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Rig Watch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

... watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties * Utilize proper hand signals when working from the cabin to communicate with other rig employees * Accurate recall over short ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

... watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties * Utilize proper hand signals when working from the cabin to communicate with other rig employees * Accurate recall over short ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Permian Basin

Midland, TX

$23.50 - $32/hr

... watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties * Utilize proper hand signals when working from the cabin to communicate with other rig employees * Accurate recall over short ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

$22.75 - $31/hr

... watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties * Utilize proper hand signals when working from the cabin to communicate with other rig employees * Accurate recall over short ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Ability to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Ability to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Ability to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Ability to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work ...

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Rig Watch information

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$7

$26

$46

How much do rig watch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for rig watch in the United States is $26.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rig watch?

A Rig Watch, sometimes called a rig watcher or rig watchman, is a person responsible for monitoring the safety and security of an oil or gas drilling rig. Their duties often include conducting safety checks, monitoring equipment, watching for hazards such as gas leaks or fires, and ensuring that only authorized personnel access the rig. Rig Watches play a crucial role in preventing accidents and responding quickly to emergencies. This position is essential for maintaining safe operations in drilling environments, both onshore and offshore.

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

To thrive as a Rig Watch, you need a solid understanding of rig operations, safety protocols, and hazard identification, often supported by relevant certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET). Familiarity with monitoring systems, safety equipment, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safety and efficiency of rig operations by enabling early detection and response to potential hazards.

What are some common challenges faced by rig watch professionals, and how can they best prepare for them?

Rig Watch professionals often face challenges such as extended shifts, harsh weather conditions, and the need for constant vigilance to ensure safety on drilling sites. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as they frequently collaborate with drilling crews and safety officers to monitor equipment and respond quickly to any irregularities. To best prepare, candidates should be comfortable with shift work, have a solid understanding of safety protocols, and be committed to ongoing training to keep up with evolving technology and regulations.

What is the difference between Rig Watch vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectRig WatchDrilling Supervisor
CertificationsOSHA, H2S, Basic SafetyOSHA, H2S, Well Control
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore oil rigs, safety monitoringOffshore/onshore drilling sites, overseeing operations
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas companies, safety teamsOil & gas companies, drilling contractors
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Rig Watch roles focus on safety monitoring and compliance on drilling sites, often requiring safety certifications. Drilling Supervisors oversee drilling operations, ensuring safety and efficiency, with similar certifications but more operational responsibilities. Both roles are essential in the oil and gas industry, with overlapping credentials and work environments, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Rig Watch jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Rig Watch jobs?

The most popular types of Rig Watch jobs are:

What states have the most Rig Watch jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rig Watch jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Rig Watch jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rig Watch jobs are:

Rig Watch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rig Watch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,272 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Driller - Lower Rockies

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO • On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Job Title: Driller
Location: Regional
Brief Description:
The Driller is responsible for monitoring well conditions and drilling parameters. The Driller operates and monitors the essential systems of the drilling rig including: the hoisting, well control, and mud and power systems. The driller is responsible for the supervision of the rig crew, ensuring that they work safely and effectively. Additional responsibilities include delegating tasks to Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhands based on drilling activities. The Driller must be able to communicate with a variety of employees and third parties including Customer representatives and Directional Driller.
Detailed Description:
  • Stand or sit at the Driller's console for up to 12 hours with minimal ability to leave the Driller's cabin
  • Occasionally climb steep stairs and walk on steel grating and decking, which may be slick. Additionally, the Driller will be walking on boards, gravel, dirt, mud, ice, and snow.
  • Manually operate equipment at Driller's console, which consists of touchscreens, buttons, keyboard, joystick, and levers
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Utilize proper hand signals when working from the cabin to communicate with other rig employees
  • Accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to operate drilling equipment, be aware of other workers' location in relation to drilling activities, and safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Stay continuously alert and focused up to12.5 hours while independently performing repetitive and routine activities and be able to remain calm and continue working in the event of a problem situation
  • Make sound and quick decisions in a changing and hazardous environment
  • 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
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • 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
  • Oversee all drilling activities and monitor rig employees and third parties that are working on, entering or exiting rig floor
  • Performs the following functions from the Driller console: raising and lowering the drill stem; lowering casing into the well; making connections on the drill stem; controlling or running the mud pumps; controlling rotary table speed; and adjusting the weight on the bit
  • Follow established plan for drilling operations
  • Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters
  • Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees
  • Ensure regular maintenance of all equipment and machinery
  • Assist Rig Manager with preventing and solving problems to keep the rig operational
  • Communicate with Rig Manager, Company Man, and Directional Driller as necessary
  • Responsible for well control
  • General upkeep and housekeeping of the Driller's cabin
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Maintain daily logs of drilling activities and submit daily Tour Sheets
  • Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures
  • Support other crew members as needed, ensure compliance with safety procedures, and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrate ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand, Motorhand and Derrickhand
  • Must be able to use a computer and multiple monitors to track drilling activities
  • Must be able to utilize standard formulas and basic mathematical equations for well control calculations
  • Must be able to verbally communicate directions and expectations effectively to the rig crew and third parties
  • 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
  • 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)

Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • At least 6 months experience as a Derrickhand
  • Well Control certification

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced education (e.g., college, trade school, etc.)
  • Prior experience as a Driller with PTEN

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct work activities of other rig crew and third parties.
Work Environment
This position requires the Driller to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be 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 $40.00/hr.
This role is classified as Hourly
The role is eligible to receive per diem
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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