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Oil Rig Jobs in McAllen, TX (NOW HIRING)

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

Description A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart ...

Examples of Work Performed Performs pre-trip inspections including but not limited to checking oil, water, fuel, tires, hydraulic system, hand tools, etc. Submits daily activity report, haul tickets ...

Oil Rig information

See McAllen, TX salary details

$13

$21

$36

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in McAllen, TX is $21.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $27.16 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 McAllen, TX? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in McAllen, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig jobs in McAllen, TX? For Oil Rig jobs in McAllen, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig jobs in McAllen, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig jobs in McAllen, TX are:
What cities near McAllen, TX are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities near McAllen, TX with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in McAllen, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,835 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

FESCO LTD.

Edinburg, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding hydraulic chokes used in the field as well as operating this equipment from a command center. They must have knowledge of well testing equipment and the ability to diagnose, repair and troubleshoot malfunctions when needs arise. Basic computer knowledge is a must in order to perform data entry and to generate field reports. Ensure accurate collection and reporting of well production flowrates are documented as per internal and/or client based guidelines. Workload consists of 75% field and 25% shop. They must have a a clean driving record with the ability to obtain and maintain a commercial driver's license (Class "A" CDL).

I. Field Work

A. Rigging up a portable separator and heater

  1. Lift chicksan bundles weighing 65 lbs.
  2. Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level.
  3. Hammer unions from ground level to above head level.
  4. Drive flowline tie-down stakes with 8 lbs. to 12 lb. or larger sledgehammer or Electric Bosch demolition hammer weighing 60 lbs.
  5. Make up threaded connections with two (2) 24" pipe wrenches occasionally using a 36" pipe wrench from ground level to above head level.
  6. Monitor and maintain hydraulic choke equipment during coiled tubing washes, frac flowback etc.
  7. Operate hydraulic choke controls within safe parameters of the designate equipment.
  8. Maintains and repairs all components of high pressure operation: flowline/connections, hydraulic choke manifolds, sand separators, test separators, flare stacks, gas busters and safety systems.

B. Rigging up flowback manifold and sand separator.

  1. Load fittings weighing 40 lbs .each.
  2. Drive flowline tie-down stakes with 8lbs. or larger sledgehammer or electric Bosch demolition hammer weighing 60 lbs.
  3. Stoop, bend, twist, turn, and lift to align and join threaded components at heights from ground level to above head level.
  4. Carry and connect 15 foot long threaded pipe joints with a second person's assistance (1/4 joint weight 40 lbs.) Full 30' pipe joint weighs 140 lbs.
  5. Hammer union connections and screw threaded connections with 24" pipe wrench from ground level to above head level.
  6. Perform all routine choke changes, blowdowns, tank strapping and pressure readings anytime or when directed.

Shop Work

  1. Load and unload field work equipment weighing 70 lbs. to/from a height of 36"to 60".
  2. Lift items and fittings weighing 30 lbs. placing them on shelves head high.
  3. Occasionally lift weights 70 lbs. to a height of 36" to 60".
  4. Wash any and all FESCO equipment.
  5. Clean and sweep shop
  6. Turn around equipment in order for it to be ready for the next job.

Safety

  1. In order to comply with Department of Transportation regulations, must be able to pass a "DOT" physical, secure and maintain at least a Class "B" CDL with an "H" endorsement.
  2. Work in all types of weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat and cold and high humidity) for extended periods of time.
  3. Work in a toxic environment (Hydrogen Sulfide Gas) while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus with full face sealed respiratory equipment weighing 30 lbs.
  4. Work at remote well locations 2 hours from the nearest medical facility.
  5. Work comfortably up to 15" above ground while wearing the appropriate fall protection equipment designated for the job.
  6. Close a large wellhead wing or master valve high or above in case of an emergency.
  7. Be mobile in the event of an emergency.
  8. Ability to evacuate a fellow employee in the event of an emergency.
  9. They will perform other duties assigned.
  10. They work under the direction of the District Manager.