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Oil Rig Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Stantec

Driller's Helper

Lexington, KY · On-site

Label sample containers as directed * Assist driller in maintenance and repairs to drill rig * delivering field supplies * Performs Shop / yard duties at direction of management * Independently ...

Stantec

Driller's Helper

Lexington, KY · On-site

Label sample containers as directed * Assist driller in maintenance and repairs to drill rig * delivering field supplies * Performs Shop / yard duties at direction of management * Independently ...

Bevcorp

Field Service Technician

Elizabethtown, KY

Must be able to work with solvents, oils, and grease. Required Education and Experience * High school diploma or equivalent required. Environment and Working Conditions * Shop environment and ...

Bevcorp

Field Service Technician

Elizabethtown, KY

Must be able to work with solvents, oils, and grease. Travel Requirements * Up to 100% Additional Information The benefits of joining our team Because we seek to hire the best people, we work hard to ...

Bevcorp

Field Service Technician

Elizabethtown, KY

Must be able to work with solvents, oils, and grease. Travel Requirements * Up to 100% Additional Information Additional information The benefits of joining our team Because we seek to hire the best ...

Bevcorp

Field Service Technician

Elizabethtown, KY

Must be able to work with solvents, oils, and grease. Travel Requirements * Up to 100% Additional Information Additional information The benefits of joining our team Because we seek to hire the best ...

All JobsOil Rig JobsOil Rig Jobs in Kentucky

Oil Rig information

See Kentucky salary details

$12

$19

$33

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in Kentucky is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $24.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by workers on an oil rig, and how are they addressed?

Working on an oil rig presents unique challenges such as long shifts, remote locations, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Team members often work in rotating shifts (e.g., two weeks on, two weeks off), which can impact work-life balance. Safety is a top priority, with regular drills and strict protocols to minimize risks from heavy machinery and hazardous materials. Strong teamwork and communication are essential, as crews must collaborate closely to ensure operations run smoothly and safely. Most companies provide thorough training, support services, and modern amenities to help staff manage these challenges.

What are oil rig workers?

Oil rig workers are professionals who operate and maintain the equipment used to drill for oil and gas beneath the earth's surface, often on offshore platforms or onshore drilling sites. Their responsibilities include monitoring drilling operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing routine maintenance on machinery. Oil rig work can be physically demanding and requires long shifts, sometimes in remote or challenging environments. Many positions on an oil rig, such as roughneck, driller, or derrickhand, each have specific duties that contribute to the overall drilling process.

How much do oil rig workers make?

Oil rig workers' salaries vary based on experience, role, and location, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually. Skilled positions such as drillers and engineers tend to have higher pay, and many workers receive additional compensation for working long shifts and in remote environments.

What is the difference between Oil Rig vs Oil Platform Worker?

AspectOil RigOil Platform Worker
CredentialsCertifications in safety, welding, and technical skillsSafety training, technical certifications often required
Work EnvironmentOffshore, mobile, often in harsh weatherOffshore platform, fixed or semi-permanent structures
Employer & Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in industry, referring to offshore drilling unitsRefers to personnel working on oil platforms

Both 'Oil Rig' and 'Oil Platform Worker' relate to offshore oil extraction. An oil rig is the structure used for drilling, while an oil platform worker is the personnel operating on these structures. Understanding the distinction helps in job searches and industry comprehension.

Do roughnecks make 180k a year?

Roughnecks on oil rigs typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers in high-paying regions sometimes reaching around $150,000. Earning $180,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-cost or offshore environments with additional hazard pay or overtime.

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, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with specialized safety certifications like H2S and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) often required. Familiarity with drill machinery, rig safety systems, and tools such as rotary drills and hoisting equipment is essential. Teamwork, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help individuals stand out in this demanding and hazardous environment. These abilities ensure operational efficiency, personal safety, and effective collaboration under challenging offshore conditions.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An oil rig worker, such as a roustabout or roughneck, can earn $10,000 or more per month with experience and specialized skills. These roles often require physical fitness, safety certifications, and on-site training, but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying positions are usually found in offshore drilling or deepwater operations.

What Are Jobs on an Oil Rig?

Oil rig jobs include semi-skilled workers who operate on the rig deck, specialists who work on machinery for drilling, and drillers and assistants who handle the controls of the drill in a control room. On offshore rigs, crews may include medics, mechanics, welders, and cooks. Management-level staff on oil and gas industry rigs include tool pushers, who work in the rig office, and offshore installation managers, whose duties involve overseeing the entire rig operation. Geologists who work on an oil rig collect samples during operations, otherwise known as “mud logging.”

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Positions such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and drillers have different pay scales, with specialized roles often earning higher wages. Many workers also receive additional compensation for overtime, hazards, and rotation schedules.
More about Oil Rig jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig jobs in Kentucky? For Oil Rig jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,989 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
HDD Large Rig Superintendent

HDD Large Rig Superintendent

InterCon Construction, Inc.

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The HDD Superintendent is responsible for supervising and performing skilled work with large rig horizontal directional drilling (HDD) in the construction, maintenance, and repair of oil/gas transmission lines.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for overseeing daily operations of HDD crew safety and efficiently.
  • Monitors, directs, and participates in all the duties of HDD crew.
  • Responsible for meeting with customer, local officials, locating services, and subcontractors in coordination of project.
  • Responsible for conducting daily safety tailgate briefings.
  • Procures and makes arrangements for materials for timely and efficient delivery.
  • Maintains daily company records, such as material and time, to provide to company and/or customer.
  • Promotes safety practices and maintains good housekeeping practices.
  • Ensures equipment and vehicles are maintained and kept clean.
  • Assures proper tooling is available for drills on job site.
  • Assures company policies and procedures are implemented and followed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Previous experience running and operating large rig HDD operations.
  • Experience a minimum of 3000 feet of 20-inch HDD crossings.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license with a good, clean driving record. CDL preferred.
  • Knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of underground oil/gas transmission systems.
  • Fundamental understanding of safety regulations, OSHA regulations, first aid and methods of applying resuscitation.
  • Knowledge of local and state regulations, rules, specifications, and operating practices.
  • Ability to read and interpret plans and written instructions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team-oriented environment.
  • Consistent travel required throughout United States.

InterCon Construction is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

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