1

Oil Rig Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Rig Operation: Safely and efficiently operate large rotary drilling rigs to excavate large-diameter drilled shafts according to engineering blueprints and project specifications. From 2' to 10' ...

Mears is a leading provider of engineering and construction solutions in oil and gas, electric ... Safely operate the HDD rig and associated drilling equipment according to project specifications ...

... properly rig loads for each piece of equipment operated. 3.) Perform the upkeep and general ... oil and heavy equipment. Personal protective equipment is normally required of the position.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Oil Rig information

See North Carolina salary details

$13

$20

$34

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in North Carolina is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $26.01 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 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 is an oil rig worker?

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 North Carolina?

The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in North Carolina are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Rig jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Rig jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Oil Rig jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Oil Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,890 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Vertical Drill Rig Operator

Appalachian Drilling Company LLC

China Grove, NC • On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

Appalachian Drilling Company is seeking a highly skilled and safety-focused Drill Rig Operator to join our deep foundations team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating heavy rotary drilling rigs to excavate large diameter drilled shafts (caissons) for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.


Key Responsibilities

  • Rig Operation: Safely and efficiently operate large rotary drilling rigs to excavate large-diameter drilled shafts according to engineering blueprints and project specifications. From 2' to 10' diameters
  • Casing & Slurry: Manage the installation and extraction of temporary or permanent steel casings. Work effectively with wet-hole construction methods, including polymer slurry systems, when required.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections. Conduct routine preventative maintenance, grease moving parts, and promptly report any mechanical issues to the maintenance team.
  • Concrete Placement: Coordinate and assist with concrete pouring operations, including the setup of tremie pipes & pump lines.
  • Rebar & Anchor Bolt Setting: Assist in rigging and lowering heavy rebar cages. Accurately set, align, and secure anchor bolts and anchor templates to exact engineering tolerances prior to and during the concrete pour.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience: Minimum of [3–5] years of proven experience operating large foundation drilling rigs specifically for drilled shafts/caissons.
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of drilling techniques through various subsurface conditions (soil, cobble, hard rock, ground water).
  • Certifications: Current OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred. NCCCO Drill Rig Operator certification is a major plus.
  • Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license required. A Class A CDL is highly preferred for moving equipment and materials.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to read project plans, adapt to changing soil conditions, and troubleshoot minor equipment issues on the fly.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

  • Ability to work safely outdoors in all weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, etc.).
  • Physical stamina to climb on and off heavy machinery, lift up to [50 lbs], and stand or sit for extended periods.
  • Willingness to work long hours, overtime, and occasional weekends as project schedules demand.
  • Willingness to travel to various job sites within the Southeastern US

What We Offer

  • Competitive hourly wage
  • Daily Per Diem
  • Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision).
  • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
  • Opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement.