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Oil Rig Jobs in Brandon, SD (NOW HIRING)

Rigger Foreman

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Changes oil in machine reservoirs; cleans and replaces oil filters as needed. * Ensures that automatic lubrication equipment operates correctly. * Fills automatic dispensers, oil cans, and oil cups.

Rigger Foreman

Sioux Falls, SD

$23 - $29.75/hr

Changes oil in machine reservoirs; cleans and replaces oil filters as needed. * Ensures that automatic lubrication equipment operates correctly. * Fills automatic dispensers, oil cans, and oil cups.

Rigger Foreman

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Changes oil in machine reservoirs; cleans and replaces oil filters as needed. * Ensures that automatic lubrication equipment operates correctly. * Fills automatic dispensers, oil cans, and oil cups.

In the Midwest, this machinery is vital to progress within industries like mining, construction and oil and gas. Join our team and make an impact on the Sioux Falls community and beyond. What You ...

Oil Rig information

See Brandon, SD salary details

$14

$22

$38

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in Brandon, SD is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $28.80 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.
What cities near Brandon, SD are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities near Brandon, SD with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Drill Rig Operator

Drill Rig Operator

GeoTek Engineering & Testing Services, Inc.

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Earn up to $70,000 your first year. This is a full time position with full benefits. Including 401K, Health, Dental, Disability Insurance, Paid Sick, Vacation and Holidays.

Work as a part of a 2 person Drill Crew to perform test borings for new building and other structures.

Drive, operate, maintain and repair drilling/probing equipment. The majority of our sites are located within a 200-mile radius of Sioux Falls. Some overnights will be required, but have averaged less than 4 nights per month. Per diem is provided if an overnight stay is required.

This position is a critical member of our team. Your work will support our engineers, geologists and other professional staff that analyze and report the test boring data. The data is used to provide recommendations for foundation support of new buildings, design of roads and bridges along with other earthen structures. We also use the data to evaluate the subsurface for contaminants.

We are looking for someone that shows up on time and does not mind working hard in all types of weather. You should have a mechanical aptitude and have experience or want to learn how to operate equipment. Work week is 40 hours per week plus available overtime hours, with flexable daily start/end times.

GeoTek Engineering & Testing Services is the leader in our industry in the Sioux Falls area. We have been in business for over 36 years and specialize in Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing, and Environmental/Industrial Hygiene Consulting. For more information, visit our website at www.geotekeng.com.

Job Requirements


Ability to be out of town on some overnights.
Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.
Good mechanical aptitude.
Ability to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally lift
and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Drive DOT regulated vehicles to project sites, maintain driving logs and compliance with other DOT regulations. Ability to obtain Class B CDL necessary.
Preference will be given to applicants with a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), equipment repair, welding experience or previous drilling experience. We will train someone with the right attitude.


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