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Oil Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK · On-site

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK

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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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How much do oil roughneck jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil roughneck in the United States is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

Do the oil roughnecks get paid?

Oil roughnecks are typically paid hourly wages or salaries, with pay rates varying based on experience, location, and company. They often work long shifts in challenging environments and may receive additional compensation such as overtime or hazard pay.

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.
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What states have the most Oil Roughneck jobs?

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Oil Roughneck jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Roughneck job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,578 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Floorhand - Oklahoma

Patterson-UTI

El Reno, OK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Detailed Description:
  • Lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person frequently during the tour work shift
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Clean and general upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe
  • Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist with general assembly and maintenance and help prepare new location
  • Regularly check rig and equipment for any problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
  • Assist with inspecting, slipping and cutting drilling line
  • Responsible for picking up and laying down tubulars, attaching or detaching pick- up lines, and the hook up and tear out of flare and degasser lines
  • Assist Motorhand with preventative maintenance and repairs of equipment and motors, pipe, and off-loading materials as well as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines
  • Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps
  • 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
  • Inspect safety equipment and PPE for wear and replacing as needed
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Support other crew members by carrying supplies, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description
Job Requirements:
  • Ability to stand and walk for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
  • Prior experience or ability to use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Ability to safely lift and carry 50 pounds independently and repetitively climb steep stairs
  • 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
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Able to have accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Able to work closely with others in the confined area of the drilling rig and may live together in crew quarters
  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able 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:
  • One (1) year of stable work history
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Six (6) months stable related work history (e.g., farming, ranching, construction, heavy equipment or other trade) or military service
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Additional Details:
This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80° to low 100° with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20°. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as - 40°.

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