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Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe * Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Demonstrate knowledge (basic to advanced) in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, Mud Pump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Demonstrate knowledge (basic to advanced) in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, Mud Pump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe * Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe * Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe * Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe * Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist ...

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Roughneck information

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$5

$23

$33

How much do roughneck jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for roughneck in the United States is $23.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do roughnecks make 180k a year?

Roughnecks, who work in the oil and gas industry performing physically demanding tasks on drilling rigs, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. Earning $180,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying regions or with overtime and bonuses.

What is a Roughneck job?

A Roughneck is a laborer who works on an oil or gas drilling rig, handling physically demanding tasks to support drilling operations. Their duties include assembling and disassembling drilling equipment, maintaining machinery, and ensuring the rig operates efficiently. The job requires strength, endurance, and the ability to work in extreme weather conditions. Roughnecks often work long shifts, typically on a rotating schedule, and have opportunities for career advancement within the oil and gas industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Roughneck position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Roughneck, you need strong physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a basic understanding of oil rig operations, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rigs, hand tools, safety protocols, and certifications such as H2S awareness or first aid are frequently required. Dependability, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are highly valued soft skills. These abilities are essential to maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity in challenging and hazardous oilfield environments.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A roughneck, typically working in oil and gas drilling, can earn around $10,000 or more per month with experience and overtime. High-paying roles in trades like commercial diving, elevator installation, or specialized construction also offer six-figure monthly earnings without requiring a college degree, often relying on technical skills, certifications, and on-the-job training.

What is a typical work schedule like for a Roughneck on an oil rig?

Roughnecks often work long shifts that can range from 12 hours per day for several consecutive days, followed by similar periods of time off, commonly referred to as a rotating schedule (e.g., two weeks on, two weeks off). The job is physically demanding, requiring you to perform various tasks outdoors and in all weather conditions alongside a close-knit crew. Due to the nature of shift work and the remote locations of many rigs, workers usually live on-site during their rotation. This schedule allows for extended periods of rest between assignments and promotes a team-oriented environment where everyone relies on each other for safety and efficiency.

What does a roughneck pay?

A roughneck's pay typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Overtime, hazard pay, and bonuses can also increase total earnings, and the job often requires physical stamina and safety training.

What does a roughneck do?

A roughneck is a worker on an oil rig or drilling platform responsible for tasks such as handling drilling equipment, maintaining tools, and assisting with the drilling process. The job requires physical strength, knowledge of safety procedures, and often involves working in challenging outdoor environments for extended shifts.
More about Roughneck jobs
What cities are hiring for Roughneck jobs? Cities with the most Roughneck job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Roughneck jobs? The most popular types of Roughneck jobs are:
What states have the most Roughneck jobs? States with the most job openings for Roughneck jobs include:
Infographic showing various Roughneck job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,499 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Floorhand - Oklahoma

Floorhand - Oklahoma

Patterson-UTI

El Reno, OK • On-site

Other

Posted 23 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

Detailed Description:

  • Lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person frequently during the tour work shift

  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties

  • Clean and general upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties

  • Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe

  • Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist with general assembly and maintenance and help prepare new location

  • Regularly check rig and equipment for any problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis

  • Assist with inspecting, slipping and cutting drilling line

  • Responsible for picking up and laying down tubulars, attaching or detaching pick- up lines, and the hook up and tear out of flare and degasser lines

  • Assist Motorhand with preventative maintenance and repairs of equipment and motors, pipe, and off-loading materials as well as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines

  • Assist Derrickhand with watching and maintaining shakers, mud pits and pumps

  • 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 

  • Inspect safety equipment and PPE for wear and replacing as needed

  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects

  • 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

  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime

  • Support other crew members by carrying supplies, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and other additional tasks as assigned

  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Ability to stand and walk for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots

  • 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

  • Stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities

  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift

  • Prior experience or ability to use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools

  • Ability to safely lift and carry 50 pounds independently and repetitively climb steep stairs

  • 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

  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties

  • Able to have accurate recall over short and long-term memory

  • Able to work closely with others in the confined area of the drilling rig and may live together in crew quarters

  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers 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) 

Minimum Qualifications:
  • One (1) year of stable work history

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Six (6) months stable related work history (e.g., farming, ranching, construction, heavy equipment or other trade) or military service 

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Additional Details:

This position requires the person 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.


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