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Oil Rigs Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Mechanic

Hull, TX

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

... rigs, pumping equipment, lifting equipment, and other rig and drill-out oilfield related equipment. The equipment mechanic will also perform the following but not limited to preventive and corrective ...

Patterson-UTI Drilling Company is seeking an experienced oil and gas drilling leader to define ... Maintain strong engagement with customers and field operations, including time at drilling rigs and ...

Director, AI Products and Solutions

Houston, TX · On-site

$222K - $232K/yr

Patterson-UTI Drilling Company is seeking an experienced oil and gas drilling leader to define ... Maintain strong engagement with customers and field operations, including time at drilling rigs and ...

Showing results 41-60

Oil Rigs information

See Houston, TX salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do oil rigs jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rigs in Houston, TX is $24.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $33.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oil rig?

Oil rigs are large structures or platforms used to extract oil and natural gas from beneath the Earth's surface, typically from beneath the ocean floor or underground reservoirs. They house equipment, machinery, and personnel necessary for drilling, extracting, and sometimes processing oil and gas. Oil rigs can be either onshore (located on land) or offshore (located at sea), with offshore rigs often being massive engineering feats. Working on oil rigs can involve challenging conditions, but these structures are essential to the global energy industry. There are various types of oil rigs, including drillships, jack-up rigs, and semi-submersible platforms.

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

To thrive as an Oil Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, safety awareness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling machinery, safety protocols, and certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are commonly required. Teamwork, strong communication, and adaptability to challenging environments are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity in the demanding and hazardous oil rig environment.

What are some common challenges faced when working on oil rigs, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Working on oil rigs often involves long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and living in remote locations away from family for extended periods. New employees should be prepared for a rigorous schedule, sometimes working 12-hour shifts for weeks at a time, and for adapting to a team-oriented environment where safety is paramount. Building physical stamina, developing strong communication skills, and taking safety training seriously can help new hires adjust more smoothly and succeed in this unique setting.

What is the difference between Oil Rigs vs Oil Rig Workers?

AspectOil RigsOil Rig Workers
CredentialsVaries by role, often includes safety certificationsSafety training, certifications like H2S, BOSIET
Work EnvironmentOffshore platforms, marine settingOnboard or offshore platform
Industry UsageStructures used for drilling and extractionPersonnel operating on the rigs

Oil rigs are the structures used for offshore drilling, while oil rig workers are the personnel operating and maintaining these structures. The rigs serve as the work environment, and workers perform various roles such as drilling, safety, and maintenance. Understanding the distinction helps clarify the roles within the oil extraction industry.

How do I get to work on an oil rig?

To work on an oil rig, candidates typically need relevant technical skills, safety certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and experience in the oil and gas industry. Job seekers often apply through industry-specific recruitment agencies or company websites and may need to relocate to port cities near offshore drilling sites. Physical fitness and the ability to work in remote, challenging environments are also important.

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Oil rig workers' salaries vary based on experience, role, and location, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually. Positions such as roustabouts and roughnecks often start at lower wages, while specialized roles like drillers and engineers earn higher pay, often with additional benefits and overtime pay due to the demanding environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rigs jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Oil Rigs jobs in Houston, TX are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Rigs jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Rigs jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Oil Rigs jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Oil Rigs job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Rigs job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,151 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Maintain and repair a variety of oilfield equipment including diesel engines, heavy trucks, workover rigs, pumping equipment, lifting equipment, and related components.

  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, diagnostics, inspections, repairs, and rebuilding of equipment either in a shop or on location.

  • Troubleshoot breakdowns, conduct routine maintenance, and ensure proper operation of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems.


Job description

***This job has preference to qualified local job seekers within 60 miles of our Axis Hull, TX facility.

The primary role of the equipment Mechanic is to maintain and repair a variety of equipment including diesel engines, heavy trucks, workover rigs, pumping equipment, lifting equipment, and other rig and drill-out oilfield related equipment. The equipment mechanic will also perform the following but not limited to preventive and corrective maintenance, failure analysis, diagnostics, repairs, inspections, assembling and rebuilding of components or equipment (i.e.: engines, power trains, hydraulics, fuel systems, power generation, electrical codes, etc.) either in a shop or on location, with or without supervision. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Maintains, diagnoses, and repairs a variety of equipment including but not limited to:

  • Diesel/gasoline engines
    • Cat
    • DDEC
    • MTU
    • Cummins
    • Perkins
    • Mack
  • Transmissions
    • Allison 4700ofs, 6000
  • Winches
    • Electric
    • Hydraulic
  • High pressure pumps
    • 0-3000psi
    • 0-5000psi
    • 0-10,000psi
  • Work over rigs
    • Late model and 300hp to 600hp
  • Centrifugal pumps
  • Air compressors
  • Pneumatic valve and system
  • Hydraulic systems
  • Mobile/overhead crane
  • Gear boxes
  • PTO’s
  • 12 and 24-volt electrical systems
  • Chassis and suspension
    •  Rims, tires, and wheel
  • Forklifts
  • Electro-mechanical equipment
  • Wellhead and supporting equipment
  • Other types of oilfield related equipment
  • Execute required procedures for preventative maintenance and appropriate inspections required by Axis and customer
  • Perform basic troubleshooting with electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
  • Repair and refurbish hydraulic power equipment
  • Install and/or replace new or reconditioned repair parts
  • Read and follow repair manual and perform repairs as listed in manuals
  • Read and interpret basic measuring equipment
  • Operate and maintain power equipment and lifting devices and follow-up with basic testing of equipment for proper operation
  • Order parts as necessary for equipment with prior approval
  • Troubleshoot breakdowns and issues on various types of oilfield well service equipment
  • Be prepared at all times for calls from operators for troubleshooting issues, either at the shop or at wellsite
  • Perform proper diagnosis based on troubleshooting on mechanical equipment
  • Conduct routine maintenance or repair work including engine and transmission overhaul or unit engine swings, involving cleaning and lubricating parts
  • Repair and maintain machinery and rotating equipment, such as motors, engines, mud pumps, drum brakes, draw works, swivels, laydown machines, high pressure fluid ends and power ends (frac pumps)
  • Solid experience in disassembly and reassembly of non-working equipment to like-new working conditions, followed by extensive safety and operational condition checks after distributed to the field
  • Ability to work as a team when working around the shop and field crews and assist other maintenance employees
  • Work will be in the shop or in field on rig and services equipment depending on work assignment
  • Complete proper paperwork as assigned

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent; Certification from trade or technical school in maintenance or Diesel repair highly preferred
  • Five (5) years or more solid and proven work experience on oil field equipment or similar field with diesel engines and hydraulics
  • Valid state-issued driver license; Class A or B license is preferred – a plus
  • Strong and proven hydraulic knowledge
  • Must have heavy experience in maintenance and repair on very complex hydraulic systems and know the difference between open loop and closed loop hydraulic equipment systems
  • Prefer knowledge with laptop-based software for troubleshooting such as CAT Electronic Technician, CUMMINS INSIGHT, ALLLISON TRANS, MACK TECH TOOL, DETROIT DDEC, and MTU
  • Would like to see experience with CAT C-15, Cat C-32, Detroit 14 liter, MTU 16v2000 tier 2 and tier 4, CM 850 Cummins Qsx 15, Allison 750 series, 4750 OFS, 6000, and 8000 series trans. Cotta drop boxes, Cooper right angle boxes, 224 twin disk Air clutches
  • Ability to demonstrate safe work habits and work well with others in a team environment
  • Work may be performed in all weather conditions
  • Ability to lift heavy equipment up to 75 lbs.
  • Ability to access the work environment by use of a ladder at heights of 50 ft. or more
  • Long periods of standing, squatting, kneeling, reaching or similar activities may be necessary
  • Able to perform duties with protective equipment, working near or with heavy tools and moving machinery
  • Mobility, including entering confined spaces, enter areas by the use of ladders or other access devices; ability to bend, stoop, twist, stand, squat, crawl and walk
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at once
  • Basic problem solving and organizational skills
  • Reliable telephone (cell phone) communication and transportation
  • Able to clear pre-employment drug/alcohol and job-relevant screens