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Rig Operator Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relief Rig Operator

La Salle, CO · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

The Relief Operator ensures that all crew members are at the rig and ready to work at their ... Salary Range- $27.00-$29.00 hourly (DOE) Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands ...

Operating BAUER drill rigs as required for site * Assisting in setting up the rig and equipment to ... Competitive salary; exact compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits offered: Health ...

New

Operating BAUER drill rigs as required for site * Assisting in setting up the rig and equipment to ... Competitive salary; exact compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits offered: Health ...

New

Operating BAUER drill rigs as required for site * Assisting in setting up the rig and equipment to ... Competitive salary; exact compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits offered: Health ...

New

Operating BAUER drill rigs as required for site * Assisting in setting up the rig and equipment to ... Competitive salary; exact compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits offered: Health ...

New

Rig Electrician

Odessa, TX · On-site

$25 - $34.50/hr

The worker must have proper legal authorization to work in the country where the rig is operating ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

The worker must have proper legal authorization to work in the country where the rig is operating ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

Rig-Mechanic

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$25 - $34.50/hr

The worker must have proper legal authorization to work in the country where the rig is operating ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

The worker must have proper legal authorization to work in the country where the rig is operating ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

Rig-Mechanic

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$25 - $34.50/hr

The worker must have proper legal authorization to work in the country where the rig is operating ... Salary Guidelines: (Minimum - Maximum) $25.00 - $34.50 What we offer: At H&P, our commitment to our ...

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Rig Operator Salary information

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$7

$15

$25

How much do rig operator salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 specialized roles earning higher wages. Compensation often includes shift differentials, overtime pay, and benefits due to the demanding environment and required certifications.

Is oil rig a good career?

A rig operator is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment on oil rigs, often working long shifts in remote, challenging environments. The job offers high wages and opportunities for advancement but requires physical stamina, technical skills, and safety training. It can be a stable career for those interested in the energy industry and willing to work in demanding conditions.

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

$17.75 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

***This job has preference to qualified local job seekers within 60 miles of Axis La Salle, CO facility.

The Relief Operator position is filled by a person who on an as needed basis fills the position of a Rig Operator on a Workover Rig or Swab Rig. The Relief Operator is responsible for the relief operation of the rig, crew, and equipment and for ensuring customer satisfaction with all services rendered when the Rig Operator is absent from work due to illness, vacations, or other excused absences.

The Relief Operator ensures that all crew members are at the rig and ready to work at their scheduled time and maintains productivity standards for all rig functions. When not performing duties as a Rig Operator, the Relief Operator is working on the crew as a crew member (For example: Floor Hand, Derrick Hand, Truck Driver, or performing other rig duties as assigned).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

In the absence of the Rig Operator, the Relief Operator will perform all duties and responsibilities of the Rig Operator to include:

  • Operating the assigned rig and equipment in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions as requested or designated by the customers.
  • Maintaining regular contact and communication with customers to resolve concerns, issues, and complaints.
  • Ensuring that quality products and services are provided to the customers including maintaining productivity standards for all rig functions, following safety procedures for a safe working environment for all rig employees, and adhering to all applicable governmental regulations for compliance.
  • Ensuring efficient maintenance of assigned rig and equipment.
  • Establishing and maintaining a positive and safe work environment for the assigned rig crew, including training, and coaching the crew on carrying out their assigned duties on the rig.
  • When not substituting for the Rig Operator, the Relief Operator will perform the duties of a Floor Hand or Derrick Hand on a rig every day (See Floor Hand and Derrick Hand job descriptions)
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
  • Dependable transportation.
  • Previous experience at Floor Hand and Derrick Hand positions.
  • Must have rig operation experience and be able to demonstrate full competency in rigging up/rigging down and well servicing operations.
  • Minimum two or more years’ experience in rig and well servicing operations.
  • Knowledge and experience in oilfield well servicing is required.
  • Must possess CDL B driver’s license with acceptable MVR at minimum.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with people within and outside of the company.
  • Ability to lead or provide guidance to crew members to work safely and efficiently.
  • Multi-tasking and basic problem-solving skills required; organizational skills preferred.
  • Must meet all qualifications defined in Motor Vehicle Policy.
  • Ability to pass physical, lift assessment, audiogram, respiratory, and drug examinations required by state and federal government.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

  • Lift up to 50 lbs. frequently and team lift up to 100 lbs. as needed.
  • Stand up to 8 hours, walk up to 4 hours, and sit up to 1 hour during a typical shift.
  • Frequently bend, kneel, reach, push, and pull while performing rig and crew support duties.
  • Climb ladders and rig structures constantly, including ladder heights up to 50 feet.
  • Safely operate and work around workover rigs, swab rigs, hand tools, and related service equipment.
  • Demonstrate grip strength of approximately 80–100 lbs. for tool handling and rig operations.
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes and high-noise environments requiring appropriate PPE and hearing protection.
  • Maintain adequate vision, hearing, respiratory clearance, and physical capability to safely work and communicate in hazardous areas around oil and gas wells.
  • Typically works 12-hour shifts on a 14/7 rotation schedule with approximately 75% travel.