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Oil Rig Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rigger

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$41K - $74K/yr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger - 2nd Shift

Newport News, VA

$21 - $27.25/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Newport News, VA

$21 - $27.25/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Virginia Beach, VA

$22.25 - $28.50/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$41K - $74K/yr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Hampton, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger - 2nd Shift

Chesapeake, VA

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger - 2nd Shift

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger - 2nd Shift

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger - 2nd Shift

Chesapeake, VA

$22 - $28.25/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger - 2nd Shift

Virginia Beach, VA

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger - 2nd Shift

Virginia Beach, VA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Micropile Driller

Richmond, VA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Drill rig experience/knowledge, concrete knowledge/experience, supervisory experience Travel Requirement: Willing to travel Position : Drill Operator Pay rate : $28.00/hr- $38.00/hr (Based on ...

Rigger

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$41K - $74K/yr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

Rigger

Virginia Beach, VA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

... rig • Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred) • Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull • Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work • Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement ...

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Oil Rig information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$22

$38

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in Virginia is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $28.37 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,789 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Rigger

$41K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


BAE Systems rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description
The Rigger Shop Mechanic performs a variety of skilled mechanical duties involving deck machinery, engine room work, electronic equipment, staging work, testing, steel/pipe work, general dock, rudders, shafting, wheel work, and anchor chain work. The Mechanic operates equipment for assembly and installation; performs preventative and predictive maintenance on facility machinery; records work performed and follows specified safety policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities & Functional Knowledge:
This list is representative of the key areas of responsibility and functional knowledge required of a mechanic in the rigger shop. A mechanic must demonstrate a developing knowledge of the skills, functional knowledge and abilities required to perform tasks in these and related areas of responsibility.
Developing knowledge means that the mechanic understands how to perform tasks in these categories (including, but not limited to, the specific tasks identified below) and is able to complete them with minimal assistance. This also means that the mechanic has the necessary level of knowledge of the equipment, protective gear, and machinery required to complete these tasks. In some cases, as specified, the mechanic is expected to assist, rather than completing the task independently.
• Anchor Chain Work
• Make metal tags
• Break detachable links (including baldt/kenter style links)
• Transport - load/unload - trailers/pallets (Preferred)
• Read a micrometer
• Assist in counting anchor shots and tags
• Assist in removing and reinstalling bitter ends - open/closed fo'c'sle
• Assist in measuring chain links and detachable links including snap gauge shots
• Wheel Work (Hubs/Blades/CCP System)
• Hook up and operate air falls
• Install and remove blade pallet rig
• Transport hub - trailer/boom dolly (Preferred)
• Assist in proper sling/grommet hook up - hull
• Dry-Dock Related Shafting Work
• Assist in method of removal - pad eye placement - select gear
• Assist in shaft transporting - trailer/boom dolly
• Shaft Alley Related Shafting Work
• Removal of bulkhead seals
• Deck Machinery Work (work with cranes and cargo booms)
• Wires - Assist with removing/reeve system/blocks
• Booms - Assist with removing /install and proper method/gear selection for ABS quadrennial
• Blocks - Assist with removing /reinstall [ABS quadrennial]
• Testing - Assist with setting up, [navy test] [ABS test]
• B&A crane - Assist with removing /reeve wire ropes
• B&A crane - Assist with boom removal [method/select gear/block/transport]
• B&A Crane - Assist with testing and set up
• Routine Engine Room Work
• Method/gear/route walked
• Proper lashing/rig gear applications
• Small pumps, motors, valves [less than 24"], pipe, vent ducting, etc.
• Install and remove flushing gear
• Main Engine/SSDG Overhaul Work
• Install and remove flushing gear
• Electronic Equipment Inspections
• Complete inspection procedures
• Determine follow up required
• Staging Work
• Must be familiar with the staging procedure
• Must be familiar with proper building practices for the QES/Burke
• Steel/Pipe Related Work:
• Complete steel repair work and or piping work on various areas outside of the engine room
• General Dock-Related Work
• Blocking
• Docking/undocking
• Mooring ships
• Gangway/platforms
• Other various dock-related tasks
• Must be familiar with Hook-on (ship/pier)
Required Skills and Education
Minimum education: 4 to 7 yrs.
Minimum relevant education:
Practical Theory Requirements:
A mechanic must demonstrate a developing understanding of naval vessel compartments, number systems and related vessel terminology for the CG, DDG, and LHD ships. Knowledge of job planning and executing, proper gear selection, leading helpers and handypersons with normal supervision.
Other Requirements:
• Must be able to read, write and comprehend simple instructions
• Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral or diagram form
• Must be able to calculate and understand units of measure
• Must be able to wear appropriate protective gear
• Must be able to obtain a government access badge.
This job description does not include all activities, duties or responsibilities required for this position. The key duties, responsibilities and requirements identified in this description are subject to modification by the Company (in consultation with the Union, as appropriate) at any time.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services Posting
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.

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