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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 ...

ZF

Wind Field Service Technician

Vernon Hills, IL

$57K - $72K/yr

Rig Heavy Industrial Equipment on and off vehicles with overhead cranes and level and align machine for testing with motor. * Mark matched components and label disassembled parts. Sketch part ...

ZF Group

Wind Field Service Technician

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$57K - $72K/yr

Rig Heavy Industrial Equipment on and off vehicles with overhead cranes and level and align machine for testing with motor. * Mark matched components and label disassembled parts. Sketch part ...

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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 Jun 12, 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.

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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,655 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Diesel Mechanic I

Big Rig Fixer

Carol Stream, IL

$20 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 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