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Oil Rig Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Big Rig Fixer

Diesel Mechanic I

Carol Stream, IL

$20 - $25/hr

Big Rig Fixer has proudly served the greater DuPage area for over ten years. Responsibilities * Perform routine maintenance and oil changes * Conduct basic repairs on familiar systems * Assist senior ...

Big Rig Fixer

Diesel Mechanic I

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Big Rig Fixer has proudly served the greater DuPage area for over ten years. Responsibilities * Perform routine maintenance and oil changes * Conduct basic repairs on familiar systems * Assist senior ...

Big Rig Fixer Corp

Diesel Mechanic I

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Big Rig Fixer has proudly served the greater DuPage area for over ten years. Responsibilities * Perform routine maintenance and oil changes * Conduct basic repairs on familiar systems * Assist senior ...

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All JobsOil Rig JobsOil Rig Jobs in Chicago, IL

Oil Rig information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$23

$39

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in Chicago, IL is $23.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $29.47 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.

How much does working on an oil rig pay?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Positions such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and engineers have varying pay scales, with many workers receiving additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.

How much do you get paid on an oil rig?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Offshore positions often offer higher pay due to the challenging environment and required certifications such as H2S and BOSIET. Salaries can also include bonuses and overtime pay.

How do I get a job in an oil rig?

To get a job on an oil rig, candidates typically need relevant technical skills, such as experience in welding, drilling, or safety procedures, and often require certifications like H2S or BOSIET. Applying through oil companies' recruitment programs or staffing agencies, gaining experience in the oil and gas industry, and being physically fit are also important steps. Many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to work long shifts in challenging environments.

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.

Is it hard to get hired at an oil rig?

Getting hired as an oil rig worker can be competitive and requires relevant skills, certifications, and physical fitness. Employers often look for experience in safety procedures, technical skills, and the ability to work long shifts in challenging environments.

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.”

More about Oil Rig jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig jobs in Chicago, IL? For Oil Rig jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,655 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Diesel Mechanic I

Diesel Mechanic I

Big Rig Fixer

Carol Stream, IL

$20 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description

"Junior Technician"


Location: Carol Stream, IL (DuPage County, off North Ave)


About the Role

Junior technician role for those with foundational diesel repair knowledge. Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs independently while continuing to grow your skills in a supportive environment. Big Rig Fixer has proudly served the greater DuPage area for over ten years.


Responsibilities
  • Perform routine maintenance and oil changes
  • Conduct basic repairs on familiar systems
  • Assist senior technicians with complex jobs
  • Maintain accurate service documentation
  • Follow established repair procedures


Why Join Big Rig Fixer?
  • On-the-job training
  • Family & friendly business environment
  • Health benefits
  • Paid time off & 401(k) with company match (after 1 year)
  • Growth opportunities

Requirements

  • 1-2 years of diesel repair experience or completed apprenticeship  
  • Basic understanding of diesel engine systems  
  • Ability to use standard diagnostic tools  
  • Own basic tool set  
  • Valid driver's license

Apply