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Oil Rigging Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Team collaboration is important as the Operator works with and receives direction from riggers and ... oiler or helper may bolt, pin boom sections together to modify boom lengths. • Performpre- and ...

Engineer II

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... or oil spill response equipment. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise to ensure ... marine rigging, vessel operations, underwater ship repair operations and related disciplines is ...

Engineer II

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... or oil spill response equipment. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise to ensure ... marine rigging, vessel operations, underwater ship repair operations and related disciplines is ...

Team collaboration is important as the Operator works with and receives direction from riggers and ... May operate crane according to signals from oiler or helper may bolt, pin boom sections together to ...

Water O&M Technician - Potomac

Laurel, MD · On-site

$28.07 - $46.10/hr

Climbs into basins to include 30-foot depths, using rigging equipment to lift equipment * Assists ... lubrication, and oil/grease changes * Assists in identifying factors that could cause water ...

Oil Rigging information

See Washington salary details

$16

$29

$41

How much do oil rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rigging in Washington is $29.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.15 and $33.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is oil rigging?

Oil rigging jobs involve working on oil rigs or platforms to extract oil and gas from beneath the Earth's surface. These positions can include roles such as drillers, roughnecks, toolpushers, and engineers, each with specific responsibilities in the drilling and maintenance process. Oil rig workers typically operate heavy machinery, monitor drilling operations, perform equipment maintenance, and follow strict safety protocols. The work can be physically demanding and often requires long shifts in remote locations, but it offers competitive pay and opportunities for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in oil rigging, and why are they important?

To thrive in Oil Rigging, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional safety and technical training often required. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety protocols, and certifications such as H2S awareness and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are typical. Teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this demanding environment. These skills ensure operational safety, efficient drilling processes, and effective response to emergencies in challenging, high-risk settings.

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

Oil rig workers often face challenges such as long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and extended periods away from home. Adapting to a rotating work schedule and ensuring safety in hazardous conditions are also important aspects of the job. To manage these challenges, workers are encouraged to follow strict safety protocols, maintain good physical health, and use support systems provided by the employer, such as wellness programs and access to communication with family. Teamwork and clear communication are crucial for both safety and job satisfaction on the rig.

What is the difference between Oil Rigging vs Drilling Operations?

AspectOil RiggingDrilling Operations
Required CredentialsRigging certifications, safety trainingDrilling certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore rig sites, physical laborOffshore/onshore rig sites, technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas companies, rig contractorsOil & gas companies, drilling contractors
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Oil Rigging involves assembling and maintaining rigging equipment used in drilling operations, focusing on safety and physical labor. Drilling Operations encompass the broader process of drilling wells, including planning, technical tasks, and equipment handling. While both roles work on rig sites and require safety certifications, rigging is more specialized in equipment setup, whereas drilling involves the overall drilling process.

How do you get hired on an oil rig?

To get hired as an oil rig worker, candidates typically need relevant experience or training in the oil and gas industry, such as certifications in safety and emergency response. Employers often require physical fitness, the ability to work in challenging environments, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Applying through staffing agencies or directly to oil companies and demonstrating a strong work ethic can improve chances of employment.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Oil Rigging jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Oil Rigging job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Rigging job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,289 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Crane Operator

Chantilly, VA • On-site

MEI Rigging & Crating
Facilities Support Services • 1 - 5K employees

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
The Crane Operator is responsible for operating a mobile crane to lift, move, position, reposition loads, and unload crane accessories from trailer or support vehicles. Team collaboration is important as the Operator works with and receives direction from riggers and/or site supervision via verbal or hand signals to determine required load movement and will work as a ground crew depending on the tasks being performed. Operators also allow appropriate safety procedures and maintain logs of vehicle repair status and working hours (FMCSA).
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
• Operate various types of cranes: All Terrain, Rough Terrain, Crawlers, Industrial, Hydraulic Trucks, Conventional Trucks, and Boom Trucks.
• Hydraulic Truck Crane Operators - operate diesel powered cranes which are mounted on truck type chassis, to lift material, objects, or personnel into place.
• Drives crane to work site and properly sets up per the manufacturer's operators manual and company rules regarding cribbing/matting, cribbing blocks or mats as required to perform job requirements of customer.
• Direct activities of oilers, truck drivers or helpers in assembly and disassembly of the equipment.
• Place cribbing blocks and/or pads, moves levers and foot pedals to rotate super structure, raise and lowers boom to raise and lower cables.
• May operate crane according to signals from oiler or helper may bolt, pin boom sections together to modify boom lengths.
• Performpre- and post-trip inspections along with daily and monthly equipment inspections.
• Perform routine maintenance.
• Carry tools for running repairs.
• Properly barricades counterweight tail swing and working radius.
• Take complete charge of all safety pertaining to assembly, disassembly, and operation of crane. Wears PPE safety equipment.
• Understand and can fill out job ticket for customer to accept responsibility for jobsite and billing.
• Drive truck to worksites and unloads truck.
• Brief travel is expected. Normally nothing longer than a week.
• Any other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):
• HS Diploma or Equivalent
• Minimum of two years of Crane Operation experience
• Working knowledge of rigging, cranes, and commercial moving and storage
• Proficient knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook
• Must be able to read and speak the English language.
• Must possess a current NCCCO, TLL (TSS is also preferred), or equivalent crane operator certification.
• Knowledgeable in OSHA regulations and ANSI standards in crane operations
• Minimum of a CDL - B license required; CDL-A License preferred.
• Must be able to pass a drug test, background check, and DOT physical/fit for duty test.
• CDL A License preferred.
• LBC/LBT would be helpful but not required.
• Prefer candidates with proficient oral and written communication skills, technical skills, and functional skills.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to climb, stand; walk; sit; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to adjust straps, move equipment and perform daily duties; reach with hands and arms; push feet to operate crane; pull handles and grasp equipment; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The Operator is subject to possible exposure to extreme year-round outdoor environmental conditions and may also be subject to working weekends and holidays.
Additional Requirements:
Work with a Top-of-Mind Awareness for the safety of yourself and everyone at the job site. Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI's customers have come to expect.
Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by a Crane Operator and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of the job, as necessary.
MEI is an Equal Opportunity, M/F/Disabled/Vet Preferred Employer.
#crane #craneoperator Industrial