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Oil Rig Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Niles, MI

$21 - $28.50/hr

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region. * Lead and focus on the training and development a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with ...

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region. * Oversee a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations. * Be proficient in ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Buchanan, MI · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region. * Lead and focus on the training and development a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with ...

Geotechnical Driller

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Responsible for drill rig transportation * Train and direct Driller Assistants, identify and coordinate daily work schedules at job site * Direct site inquiries from general public to the project ...

Geotechnical Driller

Plymouth, MI

$22 - $29.75/hr

Responsible for drill rig transportation * Train and direct Driller Assistants, identify and coordinate daily work schedules at job site * Direct site inquiries from general public to the project ...

Geotechnical Driller

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Responsible for drill rig transportation * Train and direct Driller Assistants, identify and coordinate daily work schedules at job site * Direct site inquiries from general public to the project ...

Geotechnical Driller

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Responsible for drill rig transportation * Train and direct Driller Assistants, identify and coordinate daily work schedules at job site * Direct site inquiries from general public to the project ...

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Oil Rig information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$19

$33

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in Michigan is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $24.95 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.

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.

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 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.”

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,134 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

TERRACON

Niles, MI

$21 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Terracon rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 57 rated business consultants


Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located.From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 10-years' experience.
  • Proficient in geotechnical and/or environmental drilling methods.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
  • Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. When applicable, such licensure is required.
Preferred Certification and Skills:
  • Experience in
    • In-Situ test methods
    • Instrumentation Installation
    • Barge Drilling
    • Angle Drilling
    • Environmental Drilling
  • Regional Drilling Licensure
  • Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license.
  • The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
    • Demonstrate a mastery of problem solving and implementing solutions on complex to very complex problems independently or with minor guidance from management. Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.
    • Lead and focus on the training and development a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
    • Be proficient in all drilling methods common to their region.
    • Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks.
    • Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
    • Inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
    • Lead project preparation and pre-task planning.
    • Train junior staff in drilling methods.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

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