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Rig Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

WELL WERKS ENERGY LLC

Rig Up Hand

Towanda, PA · On-site

A Rig Up Hand will assist with safely and efficiently rigging-up/rigging-down various jobs on location, loading/unloading trailers with necessary equipment and supplies, and cleaning, maintaining and ...

WELL WERKS ENERGY LLC

Rig Up Hand

El Reno, OK · On-site

A Rig Up Hand will assist with safely and efficiently rigging-up/rigging-down various jobs on location, loading/unloading trailers with necessary equipment and supplies, and cleaning, maintaining and ...

WELL WERKS ENERGY LLC

Rig Up Hand

Brownsboro, TX · On-site

A Rig Up Hand will assist with safely and efficiently rigging-up/rigging-down various jobs on location, loading/unloading trailers with necessary equipment and supplies, and cleaning, maintaining and ...

FLARE ENERGY SERVICES LLC

Rig Up Hand

Monahans, TX · On-site

Duties & Responsibilities: * Assist with rig up/down operations * Unload equipment on location * Perform maintenance and repair work in the field and yard * Prepare, maintain, and clean equipment

Flare Energy Services LLC

Rig Up Hand

Monahans, TX · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Duties & Responsibilities: * Assist with rig up/down operations * Unload equipment on location * Perform maintenance and repair work in the field and yard * Prepare, maintain, and clean equipment

Killam Oil Co LTD

Workover Rig Derrickman

Freer, TX · On-site

Inspect and clean tools and equipment used on the rig floor and derrick. * Assist in the rig-up and ... Excellent spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. * Ability to work independently and in a ...

Killam Oil Co LTD

Workover Rig Derrickman

Freer, TX · On-site

Inspect and clean tools and equipment used on the rig floor and derrick. * Assist in the rig-up and ... Excellent spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. * Ability to work independently and in a ...

Killam Companies

Workover Rig Derrickman

Freer, TX · On-site

Inspect and clean tools and equipment used on the rig floor and derrick. * Assist in the rig-up and ... Excellent spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. * Ability to work independently and in a ...

Killam Apartment Reit

Workover Rig Derrickman

Freer, TX · On-site

Inspect and clean tools and equipment used on the rig floor and derrick. * Assist in the rig-up and ... Excellent spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. * Ability to work independently and in a ...

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How much do rig hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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Rig Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rig Hand job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, 83% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,272 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Swab Rig Hand

Kimble Recycling and Disposal Inc.

Dover, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

  • Hiring Location 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 energy, materials, recycling, and solid waste industries. We are a dedicated team of seasoned professionals who care about our clients, the environment, safety, our families, and our co-workers. At Kimble we strive for perfection in everything that we do.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be physically fit and able to climb and work at heights.
  • Ability to do physical labor for long hours in all types of weather.
  • Ability to work outside in all types of weather.
  • Ability to lift in excess of 75 pounds.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Ability to pass our background check and drug screen.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable under our company policy, must be 21 years of age.

Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Assist in the operation of swabbing equipment in the removal of wellbores.
  • Assist with the installation and removal of swabbing units as needed.
  • Drive to and from various work locations.
  • Assist in the loading and off-loading of materials from the truck to the rig.
  • Responsible for keeping worksite, equipment and tools clean and in good working order.
  • Regular attendance consistent with the Company Attendance Policy.
  • All other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits:
  • 401(k) retirement plan with match
  • Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Health care and dependent care spending accounts (FSA)
  • Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Employee Discount Program

Schedule: Day shift | Monday to Friday | Overtime | Weekends as needed
Kimble Recycling & Disposal, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, age, military/veteran status or genetic information or any other status protected by law.

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