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Oil Rig Jobs in Union, KY (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks: o Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil.o Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Cincinnati, OH

$22 - $30/hr

The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks: oOperate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. oOversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling ...

All JobsOil Rig JobsOil Rig Jobs in Union, KY

Oil Rig information

See Union, KY salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in Union, KY is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $26.20 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 cities near Union, KY are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities near Union, KY with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in Union, KY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,220 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

LOADER OPERATOR/GENERAL LABORER

Carlisle and Bray Enterprises

Newport, KY • On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description
Job Overview
A C&B Marine Loader Operator is responsible for operating a loader or skid steer to clean and unload cargo. An ideal Loader Operator is a team player who can work in all weather conditions, enjoys learning new skills in a fast-paced environment, and is interested in a rewarding long-term career. Although this is an entry level position, those who can demonstrate a willingness to learn and work hard may be rewarded with advancement opportunities.
Responsibilities/Job Content
  • Operate a loader or skid steer
  • Perform routine inspections and maintenance on loader or skid steer
  • Rig loads for crane or excavator
  • Inspect and maintain rigging
  • Chip and paint
  • Report all equipment failures or hazardous conditions to supervisor
  • Ensure that all fire extinguishers are properly charged and tagged and that all other safety equipment is operational
  • Maintain a clean and tidy personal quarter and workspace free of spillage and equipment that is not in use
  • Shovel and sweep gunnels and hoppers
  • *Use a leaf blower to clean gunnels and hoppers
  • Shingle for an extended period of time in a confined space
  • Potentially use company vehicle to do a part run.
  • Handle line to secure barges
  • Check and add fluids to machinery, grease equipment, change air filters and change oil
  • Use hand and radio signals to direct crane/excavator
  • *Assist dry dock and rig workers as instructed
  • Complete all other duties as directed by the supervisor, person-in-charge or his designate.
  • Perform all tasks in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard, OSHA, MSHA and C&B Marine safety and environmental policies

Requirements
Requirements/Qualifications
Experience
  • No experience is necessary for the Loader Operator position but any experience with heavy machinery is preferred
Certifications
  • Must be able to obtain a TWIC card within 30 days of employment and maintain thereafter
Physical
A successful General Laborer should be able to do the following several times in a day:
  • Operate a loader or skid steer using hand and foot controls
  • Ascend and descend an 18-foot ladder while wearing a personal flotation device (PFD)
  • Ascend and descend 4 flights of stairs without stopping or losing balance
  • Fit through normal barge manhole that is 56.5-inches in circumference
  • Transition to and from a small boat from a towing vessel with a 30-inch change in elevation while wearing a PFD
  • Step up and down a 12 inch change in elevation without stopping or losing balance
  • Walk safely on uneven decks while maintaining balance at all times
  • Walk 1200 feet while carrying a 50-pound load
  • Lift with legs to pick up a 50-pound load to the shoulder
  • Step over deck fittings and objects on deck while maintaining balance
  • Reach up 90-degrees with both arms while sitting and standing and pull downward
  • Lift 50-pounds from waist to overhead
  • Work while wearing a dust mask
  • *Be prepared to be clean shaven to wear full respiratory facemask
Other
Upon receiving an offer of employment from C&B, employment is conditioned upon the new hire satisfying the below requirements:
  • passing a background check,
  • providing proof of eligibility to lawfully work in the United States, and
  • passing a pre-employment physical and drug screen.

Apply