1

Rig Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

Become a part of a crew on a Well Service Rig. The rig crew is responsible for performing services on oil and gas wells. Duties include rigging up and rigging down the rig, pulling tubing and rods ...

New

Be Seen First

Become a part of a crew on a Well Service Rig. The rig crew is responsible for performing services on oil and gas wells. Duties include rigging up and rigging down the rig, pulling tubing and rods ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Rig Hand information

See salary details

$7

$26

$46

How much do rig hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 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.
What cities are hiring for Rig Hand jobs? Cities with the most Rig Hand job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Rig Hand jobs? The top employers for Rig Hand jobs are:
What states have the most Rig Hand jobs? States with the most job openings for Rig Hand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rig Hand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rig Hand jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Rig Hand jobs? For Rig Hand jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: 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 rebuilding equipment in the field as well as in the yard. A Rig-Up Hand (Non-CDL) will not operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle for the company.

This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Abides by all Well Werks Energy Safety and Operational Policies and Procedures. Must understand and comply with all safety rules and company policies.
  • Must abide by all Customer Safety policies and procedures while on customers job site.
  • Installs, repairs, removes and maintains various company tools and equipment, and exhibit proficiency within a six month period.
  • Work in the shop/yard testing, repairing, cleaning, painting, and maintaining equipment and parts as needed.
  • Assists in pre-job safety meetings to include review of job safety analysis (JSA) process.
  • Maintains open lines of communication with District Manager and various customers before, during and after job completion. Ensures management is appropriately informed of area activities and attends meetings as required.
  • Ensure all necessary equipment & supplies are loaded/staged in order to be at job site when scheduled.
  • Prepare paperwork including, but not limited to, DVIR, JSA, Rig-Up & Rig-Down Sheets, Job Checklist, and Loadout Forms.
  • Assist in maintenance of Equipment, vehicles and trailers in the Field and on location
  • Follow all procedures/polices on rig ups and rig downs
  • Must be able to receive certifications to operate forklifts. Telehandlers, man lifts, and other necessary equipment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

SPECIALIZED DUTIES BY LEVEL:

  • Level I (6 months minimum or cumulative 1 year previous experience):
    • Learn functions and mechanic of the equipment used in the multiple services provided in Well Testing to include safety systems, pumps, valves, rigging mechanisms, pressure testing equipment, 1502 iron, plug valves, plug valve manifolds, plug catchers/part catchers, sand traps, test separators, flare stacks, generators, pumps/filter pods, compressors SandX tanks, Superloops, DeSanders, hydraulics and combustors.
    • Learn to tear down and reassemble gate valves, plug valves, dump valves, back pressure valves, and pilots.
    • Learn to communicate with managers, Service Company, third party monitors and company personnel on location.
    • Learn to troubleshoot and replace malfunctioning parts on company equipment as well as on completion and production equipment as needed.
    • Learn to maintain equipment repair logs as needed.
    • Learn SOP processes and work instructions for the multiple services provided in the Well Testing Product Line per specific district.
    • Learn to communicate with operator representatives on reports/paperwork including but not limited to damage reports, invoices, equipment tracking, etc.
  • Level II (12 months minimum or cumulative 1-2 years' previous experience):
    • Must be able to tear down and reassemble gate valves, plug valves, dump valves, back pressure valves, and pilots.
    • Must be able to communicate with managers, Service Company, third party monitors and company personnel on location.
    • Must be able to troubleshoot and replace any/all malfunctioning parts on location as needed.
    • Must be able to maintain equipment repair logs as needed.
    • Knowledgeable on the SOP processes and work instructions for the multiple services provided in the Well Testing Product Line per specific district.
    • Must be able to communicate with operator representatives on reports/paperwork including but not limited to damage reports, invoices, equipment tracking, etc.
    • Training and mentoring Level I Rig Up Hands.
    • Learn the operation procedures, processes and materials used by the various service companies on location.
    • Learn to rig-up, operate, and troubleshoot multi-well ESD systems.
  • Level III (18 months minimum or cumulative 2-4 years' previous experience):
    • Learn functions and mechanic of the SandX tanks, Superloops, DeSanders, and hydraulics.
    • Learn to document any and all necessary repairs/maintenance on equipment and communicate with Yard Manager.
    • Proficient on the SOP processes and work instructions for the multiple services provided in the Well Testing Product Line per specific district.
    • Training and mentoring Level I & II Rig Up Hands.
    • Knowledgeable of the operation procedures, processes and materials used by the various service companies on location.
    • Must be able to rig-up, operate, and troubleshoot multi-well ESD systems, and assist with coordination of all equipment and crew during rig-up and rig-down.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Must be able to travel an extensive amount of days; be on call 24/7 and be able to work across state lines
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating, and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Must be proficient with a computer/laptop including Company applications (iScout, UKG Pro, etc.).
  • Ability to work and drive-in all-weather conditions.
  • Ability to operate hand tools.
  • Basic math skills.
  • Must have mechanical abilities.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
  • Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
  • Familiar with tools and equipment utilized by company, preferred.
  • A High School Diploma or General Education Degree GED preferred
  • One plus years' experience in oilfield work, or related field preferred
  • Must be able to travel for extensive amount of days and be on call 24/7.
  • Class A or B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) preferred, but not required
  • Must maintain a safe driving record as prescribed by company policy.
  • Must successfully pass pre- and post-employment drug and alcohol tests per company policy.
  • Must be able to perform each essential duty to assigned standards. The requirements listed are representative of knowledge, skill, and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
  • Ability to meet qualifications to drive per company standards and policies; if required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to frequently lift and move materials up to 75 pounds or less unassisted. Anything 76 lbs. or more requires mechanical assistance or a team lift.
  • Requires pushing and pulling up to 140 pounds of force, bending, standing, kneeling, carrying, sitting, climbing for extended periods of time each day.
  • Must be able to swing 8-10 pound hammer repetitively.
  • Requires appropriate PPE to be worn; safety glasses, steel toe boots, ear plugs etc....
  • Requires exposure to moderate noise levels.
  • Exposure to warm, hot and cold temperatures.
  • May be required to be clean shaven.