1

Oil Roughneck Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the drilling activities and equipment. 11.

... the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the drilling activities and equipment. 11.

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Oil Roughneck information

See Texas salary details

$9

$14

$20

How much do oil roughneck jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil roughneck in Texas is $14.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are 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.

Do the oil roughnecks get paid?

Oil roughnecks are typically paid hourly or daily wages, with salaries often ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually depending on experience and location. They usually work long shifts, such as 12-hour days, and may receive additional compensation for overtime, hazards, or certifications like H2S safety training.

What is an oil roughneck?

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.

How much do oil roughnecks make?

Oil roughnecks typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working in high-cost regions earning higher wages. Overtime, shift differentials, and hazard pay can increase total compensation, and the job often requires physical stamina and safety certifications.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an oil roughneck?

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 are popular job titles related to Oil Roughneck jobs in Texas?

For Oil Roughneck jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Oil Roughneck jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Oil Roughneck job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Roughneck job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,351 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

1. Meet and communicate with his superiors and give them updates.
2. Adhere to environmental norms and government policies in order to maintain the ecological balance.
3. Manage the set up and take down.
4. Coordinate between different crews.
5. Assist in setting up, taking down and transporting drilling and service rigs and service equipment.
6. Handle, sort and move drill tools, pipe, cement and other materials.
7. Maintain drilling equipment on the drill floor.
8. Manipulate sections of pipe or drill stem at the rig floor during drilling.
9. Ensure the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment.
10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the drilling activities and equipment.
11. Provides leadership and ensures safety training and practices.
12. Resolves disputes and helps in solving personnel and operational issues.
13. Abstract, interpret, input, and analyze information on leases, amendments, assignments, and other legal documents in accordance with departmental procedures.
14. Ensure that all applicable bills are prepared in accordance with lease terms.
15. Determine appropriate charge types, as well as various calculation methods for charges.
16. Charge types determine general ledger posting.