermore, they will ... The secondary responsibility is developing a strong working relationship with Midland Control Room ...

Showing results 21-40

Oil Rig Worker information

See New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 popular job titles related to Oil Rig Worker jobs in New Mexico? For Oil Rig Worker jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Oil Rig Worker jobs? Cities in New Mexico with the most Oil Rig Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Worker job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,563 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Welder I/Rig Welder

Wood

Carlsbad, NM

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Overview / Responsibilities

Wood is seaching for a Rig Welder with extensive experience in carbon steel welding in the oil and gas petrochemical industry working on a project in Carlsbad, NM.

Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from Wood is required.

The employee must be capable of welding together components to fabricate or repair products such as machine parts, pressure vessels, plant equipment, pipes, plates, and structural steel using various welding procedures.

  • Accurately interpret and apply information from work orders, job orders, specifications, ISO's, blueprints or other drawings and recognize basic blueprints or symbols for job application.
  • Identify, recognize and demonstrate safe usage of hand tools and power tools appropriate for the job.
  • Recognize various materials used in the craft and demonstrate a working knowledge of appropriate material handling techniques.
  • Select and safely use appropriate equipment which may include (but not limited to) manlifts, fork lifts, and company trucks.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in safe rigging practices.
  • Identify, explain and perform crane signals.
  • Demonstrate ability to weld together parts using any of the welding processes on various metals such as carbon steel, stainless, alloys, etc.
  • Demonstrate ability to use alignment devices for fabrication.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and ability to qualify and pass all welding performance tests.
  • Demonstrate ability to produce welds that are 100% X-ray quality.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in use of oxy-acetylene flame cutting equipment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of regulations governing quality control codes.
  • Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-bend, grind or bolt component parts to obtain required configurations and positions for welding.
  • Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
  • Remove rough spots from work pieces, using portable grinders, hand files, or scrapers
Skills / Qualifications
  • Preferred to own welding machine.
  • Candidate should have a minimum 2 years journeyman experience welding various types of materials and preferred candidates to live in the area.
  • Candidate should have experience in carbon steel welding and 1-2 years of experience as helper in the welding field. 
  • Completion of formal classroom training in welding field may substitute for helper experience in welding craft.
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems. The minimum math ability usually associated with this classification is the ability to calculate surfaces, volumes, angles, weights and measure. You must be able to use variables and formulas which are normally found in most industry approved trade books. (Pipefitters "Blue Book")
Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement (EEO)

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER