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Rig Operator Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drill Rig Operator

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$27 - $42/hr

Lead Drill Rig Operator - Lead Strategic Drilled Shaft Installation Projects Job Overview * Company ... Salary/Pay Rate: $27 to $42 per hour (Based on experience) plus Overtime and Performance Bonuses.

Salary: $27 to $42 per hour (Based on experience) plus Overtime and Performance Bonuses. Job ... Proven experience as a Drill Rig Operator with a strong technical background in drilled shaft ...

Salary: $27 to $42 per hour (Based on experience) plus Overtime and Performance Bonuses. Job ... Proven experience as a Drill Rig Operator with a strong technical background in drilled shaft ...

Job Overview * Salary/Pay Rate: $27 to $42 per hour (Based on experience) plus Overtime and ... Proven experience as a Drill Rig Operator with a strong technical background in drilled shaft ...

Salary: $27 to $42 per hour (Based on experience) plus Overtime and Performance Bonuses. Job ... Proven experience as a Drill Rig Operator with a strong technical background in drilled shaft ...

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Rig Operator Salary information

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How much do rig operator salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for rig operator salary in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.41 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do oil rig operators make?

Oil rig operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore or in hazardous environments earning higher wages. Compensation often includes shift differentials, overtime pay, and benefits due to the demanding nature of the job and the use of specialized equipment and safety protocols.

Can you make 200k in the oil field?

Rig operators in the oil field can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with experience, overtime, and working in high-demand regions. Achieving this salary often requires specialized skills, certifications, and working long or irregular hours. Top earners may also hold supervisory or senior positions within the industry.

What is the highest paying oil rig job?

The highest paying oil rig job is typically that of a Drilling Engineer or a Toolpusher, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience in managing drilling operations and equipment. Specialized positions such as Offshore Installation Managers also command high salaries due to their leadership responsibilities and demanding schedules.

What is the difference between Rig Operator Salary vs Drilling Technician Salary?

AspectRig Operator SalaryDrilling Technician Salary
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sitesOffshore/onshore drilling sites
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, drilling companiesOil & gas exploration, drilling companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The salary of a Rig Operator typically involves on-the-job training and is comparable to that of a Drilling Technician, as both roles work in similar environments within the oil and gas industry. While salaries can vary based on experience and location, they generally fall within similar ranges, making these roles closely related in terms of compensation and job functions.

How much does a drill rig operator earn?

A drill rig operator's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy machinery can earn higher wages, especially in remote or high-demand areas.
More about Rig Operator Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Rig Operator Salary jobs? Cities with the most Rig Operator Salary job openings:
What states have the most Rig Operator Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Rig Operator Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rig Operator Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rig Operator Salary jobs are:
Infographic showing various Rig Operator Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Drill Rig Operator / Trainee 1 / Trainee 2

Drill Rig Operator / Trainee 1 / Trainee 2

New York State

Latham, NY • On-site

$51K - $70K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Duties Description: As a Drill Rig Operator Trainee, the candidate may, under the supervision of a Drill Rig Operator: obtain soil and rock samples for engineering purposes; record sample blow counts during progression of the borehole; progress borehole by means of hollow stem auger, mud rotary, drilled-in casing, driven casing, or rock coring; measure drill tools and measure and record depth to water and thickness of geological strata; prepare field drill log and maintain productivity and equipment records; drive drilling equipment and support vehicles to borehole site and set up drilling equipment; manually drill hand auger holes, probes, and test pits; operate bulldozers, pumps, and grout mixers; set up maintenance and traffic protection; perform traffic flagging; perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on all drilling equipment; train Drill Rig Operator Trainees and laborers; and supervise the drill crew in the absence of the Drill Rig Operator. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations. Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: This is a two-year traineeship that allows the successful candidate to start at the salary level appropriate for the candidate's work experience.

All levels require frequent and independent statewide travel from a Region 1 (Latham) base. Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1, NS=Grade 9 Non-Competitive: Candidate must possess a valid New York State Class D driver's license and be able to pass a medical and physical examination demonstrating the ability to perform physical labor prior to permanent appointment. Special requirement: Candidate must acquire a New York State Class B commercial driver's license permit by six months into the traineeship.

Drill Rig Operator Trainee 2, NS=Grade 11 Non-Competitive: Candidate must have one year of experience working as a driller's helper in an organization that does geotechnical drilling; possess a valid New York State Class B commercial driver's license without air-brake restriction; must pass a medical and physical examination demonstrating ability to perform physical labor and, within 30 calendar days of hire, must satisfactorily demonstrate ability to meet Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1 drilling skills and pump operation, and have acceptable knowledge of safety, traffic control, and drill tool identification. Special requirement: Candidate must acquire a New York State Class A commercial driver's license by six months into the traineeship. Drill Rig Operator (SG-12) Non-Competitive: Candidate must have two years of experience assisting in the operation of drilling equipment used for acquiring samples of rock, soil, and pavement, and measuring ground water as part of subsurface exploration for geotechnical engineering purposes; possess a valid Class A commercial driver's license without air-brake restriction; must pass a medical examination demonstrating ability to perform heavy physical labor and drilling and within 30 calendar days of hire, must satisfactorily demonstrate ability to meet Drill Rig Operator Trainee 2 drilling and safety skills, know visual soil identification, and complete introduction to instrumentation; and within six months of hire, must complete 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training to identify and deal with hazardous material.

Failure to demonstrate required skill level within 30 calendar days would mandate appointment at the Drill Rig Operator Trainee 2 or Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1 level, as appropriate. Additional Comments Additional Information The starting salary for this position is $51,641. This amount is comprised of the base hiring salary of $42,641 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location.

The maximum compensation for this position is $70,548. This amount is comprised of the standard SG-12 job rate of $61,548 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The salary range listed reflects the full range for this graded position. For new State employees appointed into graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

For more salary information please visit https://oer.ny.gov/salary-schedules DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States

Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made. The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar).

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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