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Oil Rig Jobs in Wheeling, WV (NOW HIRING)

The Rig Mechanic is primarily responsible for repairing, maintaining, and installing oil well drilling machinery and equipment. Location : Odessa, TX, Tyler Texas, Oklahoma City, OK, Grand Junction ...

Crane Operator II

Washington, PA · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

You'll be a key part of our team, working in diverse industries like industrial construction, oil ... up/ rig-down, and emergency situations are resolved in a safe, timely and efficient manner

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Oil Rig information

See Wheeling, WV salary details

$14

$22

$38

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig in Wheeling, WV is $22.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $28.51 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.”

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in Wheeling, WV? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in Wheeling, WV are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig jobs in Wheeling, WV look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig jobs in Wheeling, WV are:
What cities near Wheeling, WV are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities near Wheeling, WV with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in Wheeling, WV as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,015 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Rig-Mechanic

$25 - $34.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

At H&P, our people are our strength.

Since 1920,Helmerich and Paynehas been the industry's most trusted partner in drillingproductivity and reliability. As the world changes, so does our approach. We are changing the landscape of drilling by using cutting-edge rig technologies and drilling solutions to build upon a century ofsuccess, all while continuing to deliver better outcomes for our customers.

At H&P, our people are our strength. We strive to continually lead with our Core Values that enable employees to develop on their H&P Journey. We believe that doing the right thing means creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that empowers our people to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Some companies offer career paths. We offer a Journey of a Lifetime. Let's go far, together.

Hear directly from our employees, and leaders about theirunique journeys at Helmerich and Payne.

At a Glance:

The Rig Mechanic is primarily responsible for repairing, maintaining, and installing oil well drilling machinery and equipment.

Location: Odessa, TX, Tyler Texas, Oklahoma City, OK, Grand Junction, CO, Dickinson, ND, Barnesville, OH

Work Type: Onsite

#LI-Onsite

What you need:

  • The worker must be at least 18 years of age
  • The worker must pass a post-offer physical examination
  • This position requires between three and five years of prior mechanical equipment or hydraulics experience in order to be oriented to skills required in servicing drilling machinery and equipment
  • The worker must have proper legal authorization to work in the country where the rig is operating
  • Steel-toe work boots
  • Passport(Internationalpositions only)

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

***The Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires employers in the State of Colorado to disclose the following information. If the position applied to is not located in Colorado, the following information may not apply. In accordance with applicable law, the following represents H&P's good faith estimate of the hiring compensation range for this role. Actual compensation will vary and may be above or below the range as permitted by the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, based on various factors including but not limited to geographic location, experience, performance, and other considerations permitted by applicable law.

Salary Guidelines:

(Minimum - Maximum)

$25.00 - $34.50

What we offer:

At H&P, our commitment to our people is at the forefront, and that includes benefits that provide employees a sense of health and financial security. We know that life continues outside of employment and actively caring of our people is our priority.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
  • 401k match
  • Paid Leave Plans
  • Parental & Adoption Benefits
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Educational Assistance
  • Learning & Development Opportunities
  • Flex-scheduling available for qualifying positions to achieve work-life integration

H&P is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

For more information on benefits and job opportunities, please visit Careers | Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!