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Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Mansfield, LA · On-site

... Driller. The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor. Job Duties ... Responsibilities * Performs rig up and rig down activities as assigned. * Performs "nippling up" or ...

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Mansfield, LA · On-site

... Driller. The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor. Job Duties ... Responsibilities * Performs rig up and rig down activities as assigned. * Performs "nippling up" or ...

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Morgantown, WV · On-site

As a Roughneck you are responsible for performing various manual labor tasks associated with the ... Conduct assigned activities on the rig floor * Assist the (Assistant Driller) Derrickman with mud ...

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Morgantown, WV · On-site

As a Roughneck you are responsible for performing various manual labor tasks associated with the ... Conduct assigned activities on the rig floor * Assist the (Assistant Driller) Derrickman with mud ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

As part of our Field Maintenance crew, you'll travel to drilling rig field locations to perform ... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ...

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Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig information

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$5

$46

$83

How much do roughneck offshore drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for roughneck offshore drilling rig in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a roughneck offshore drilling rig?

Roughnecks are entry-level workers on offshore drilling rigs who perform physically demanding tasks to support drilling operations. Their responsibilities include handling drill pipes, maintaining equipment, cleaning the rig, and assisting more experienced crew members. Working as a roughneck is often a starting point for a career in the oil and gas industry, offering opportunities for advancement with experience and training. The job requires stamina, teamwork, and a strong commitment to safety due to the challenging and sometimes hazardous work environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a roughneck offshore drilling rig?

To thrive as a Roughneck on an offshore drilling rig, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and basic safety training, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery, hand tools, and safety certifications such as H2S and offshore survival (BOSIET) is typically required. Teamwork, strong communication, and the ability to adapt to challenging environments are vital soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for maintaining operational safety, efficiency, and minimizing risks on demanding offshore drilling sites.

What challenges do roughnecks on offshore drilling rigs face, and how can they be managed?

Roughnecks on offshore drilling rigs often encounter challenges such as physically demanding labor, long shifts, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Adapting to a rotating work schedule and living in close quarters with crew members can also take some adjustment. These challenges can be managed by maintaining good physical fitness, following strict safety protocols, and developing strong communication skills with team members. Many companies offer comprehensive training and support systems to help new hires acclimate to the unique offshore environment.

What is the difference between Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig vs Derrickhand Offshore Drilling Rig?

AspectRoughneck Offshore Drilling RigDerrickhand Offshore Drilling Rig
CertificationsOSHA safety training, Basic offshore safety inductionOSHA safety training, Basic offshore safety induction
Work EnvironmentOn drilling floor, handling equipment, manual laborOn derrick, managing mud systems, monitoring equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with drilling operations, handling tools, maintaining safetyOverseeing mud systems, maintaining wellbore stability, assisting roughnecks

Both Roughneck and Derrickhand roles are essential on offshore drilling rigs, requiring safety certifications and working in similar environments. Roughnecks focus on manual tasks on the drilling floor, while Derrickhands handle mud systems and oversee wellbore conditions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path in offshore drilling.

How to become a roughneck offshore drilling rig?

To become a roughneck on an offshore drilling rig, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with physical fitness and the ability to work in demanding environments. Gaining experience in the oil and gas industry, completing safety training such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and obtaining certifications like H2S safety are important steps. Entry-level positions often require on-the-job training, and advancement depends on experience, skills, and safety record.

Is being a Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig a good career?

A Roughneck offshore drilling rig worker is responsible for manual labor on oil rigs, often working long shifts in challenging environments. The job offers high pay and opportunities for advancement but requires physical strength, technical skills, and safety training. It can be a stable career for those willing to work in demanding conditions and obtain necessary certifications.
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What states have the most Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig jobs?

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The top searched job categories for Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig jobs are:

Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $96,884 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Roughneck

Expand Energy

Mansfield, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Our core values - Stewardship, Character, Collaborate, Learn, Disrupt - are the lens through which we evaluate every business decision. As a dynamic, growing company that offers extremely competitive compensation and benefits, our employees are our most valued assets and the foundation of Expands performance among our E&P competitors.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We realize that, historically, underrepresented groups feel the need to be 100% qualified in order to apply. If you meet any combination of our requirements, we encourage you to apply. We strive to hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

Job Summary

The Roughneck is primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling machinery and equipment. They will perform maintenance to the equipment and minor repairs in a safe and efficient manner under the direct supervision of the Driller. The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Performs rig up and rig down activities as assigned.
  • Performs "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of the blowout preventer stack.
  • Performs general repairs and maintenance on major and minor rig components.
  • Assists the Assistant Driller (Derrickman) with mud-mixing duties.
  • Performs emergency procedures.
  • Ensures that work carried out is in compliance with company policies and procedures and according to safety regulations.
Job Specific Skills
  • Ability to assist with tools and parts
  • Ability to maintain a safe work environment
  • Knowledge of heavy equipment
  • Knowledge of chemical and fractionator systems
Education & Experience

Minimum: High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent is required

Minimum: 0 - 6+ years related experience

Minimum training requirements: Health, Safety and Environment Orientation and Rig Specific Start Up Training

Additional Qualifications

Expand Energy takes necessary action to ensure that all applicants are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Expand Energy Corporation's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

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