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Rig Superintendent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Rig Manager is responsible for coordinating the operational functions of all the Rigs in the ... Other duties as required by the Superintendent * Ensuring safe and efficient drilling operations to ...

The Tank Superintendent is responsible for supervising a crew that field erect, fit, weld, grind ... Set up, break down, and rig lifting equipment such as mobile cranes and fixed derricks. * Unload ...

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Rig Superintendent information

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$38K

$68.8K

$92K

How much do rig superintendent jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for rig superintendent in the United States is $68,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $76,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Rig Superintendent, you need extensive experience in drilling operations, safety management, and a background in engineering or a related technical field, often accompanied by well control certifications. Familiarity with drilling management systems, rig-specific software, and compliance standards such as IWCF or IADC is typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help manage crews and coordinate complex operations effectively. These skills are crucial to ensuring safe, efficient rig performance and minimizing operational risks.

What is the difference between Rig Superintendent vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectRig SuperintendentDrilling Supervisor
CertificationsOSHA, IWCF, HSEOSHA, IWCF, HSE
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling rigsOffshore/onshore drilling rigs
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversees entire drilling operation, manages crew, ensures safety and efficiencySupervises drilling activities, coordinates with crew, reports to Rig Superintendent

The Rig Superintendent and Drilling Supervisor roles are closely related, with the Rig Superintendent overseeing the entire operation and the Drilling Supervisor focusing on daily drilling activities. Both require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the Superintendent holds a higher-level management position, while the Supervisor manages on-the-ground drilling tasks.

What is a Rig Superintendent?

A Rig Superintendent is a senior management professional responsible for overseeing drilling operations on an oil or gas rig. They supervise the rig crew, ensure compliance with safety and operational procedures, and coordinate with engineering and management teams to achieve project goals. Rig Superintendents manage schedules, budgets, and equipment maintenance, ensuring that drilling activities run efficiently and safely. They play a key role in troubleshooting technical issues and maintaining communication between onsite personnel and corporate offices.

What are some common challenges faced by a Rig Superintendent and how can they be effectively managed?

As a Rig Superintendent, one of the main challenges is coordinating operations across multiple teams while ensuring safety and efficiency on the rig. Managing unexpected equipment failures, harsh weather conditions, and maintaining regulatory compliance also require quick decision-making and strong leadership. Effective communication, proactive planning, and ongoing training are key strategies to address these challenges. Building a culture of safety and collaboration among crew members helps prevent incidents and ensures smooth day-to-day operations.
More about Rig Superintendent jobs
What states have the most Rig Superintendent jobs? States with the most job openings for Rig Superintendent jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rig Superintendent job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,781 per year, or $33.1 per hour.
Rig Manager - Colorado and Utah

Rig Manager - Colorado and Utah

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

The Rig Manager is responsible for every aspect of daily rig operations and supervises all employees working on the rig as well as drilling activities and rig equipment.  This includes compliance with Company policies, rules and regulations, ensuring that employees and onsite personnel are working safely, planning maintenance and minimizing rig down time.  The Rig Manager provides leadership, safety compliance and direction in resolving operational and personnel issues.  The Rig Manager is also responsible for planning and directing drilling operations, rig moves, as well as regular communication with Company personnel, third parties and Customer representatives.

The successful candidate will: set high standards of performance for themselves and others; be professional in written, verbal and personal actions in any situation; seek new knowledge and experiences; have an analytical mindset that can utilize factual data to develop creative and business-oriented solutions; be self- aware and adjust accordingly to different environments and audiences 

This role performs under the direction of the Drilling Superintendent.

Detailed Description:

  • Provide leadership to ensure safety of all onsite personnel with goal of working incident-free
  • Supervision, direction and training of drilling rig crew members including compliance with all safety and operational procedures
  • Management of rig operations, production, maintenance, costs and personnel to the meet the Company's business objectives
  • Understand Comprehensive Rig Inspection (CRI) criteria and strive for continual improvement by regularly inspecting and maintaining rig and equipment
  • Initiate and foster productive partnership with Customer representative
  • Understand and use basic management concepts and principles including delegation, motivation, discipline, goal setting and performance evaluation
  • Efficiently and proficiently operate and maintain rig equipment by planning preventative maintenance including necessary replacement supplies
  • Anticipate, quickly troubleshoot and resolve operational, equipment and maintenance issues to minimize rig downtime
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Adhere to Company policies, guidelines and work requirements
  • Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees of all backgrounds feel included and their contributions are valued
  • Promptly address and resolve concerns and disputes among team members and customers with the goal of building a stronger, more cohesive work group
  • Plan daily rig operations with Driller and Customer representative
  • Lead pre- and post-tour meetings including crew fit-for-duty evaluations
  • Fill in for Driller or other rig-based employees as needed
  • Work independently and prioritize tasks while managing distractions
  • Responsibility for Company resources, equipment, and personnel
  • Read / write emails and prepare daily rig paperwork including status reports and other business matters related to rig operations
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Plan and supervise rig moves including rig up / down procedures
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:

  • While performing the job, will be required to lift/carry, pull/push, reach, squat, kneel, and or climb ladders or stairs
  • Exerting 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and direct ongoing work activities of employees and third parties
  • Ability to read, write and speak English to the extent needed to understand verbal and written instructions and to give clear verbal and written instructions in English to direct rig employees and third parties as well as communicate with Customer representatives
  • This job requires an irregular sleep pattern, as the Rig Manager needs to be available to observe and direct specified drilling procedures as well as resolve unanticipated rig operational, equipment or maintenance issues
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully complete duties of all rig crew positions (Floorhand, Motorhand, Derrickhand, and Driller)
  • Must possess strong computer skills (.e.g., reports, email, spreadsheets, graphs, etc.)
  • Must be able to utilize standard formulas and basic mathematical equations to compute and report various rig operation metrics
  • Must be able to verbally communicate directions and expectations effectively to the rig crew and third parties
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

Demonstrated ability in the following leadership competencies:

  • Builds and Maintains Effective Relationship
  • Develops Self and Others
  • Builds Effective Teams
  • Courageous Leadership
  • Managing Vision and Purpose
  • Business Acumen
  • Drive for Results
  • Customer focus
  • Decision Quality

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • 2+ years of prior experience as a Driller
  • 1+ years of prior experience as a Rig Manager with PTEN

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced education (e.g., college, trade school, etc.)

Certifications:

  • Well Control
  • CPR/First Aid
  • Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Safety Training
  • Must be able to complete Supervisory Well Control course within 14 days of start date

Additional Details

This position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions.  The Rig Manager will be regularly exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located.  Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80 to low 100 with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20.  Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as -40.

Rate of pay:  Starting at $134,500

Role Classification: Salaried

This role is eligible to participate in per diem, car allowance, and cell phone allowance.

At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments:  Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance,  401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program.  In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy

The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting.  All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.


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