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Oil Roughneck Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Ability to read and have a basic ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Ability to read and have a basic ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe ... as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines * Assist Derrickhand with watching and ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe ... as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines * Assist Derrickhand with watching and ...

Oil Roughneck information

See Colorado salary details

$11

$16

$23

How much do oil roughneck jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil roughneck in Colorado is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by oil roughnecks on drilling sites?

Oil roughnecks often encounter physically demanding work and exposure to harsh weather conditions, as drilling sites operate around the clock in remote or extreme environments. Adapting to long shifts, maintaining safety protocols, and working cohesively with a diverse crew are key challenges. Additionally, roughnecks must quickly learn to operate heavy machinery and respond calmly to unexpected situations to ensure both personal safety and the smooth operation of the drilling process.

What are oil roughnecks?

Oil roughnecks are workers on oil rigs responsible for a variety of physically demanding tasks, including drilling, maintaining equipment, and handling drilling fluids. They work as part of the drilling crew under the supervision of a driller or rig manager. The job often involves long hours, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Roughnecks play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of oil drilling activities.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Oil roughneck positions can pay around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and overtime in the oilfield industry. These jobs typically require physical stamina, technical skills, and safety certifications but do not usually require a college degree. High-paying roles in construction, specialized trades, or certain sales positions may also reach this income level without a degree.

How much do oil roughnecks make?

Oil roughnecks typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working in offshore environments earning higher wages. Compensation often includes overtime pay, hazard pay, and benefits, reflecting the physically demanding and risky nature of the job.

Can you make 200k in the oil field?

Oil roughnecks can potentially earn $200,000 annually with experience, overtime, and working in high-paying regions or on specialized projects. However, starting salaries are typically lower, and reaching that level often requires years of experience, physical endurance, and working long shifts in demanding environments.

What is the difference between Oil Roughneck vs Drilling Rig Worker?

AspectOil RoughneckDrilling Rig Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sitesOffshore/onshore drilling sites
Job RoleAssists in drilling operations, handling equipmentSupports drilling activities, equipment maintenance
Industry UsageOil and gas extractionOil and gas extraction

Oil Roughnecks and Drilling Rig Workers often perform similar tasks in drilling operations, with overlapping credentials and work environments. The term 'Oil Roughneck' is more specific to the hands-on, physically demanding roles on drilling sites, while 'Drilling Rig Worker' can encompass a broader range of support roles. Both positions are essential in the oil and gas industry, focusing on operational support and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oil Roughneck, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Roughneck, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by safety and rig operation training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety harnesses, and sometimes certifications like H2S Alive or Basic Safety Orientation are typical requirements. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to follow safety protocols set successful roughnecks apart. These competencies are crucial for maintaining efficient operations and ensuring safety in the demanding and hazardous oilfield environment.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the oil industry, senior roles such as offshore drilling supervisors or company executives can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often including bonuses or profit sharing. These high-paying positions typically require advanced certifications, leadership abilities, and work in challenging environments. Most roles at this level are found in executive management or specialized technical positions within the industry.
What are popular job titles related to Oil Roughneck jobs in Colorado? For Oil Roughneck jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Roughneck jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Roughneck jobs in Colorado are:
Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO • On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 75 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of equipment service and maintenance activities. Activities include servicing, repairing, adjusting, inspecting and testing equipment, documenting equipment condition and maintenance activities. Additional duties include training and mentoring other technicians and rig crews on operational level maintenance, coordinating maintenance related projects on rigs, and providing appropriate feedback to the job site manager and maintenance management team.
Detailed Description:
  • Plan appropriately to drive extended distances to rig locations and perform maintenance duties

  • Basic diagnostic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical faults and plan coordination for the repair of the system(s)

  • Assist in training operational crews and assistant technicians in preventative maintenance checks and services, including how to properly implement and conduct basic and intermediate repairs

  • Assist in maintenance related projects on the rig with the rig crew or 3rd party support

  • Assist with repairs identified during the technical level inspections

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, MudPump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections

  • Ability to read and have a basic understanding of schematics (electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic)

  • Effectively utilize multimeter to detect voltages and current in basic electrical and electric over hydraulic circuits

  • Effectively wire circuitry and plugs ranging from 4 milliamps to 480 volts

  • Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing feeler gauges, dial indicators and other specific tools to perform inspections

  • Utilize Cat ET, Waukesha, and other programming platforms to perform engine diagnostics

  • Effectively install, test, and set hydraulic pressures utilizing a hydraulic pressure testing kit

  • Effectively identify and change filters in equipment

  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize a torque wrench and torque multiplier to appropriately torque connections

  • Perform trouble shooting and problem-solving on assigned equipment and assets

  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrate ability to successfully complete all duties and required trainings of a Field Maintenance Assistant Technician

  • Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)

  • Ability to travel to visit drilling rig work sites and support business units in all areas as assigned; requiring extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area

  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English

  • Knowledge of, ability and experience troubleshooting and repairing complex problems on multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment and systems

  • Possess mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and/or control system skills

  • Possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office

  • Ability to demonstrate proficiency in using maintenance software, updating and properly closing work orders

  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces

  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl during visits to field and operational work areas

  • Frequently use a variety of hand and power tools to perform a range of mechanically oriented functions including independent use of heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools

  • Ability to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties

  • Ability to listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems

  • Ability to accurately recall information over short and long-term memory

  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects

  • Stay alert and focused during occasional extended work periods

  • Ability to immediately respond to emergency situations

  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection

  • Ability to work a rotational schedule that can include days or nights as well as weekends, holidays, and be on call after hours

  • Demonstrate basic math skills

  • Possess strong interpersonal skills including ability to interact productively with coworkers and third parties; working closely with others under deadlines including time-sensitive response situations

  • Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary

  • Attend and successfully complete all additional training courses, certification courses and related work, as assigned

  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties

  • Ability to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Level 1

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Two (2) years stable related work history in field maintenance or one (1) year of troubleshooting and repair related experience and successful completion of related vocational training

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

  • Level 2

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Three (3) years stable related work history in field maintenance or two (2) years history in troubleshooting and repair of drilling rig equipment (drawworks, mud pumps, top drive systems, or related electrical systems) and successful completion of advanced education in a relevant vocational field

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

  • Level 3

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Four (4) years of field maintenance experience (additional years of experience may serve in lieu of advanced education) including a minimum two (2) years of experience working with: electrical control systems and/or repair and preventative equipment maintenance of oilfield equipment or related

  • Technical or vocational training or related experience on a variety of control and power systems and mechanical equipment

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2 years of Patterson-UTI field-based experience

  • Related OEM training

  • Experience working with Omron, Amphion, or Current Power Control systems, or related electrical control systems

  • Experience with equipment maintenance to include: Caterpillar 3512 series engines, Waukesha L7044 Series engines, Alta DW, F-1600 mud pumps, Forum Catwalk, GD800 DW, ST-80, Rotary Table, Hydraulics, TDS 11 Top Drive, ADS-10 SD DW, DSDG 375 DW, or related

  • Experience with: Omron, Amphion, Current Power, Siemens, Function Block, Allen Bradley, ABB Drives, Woodward Easy Gen Controls, Yaskawa Drives, or other related electrical equipment

  • Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role in the oil and natural gas industry or related field

Rate of Pay: Starting at $27.30/hr.
This role is classified as Hourly
The role is eligible to receive per diem
This role may be eligible for a cell phone allowance
At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program. In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy
The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.

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