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Rig Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tetra Tech

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 ...

Tetra Tech

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 ...

MDB Group

Foundation Specialist Trainee

Gardiner, ME · On-site

About The Opportunity The Foundation Specialist Trainee will perform job specific instructions from ... Becomes familiar working around micropile drill rig and learns terminology related to installation ...

New

MDB Group

Foundation Specialist Trainee

Auburn, NH · On-site

About The Opportunity The Foundation Specialist Trainee will perform job specific instructions from ... Becomes familiar working around micropile drill rig and learns terminology related to installation ...

New

C&J Well Services, LLC

Trainee (Ventura)

Ventura, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Knowledge of Rig Service Tools e.g. Power Tongs, BOP, Wrenches * Able to operate Rig Service Tools e.g. Power Tongs, BOP, Wrenches * Basic knowledge of Sand line procedure and process * Basic ...

C&J Well Services, LLC

Trainee (Ventura)

Ventura, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Knowledge of Rig Service Tools e.g. Power Tongs, BOP, Wrenches * Able to operate Rig Service Tools e.g. Power Tongs, BOP, Wrenches * Basic knowledge of Sand line procedure and process * Basic ...

Key Energy Services

Floorhand 1 - 2035

Kilgore, TX · On-site

Incumbent follows trainee matrix assignments during training period. This position has a dotted line reporting line to: Rig Supervisor or equivalent. Responsibilities: * Lifts, operates, rigs up/down ...

Key Energy Services

Floorhand 1 - 2011

Kilgore, TX · On-site

Incumbent follows trainee matrix assignments during training period. This position has a dotted line reporting line to: Rig Supervisor or equivalent. Responsibilities: * Lifts, operates, rigs up/down ...

Key Energy Services

Floorhand 1 - 1905

Kilgore, TX · On-site

Incumbent follows trainee matrix assignments during training period. This position has a dotted line reporting line to: Rig Supervisor or equivalent. Responsibilities: * Lifts, operates, rigs up/down ...

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Rig Trainee information

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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:
Rig Trainee jobs near you
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.
Driller Trainee - Fort Myers

Driller Trainee - Fort Myers

Tetra Tech

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Tetra Tech rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

348th of 369 rated engineering

Job description

Like working outdoors? Want an entry level position with FULL BENEFITS that could lead to a career in test drilling? 

Ardaman & Associates, Inc. is one of the largest geotechnical, materials testing, and environmental engineering consulting firms in the Southeastern U.S. Ardaman has the following opportunity available:


DRILLER TRAINEE

Our Fort Myer's office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller trainee will assist the crew chief in solid auger and rotary drilling techniques. The trainee will help move, set up and operate drill rigs and related equipment to drill test holes for geotechnical engineering studies. Site investigation/geotechnical drilling is done to determine the soil characteristics on sites to be developed as building, roadways and bridges. Work is outdoors. The work is generally physically demanding.  However, safety is in our work is an uncompromised value and we are proud of our safety record.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in drilling operations.
  • Expedite field supplies.
  • Perform duties at multiple job sites.
  • Perform yard duties at direction of supervisor.
  • Assist in measuring test boring locations
  • Load and unload trucks.
  • Smoothly and quickly connect and disconnect the lower parts of the drill pipe when it is being lowered into and raised from the hole.
  • Catch samples of drilled cuttings to be analyzed.
  • Clean and maintain equipment.
  • Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up.
  • Dig and clean mud pits and drains.
  • Assist with well development and pumping tests.
  • Operate equipment such as pumps for air, water and mud, and equipment and tools used to correct problems in drilled holes caused by mechanical breakdowns or by harmful natural conditions.
  • Carry out minor maintenance and repairs, including lubrication and cleaning.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience preferred, but will train

  • Mechanical skills preferred

  • Class A or Class B CDL license a plus

  • Must be able to obtain DOT Medical Examiners Certificate or have current certificate prior to employment

  • Available to work overtime, out of town, and weekends as required to meet client schedules

  • Ability to lift drill steel and materials weighing up to 80 lbs.

  • Must pass company background checks including drug screen

  • Must have acceptable driving record within company standards

  • Local candidates preferred; no relocation assistance.

We offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, and much more.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ardaman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, who is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans. Ardaman is a Drug Free Workplace.

We invite applications from all interested parties. No agencies.

Learn about Ardaman and explore our open positions at www.ardaman.com

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Additional Information
  • Organization: 113 AAI

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