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Rig Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Garden City, KS · On-site

Rig Hand Summary: Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the rig. Responsibilities: * Performs general maintenance of drilling and associated equipment. * Loads ...

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

Rig Hand Summary Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the rig. Responsibilities * Performs general maintenance of drilling and associated equipment. * Loads ...

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Sunray, TX · On-site

Rig Hand Summary Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the rig. Responsibilities * Performs general maintenance of drilling and associated equipment. * Loads ...

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Buda, TX · On-site

Rig Hand Summary Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the rig. Responsibilities * Performs general maintenance of drilling and associated equipment. * Loads ...

Hydro Resources Holding

Rig Hand

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

$17 - $26/hr

Rig Hand Summary Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the rig. Responsibilities Include but not limited to: * • Competent with rig and all equipment • ...

Kimble

Swab Rig Hand

Dover, OH

This position will be assisting an operator in all aspects of swab rig operation. About us: Kimble Company is locally owned and operated by the Kimble Family, with over 70 years of experience in the ...

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$7

$26

$46

How much do rig hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for rig hand in the United States is $26.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rig Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rig Hand, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rigging equipment, safety protocols, and certifications like H2S Alive or First Aid are commonly required. Teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic are valuable soft skills in this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability on an oil or gas drilling site.

What Is a Rig Hand?

A rig hand or roughneck is a worker on an oil rig. The term rig hand describes various jobs working on an oil rig. In this career, you are usually responsible for maintaining the drilling rig and equipment on the rig. However, your exact duties depend on the specific position. The lowest position in the rig hierarchy is the leasehand. In this role, you perform general maintenance service on the drilling rig. The next level is the floorhand, who assists in setting up and tearing down the drilling operation. In this position, you are in charge of handling pipe, drilling tools, and other necessary materials on the rig. The next three roles, the motorhand, derrickhand, and driller, are advancement tiers of the rig tech. Their responsibilities include maintaining the rig’s engines, monitoring the drill systems, and manning the drill.

What is the difference between Rig Hand vs Drilling Operator?

AspectRig HandDrilling Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore oil rigs, field sitesOffshore/onshore drilling sites, oil rigs
Employer & IndustryOil & gas companies, drilling contractorsOil & gas companies, drilling contractors
Job FocusAssisting with rig operations, equipment handlingOperating drilling equipment, managing drilling processes

While both Rig Hands and Drilling Operators work on oil rigs and in drilling environments, Rig Hands primarily assist with rig operations and equipment handling, whereas Drilling Operators operate and manage the drilling machinery. The roles often overlap, but Drilling Operators typically require more technical training and have a greater focus on operating complex equipment.

What are rig hands?

Rig hands, also known as roughnecks, are entry-level workers who perform manual labor on oil and gas drilling rigs. Their responsibilities include maintaining equipment, assisting with drilling operations, cleaning the rig, and handling tools and materials. Rig hands work long hours in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous conditions, often in remote locations. This position is critical to the smooth and safe operation of drilling activities.

What are some typical challenges a Rig Hand faces during their shift, and how can they best prepare for them?

Rig Hands often work long hours in physically demanding and sometimes harsh outdoor environments. Common challenges include handling heavy equipment, maintaining safety protocols in unpredictable weather, and quickly adapting to the fast pace of drilling operations. To prepare, it’s important to maintain good physical fitness, stay well-rested, and familiarize yourself thoroughly with safety procedures. Being proactive in communication and teamwork also helps address issues quickly and keeps operations running smoothly.
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Rig Hand jobs near you

Rig Hand

Hydro Resources Holding

Garden City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Rig Hand

Summary:

Part of the crew responsible for the maintenance and day to day operation of the rig.

Responsibilities:

  • Performs general maintenance of drilling and associated equipment.
  • Loads and off-loads pipe and assists in rig movement.
  • Checks dies in slips and tongs and all safety equipment to verify condition.
  • Responds to emergency situations.
  • Trips pipe – uses slips, tongs and elevators.
  • Perform service maintenance on rigs.
  • Follow all safety requirements.
  • Assists in running casing and tubing as directed.
  • Assists in catching samples and managing mud properties as directed.
  • Clean and maintain work sites, shop and yard areas.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge and skill requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Requires willingness to work a flexible schedule.
  • Good driving record.
  • Class A CDL required, tanker endorsement preferred.
  • Valid driver's license and must pass DOT physical.

Benefits:

    • 401(k) matching
    • Dental Insurance
    • Flexible Spending Account
    • Medical Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Short Term Disability
    • Long Term Disability
    • Paid Time Off
    • Referral Program

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled, E-Verify Employer

As part of the pre-employment hiring process at Hydro Resources Holding, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all candidates will be required to undergo background check and drug screening.

External Company URL: Hydro Resources | Groundwater Exploration and Production (https://hydroresources.com/)