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Rig Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Rope Access Trainee, you will embark on a structured training program to develop the technical ... Under close supervision, you'll learn to safely rig, ascend, descend, and maneuver on ropes to ...

As a Rope Access Trainee, you will embark on a structured training program to develop the technical ... Under close supervision, you'll learn to safely rig, ascend, descend, and maneuver on ropes to ...

Driller Trainee - Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

DRILLER TRAINEE Our Orlando office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller ... Label sample containers as directed * Assist driller in maintenance and repairs to drill rig

Driller Trainee - Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

DRILLER TRAINEE Our Orlando office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller ... Label sample containers as directed * Assist driller in maintenance and repairs to drill rig

Driller Trainee - Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

DRILLER TRAINEE Our Orlando office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller ... Label sample containers as directed * Assist driller in maintenance and repairs to drill rig

Driller Trainee - Miami

Hialeah, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

DRILLER TRAINEE Our Miami office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller ... Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up. * Dig and clean mud pits and ...

Driller Trainee - Miami

Hialeah, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

DRILLER TRAINEE Our Miami office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller ... Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up. * Dig and clean mud pits and ...

Driller Trainee - Miami

Hialeah, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

DRILLER TRAINEE Our Miami office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller ... Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up. * Dig and clean mud pits and ...

Driller Trainee - Fort Myers

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

DRILLER TRAINEE Our Fort Myer's office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A ... Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up. * Dig and clean mud pits and ...

Driller Trainee - Fort Myers

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

DRILLER TRAINEE Our Fort Myer's office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A ... Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up. * Dig and clean mud pits and ...

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Rig Trainee information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do rig trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rig trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are rig trainees?

Rig trainees are entry-level workers on oil and gas drilling rigs who are learning the essential skills needed to work safely and efficiently on-site. They assist experienced crew members with various tasks, such as equipment maintenance, cleaning, and basic rig operations, while undergoing hands-on training. The role is designed to provide foundational knowledge and experience for more specialized positions on the rig, such as roughneck or driller. Safety is a key focus, and trainees are expected to follow strict protocols and participate in safety briefings. Over time, rig trainees can advance to higher-level roles as they gain experience and demonstrate competence.

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

To thrive as a Rig Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical operations, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with basic safety equipment, hand tools, and exposure to industry-specific safety certifications such as H2S or first aid is typical. Strong teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this physically demanding role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and effective collaboration on drilling sites.

What is the difference between Rig Trainee vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectRig TraineeDrilling Engineer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety certificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling rigs, entry-level positionOffice-based with site visits, senior role in planning and management
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas companies, drilling contractorsOil & gas companies, engineering firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Rig Trainee and a Drilling Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and qualifications. Rig Trainees are entry-level workers gaining hands-on experience on drilling rigs, while Drilling Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for planning and overseeing drilling operations. Rig Trainees typically have basic certifications and work under supervision, whereas Drilling Engineers require advanced degrees and certifications, with a focus on project management and technical planning.

What are some common challenges faced by Rig Trainees during their initial months on the job?

Rig Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the physically demanding work environment, learning safety protocols, and navigating long shifts in potentially harsh weather conditions. Additionally, they must quickly become familiar with specialized equipment and terminology unique to drilling operations. Building effective communication skills with experienced crew members is essential, as teamwork is critical for both safety and operational efficiency. With time and mentorship, these challenges become manageable and are crucial for skill development in the oil and gas industry.
What cities are hiring for Rig Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Rig Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rig jobs? The most popular types of Rig jobs are:
What states have the most Rig Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Rig Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rig Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2

Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2

New York State

Albany, NY • On-site

$51K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job 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 filed drill log, and set up drilling equipment; manually drill hand auger holes, probes, and test pits; operate bulldozers, pumps, and 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. All levels of this position require frequent and independent statewide travel from a Main Office (Albany) base. 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 This is a two-year traineeship that allows the successful candidate to start at the salary appropriate for the candidate's work experience. Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1 (NS=SG-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 lab 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=SG-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 airbrake 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 completion of 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 airbrake 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 Hazpower training to identify and deal with hazardous material Additional Comments 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 The starting salary for this position is $51,641

This amount is comprised of the base 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 job rate of $61,548 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location 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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