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Rig Construction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pad Foreman oversees the assembly and installation of fabrication units on designated drilling pads, ensuring the rig construction process adheres to operational safety standards, maximizes ...

New

The Pad Foreman oversees the assembly and installation of fabrication units on designated drilling pads, ensuring the rig construction process adheres to operational safety standards, maximizes ...

New

Rig Welder

Byers, CO · On-site

$17/hr

Mears Group, Inc., a Quanta Services company, is a leader in the construction and infrastructure ... RIG WELDER We are looking to fill a Rig Welder position in Byers, CO. As a Rig Welder you will ...

Foundation Drill Rig Operator Company: HireNow StaffingHireNow Staffing is actively recruiting a ... Setting up, inspecting, and operating foundation drilling equipment for construction projects.

Rig Welder Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be ... We are consistently employing individuals in the Coal, Oil & Gas, Construction, Manufacturing and ...

Join the skilled team at Evers & Sons Inc., a leader with over 40 years in the construction and energy sectors. We are seeking experienced Rig Welders for field work in the Pecos, Texas area. This ...

The Buyer 2 - Steel & Fabrication is responsible for managing procurement and material flow for steel and critical fabrication components supporting the Rig Construction and Special Projects teams.

The Buyer 2 - Steel & Fabrication is responsible for managing procurement and material flow for steel and critical fabrication components supporting the Rig Construction and Special Projects teams.

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Rig Construction information

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$68K

$127.3K

$192.5K

How much do rig construction jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rig construction in the United States is $127,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

In rig construction and related fields, roles such as equipment operators, welders, and general laborers can earn around $3,000 monthly with on-the-job training or certifications rather than a degree. These jobs often require physical skills, safety training, and experience working in industrial or construction environments.

How much do the Rigs pay?

Rig construction workers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Overtime, certifications, and specialized skills can increase earning potential in this field.

How much do drilling rigs pay?

Drilling rig workers, such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and drillers, typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Skilled positions like drillers and toolpushers tend to have higher pay, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay, especially in remote or challenging environments.

What is the difference between Rig Construction vs Rig Maintenance?

AspectRig ConstructionRig Maintenance
CredentialsCertifications in welding, rigging, safetyCertifications in mechanical, electrical, safety
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, new rig assemblyOn-site repairs, inspections, ongoing upkeep
Industry UsageBuilding new drilling rigsMaintaining and repairing existing rigs

Rig Construction involves building new drilling rigs from the ground up, requiring skills in welding, assembly, and safety certifications. Rig Maintenance focuses on repairing, inspecting, and maintaining existing rigs to ensure operational safety and efficiency. While both roles require technical skills and safety training, construction is about creating new infrastructure, whereas maintenance ensures the longevity and proper functioning of rigs already in use.

What are the typical safety challenges encountered in a rig construction role, and how are they addressed on-site?

Safety is a primary concern in rig construction due to the demanding physical environment and use of heavy equipment. Common challenges include working at heights, handling hazardous materials, and operating in extreme weather conditions. To mitigate risks, rigorous safety protocols are enforced, such as mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), regular safety drills, and comprehensive training on emergency procedures. Team members are also encouraged to communicate openly about hazards and participate in ongoing safety meetings to maintain a culture of vigilance and care.

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

To thrive in Rig Construction, you need a solid understanding of construction techniques, mechanical aptitude, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant trade certifications or experience. Familiarity with heavy machinery, power tools, and safety management systems like OSHA standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in demanding, collaborative environments. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality rig building in often challenging and hazardous conditions.

What is rig construction?

Rig construction refers to the process of building and assembling drilling rigs, which are large structures used to drill wells for extracting oil, gas, or other subsurface resources. This process involves fabricating and integrating various components such as derricks, substructures, drilling equipment, and support systems. Rig construction can take place onshore or offshore, and requires collaboration between engineers, welders, electricians, and other skilled workers to ensure the rig is safe and operational. The complexity and scale of rig construction projects can vary depending on the type and location of the rig being built.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In rig construction, high-paying roles such as experienced rig managers, project supervisors, or specialized technicians can earn around $4,000 or more weekly, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require technical skills, safety training, and on-site experience but may not always require a college degree.
More about Rig Construction jobs
What cities are hiring for Rig Construction jobs? Cities with the most Rig Construction job openings:
Infographic showing various Rig Construction job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,291 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Foreman Pad Crew PDC

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

The Pad Foreman oversees the assembly and installation of fabrication units on designated drilling

pads, ensuring the rig construction process adheres to operational safety standards, maximizes 

efficiency, and complies with all regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Pad Foreman ensures crew 

members have the necessary tools and supplies while supervising the execution of rig-up and rig-down 

activities in strict accordance with drawings, specifications, and quality standards, all within the established construction timelines.

Detailed Description: 

  • Ensure crew members have appropriate tools and supplies needed to perform rig up and rig down activities
  • Prepares and monitors the pad crew work schedule ensuring that sufficient coverage for each shift is available, and that work is completed in accordance with the set timelines.
  • Plans and coordinates job procedures with pad crewmembers on tasks as needed.
  • Supports other crew members as needed, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, and assist with other tasks
  • Ability to take directions and give feedback to team members regarding shared work performance in a respectful and constructive manner. 
  • Guide pad crew members, third party contractors, crane operators, and others as required
  • Lead pre- and post-tour meetings to coordinate tasks with the pad crew, emphasizing safety and potential hazards before starting the job.
  • Proactively work with other departments to ensures all new hires are assigned mentors and complete HSE trainings and checklists, while also supporting other Pad Crew team members as needed, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, and assisting with additional tasks.
  • Provide training, on-the-job instruction, and daily guidance to Pad Crew.
  • Ensure that the Internal Test Procedure documents are completed signed off and given to the appropriate parties for uploading into the system.
  • Prepares required inspection and construction reports and completes all required job safety analysis forms.
  • Responsible for ensuring the Commissioning Book and or ITP is fully completed with accuracy and all required signatures obtained before the final check by the leadership team.
  • Work with the supervisors to complete PTW work, Pre Mast raise inspections and other rig inspections as required to complete the work necessary to meet company's contractual obligations.
  • Oversees daily work plans under the instruction of a Pad Supervisor for rig crews to complete the installation of components and conducts and documents the final check of installation works.
  • Review and promote the completion of Time Out for Safety (TOS) performed by pad crew members and other site personnel to identify risks and immediately provide recommendations and input to revise safety processes
  • Ensures all tools minus simple end wrenches are kept in the RUY shop tool room where they can be logged in and out by the tool program.
  • Ensures execution of all rig-up and rig-down work is done in accordance with drawings, specifications, and quality requirements
  • Oversees the assembly and installation of fabrication units for each designated drilling pad, managing operational safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance of the rig construction operation.
  • Ensures that all equipment is parked in the designated areas and that the keys are accounted for on the equipment keyboard.
  • Partner with the equipment operators to ensure inspections are done on equipment prior to equipment being utilized for work.
  • Inspects all work related to the construction and structure of the rig unit.
  • All other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements: 

  • Strong understanding of Rig-up Yard operational processes and the ability to read, comprehend, and execute rig-up and rig-down instructions.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including time management, delegation, prioritization, and multitasking.
  • Ability to take direction, provide feedback, maintain confidentiality, and communicate effectively in English- both verbally and in writing- with team members, third parties, and customer representatives.
  • Capable of guiding, motivating, and collaborating with crew members, third-party contractors, crane operators, and management in a safe, respectful, and productive manner.
  • Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including:
  • Climbing heights and working in various weather conditions (hot/cold).
  • Lifting heavy objects (50-100 lbs.), bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, and crawling as needed.
  • Strong situational awareness and spatial orientation to safely navigate high-activity environments, including:
  • Monitoring work activities, judging distances, and listening for unusual equipment noises. Remaining focused and alert, even during extended work periods.
  • Maintain required certifications, including Forklift, Manlift, CPR, and AED.
  • Perform job-related mathematical calculations (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals).
  • Valid certifications in Hot Weather Safety, Confined Space, Forklift, Man Lift, and Fire Extinguisher Safety (for internal employees).

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience working in Rig Construction or working on Land Drilling rigs 
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in a leadership or mentorship role.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Prior experience serving as a Pad Foreman or Assistant Pad Foreman on rig construction projects.

Additional Details:

This position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including

precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. Incumbents in this role must be able to effectively navigate across work sites with continuous walking, climbing, stepping, and some standing, etc. during normal operating conditions (outdoor hot/cold weather).


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