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Oil Rigger Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Driver/Rigger

Longview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Perform routine operational checks on the truck prior to delivery (tire pressure, oil levels, fuel, etc.) * Pack and load trucks according to company specifications * Unload goods as per customer ...

Cleaning lube and fuel oil purifiers and filters * Tank soundings and topping off tanks as directed * After being trained, assisting with crane and rigging operations * Cleaning deck, engine room ...

Minimum of 3 years experience operating overhead cranes and heavy equipment in industrial or oil field settings. * Demonstrated knowledge of rigging techniques and safety standards. * Ability to read ...

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Oil Rigger information

See Texas salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do oil rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rigger in Texas is $24.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.49 and $27.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oil rigger?

Oil riggers are workers who operate and maintain the equipment used to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs, typically on offshore or onshore drilling rigs. They perform tasks such as setting up the drilling machinery, monitoring drilling operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Oil riggers often work in demanding environments, sometimes for extended periods away from home, and must be physically fit and safety-conscious. Their work is crucial to the energy industry, as they help bring oil and gas resources to the surface for processing and distribution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil rigger?

To thrive as an Oil Rigger, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling machinery, safety protocols, and certifications like H2S awareness or basic offshore safety induction (BOSIET) are typically required. Physical stamina, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial soft skills for this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safety, maintain operational efficiency, and handle the physical and technical challenges on oil rigs.

What are some common challenges faced by oil riggers, and how can they be managed?

Oil riggers often work in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous environments, with long shifts and extended periods away from home. Common challenges include adapting to harsh weather conditions, maintaining strict safety protocols, and managing fatigue from shift work. Successful oil riggers prioritize teamwork, stay vigilant about safety procedures, and take advantage of support resources provided by their employers, such as training and wellness programs. Building strong communication with crew members also helps to address challenges effectively and maintain a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Oil Rigger vs Oil Driller?

AspectOil RiggerOil Driller
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore platforms, oil rigsOffshore platforms, oil rigs
Industry UsageCommonly used in offshore oil extractionOften used interchangeably, but can refer to the equipment or personnel

Oil Riggers and Oil Drillers both work in offshore environments and require similar safety certifications. While 'Oil Rigger' typically refers to personnel involved in setting up and maintaining drilling equipment, 'Oil Driller' often denotes the operator of the drilling machinery. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but understanding their specific roles helps clarify job responsibilities in the oil industry.

How much money does an oil rigger make?

Oil riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore earning higher wages. Compensation often includes overtime pay, hazard pay, and benefits due to the demanding environment and specialized skills required.

What job categories do people searching Oil Rigger jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Rigger jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Oil Rigger jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Oil Rigger job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Rigger job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,416 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Overhead Crane Operator / Level 3 Rigger

Smith Industries, LLC

Midland, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Safely operate traveling and stationary overhead cranes using ground or pendant controls.

  • Rig, lift, move, and position heavy materials, equipment, and fabricated components.

  • Determine load weights, dimensions, center of gravity, and lifting requirements prior to performing a lift.


Job description

Benefits:
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance

We are seeking an experienced Overhead Crane Operator / Level 3 Rigger to join our fabrication team. This position is responsible for the safe lifting, moving, rigging, and positioning of heavy materials, equipment, and fabricated components throughout the facility.
This is a hands-on position requiring strong experience in both overhead crane operation and advanced rigging. The ideal candidate will be able to evaluate a lift, determine load requirements, select the proper rigging equipment, safely secure the load, and coordinate the lift from start to finish.
Key Responsibilities
  • Safely operate traveling and stationary overhead cranes using ground or pendant controls.
  • Rig, lift, move, and position heavy materials, equipment, and fabricated components.
  • Determine load weights, dimensions, center of gravity, and lifting requirements prior to performing a lift.
  • Select the appropriate rigging equipment and configuration based on the load and lifting conditions.
  • Properly use slings, shackles, hooks, spreader bars, and other lifting and rigging accessories.
  • Inspect load hookups and ensure loads are properly secured, balanced, and controlled before and during movement.
  • Communicate with crane operators, spotters, and other team members using standard hand signals, radio communication, and verbal instructions.
  • Adjust rigging as necessary to maintain proper load balance and control throughout the lift.
  • Read and interpret load charts, drawings, blueprints, and lift information to determine safe and effective rigging methods.
  • Perform pre-use inspections of cranes, slings, shackles, hooks, and other rigging and hoisting equipment.
  • Identify damaged, defective, or unsafe equipment, remove it from service when appropriate, and immediately report deficiencies to supervision.
  • Assist with routine care and maintenance of crane and rigging equipment.
  • Participate in the planning and execution of complex or non-routine lifts.
  • Work with supervisors, safety personnel, and other team members to identify hazards and resolve rigging or lifting challenges.
  • Follow OSHA requirements, company safety procedures, and established lifting and rigging practices at all times.
  • Provide guidance and training to less-experienced employees on proper rigging techniques, equipment selection, hand signals, and safe lifting practices.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area and ensure rigging equipment is properly stored.
Qualifications
  • Level 3 Rigger experience required.
  • Previous overhead crane operating experience required.
  • Demonstrated experience performing heavy, complex, and/or critical lifts.
  • Strong knowledge of advanced rigging techniques and safe lifting practices.
  • Ability to determine load weight, center of gravity, sling angles, load distribution, and rigging capacity.
  • Ability to properly select, inspect, and use slings, shackles, hooks, spreader bars, and other rigging equipment.
  • Knowledge of crane capacity and load charts.
  • Knowledge of standard crane and rigging hand signals.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints, drawings, and other technical information related to lifting operations.
  • Strong understanding of OSHA requirements and industry-standard rigging and lifting practices.
  • Ability to recognize unsafe lifting conditions and stop work when necessary.
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and situational awareness.
Preferred Experience
Experience in heavy fabrication, structural steel, oil and gas, pressure vessel fabrication, manufacturing, or a similar industrial environment is strongly preferred.
We are looking for someone who understands that safe lifting involves much more than operating a crane. The successful candidate will have the experience and judgment necessary to plan the lift, select and inspect the rigging, secure the load, communicate with the team, and safely execute the lift from start to finish.