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Tong Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Doyon Limited

Casing Technician

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

$21 - $28.25/hr

Align and stab casing in conjunction with tong operator and driller. * Latch and unlatch elevators and utilize casing pickup slings and single joint elevators. * Visually inspect equipment and tools ...

Noble Inc.

Casing Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$28 - $29/hr

... tong line when necessary · Insures all other equipment is properly placed and in proper order · ... operators, as assigned · Identify and report problems · Other duties as assigned by Crew Pusher ...

Noble Casing, Inc.

Casing Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$28 - $29/hr

Casing Operator and Casing Team Leader Scope of Work Safely assist in casing operations while ... Hang tong line when necessary • Insures all other equipment is properly placed and in proper ...

alu

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Instruct loader on use of the tong manipulator * Operate manipulator forklift * Perform in-process inspection of product * Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per job-specific ...

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX · On-site

... drive, operating controls to spin and torque tool joints, then releasing tongs. Dopes threads only when top drive is used, latching single backup tong to prevent rotation of drill string as ...

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX · On-site

... drive, operating controls to spin and torque tool joints, then releasing tongs. Dopes threads only when top drive is used, latching single backup tong to prevent rotation of drill string as ...

Lewis Energy Group

Floorhand

Encinal, TX

... drive, operating controls to spin and torque tool joints, then releasing tongs. Dopes threads only when top drive is used, latching single backup tong to prevent rotation of drill string as ...

alu

Blacksmith Level I - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Hand Forge * Instruct loader on use of the tong manipulator * Operate manipulator forklift ... Instruct operator of the manipulator forklift. * Operate the billet saw to cut raw material as ...

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Tong Operator information

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How much do tong operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for tong operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Tong Operator typically earns around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and overtime. Such roles often require specialized skills, physical work, and sometimes certifications, but they do not usually require a college degree. High-paying industrial, construction, or manufacturing jobs can also reach this level without a degree.

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

To thrive as a Tong Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical strength, attention to safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic tongs, basic rig tools, and safety protocols such as OSHA standards is typically required, and some employers may prefer candidates with certifications like SafeLand or H2S Awareness. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help operators coordinate safely and efficiently with the rig crew. These abilities are important to ensure smooth drilling operations, minimize risk, and maintain a safe and productive work environment.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Jobs that can pay $500,000 or more annually include high-level executive roles such as CEOs and CFOs, successful entrepreneurs, top-tier surgeons, and certain specialized professionals like investment bankers and hedge fund managers. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibility, and compensation may include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing.

What is a Tong Operator job?

A Tong Operator is responsible for operating power tongs and other equipment used to grip and handle tubulars, such as drill pipe and casing, in oil and gas drilling or workover operations. They ensure proper torque is applied to connections, follow safety procedures, and assist the rig crew with pipe-handling tasks. This role requires physical strength, mechanical knowledge, and adherence to safety regulations to prevent accidents and equipment failures.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Tong Operator on an oil or gas rig?

Tong Operators are primarily responsible for operating manual or hydraulic tongs to safely make up and break out drill pipe connections during drilling operations. Daily tasks often include inspecting and maintaining tong equipment, following safety procedures, assisting the drill crew, and reporting any equipment issues to supervisors. You’ll work closely with other rig personnel, such as Derrickhands and Drillers, to ensure that pipe handling operations are smooth and safe. The work is fast-paced, requires constant attention to safety, and may involve long shifts or physically demanding conditions, making teamwork and communication essential to success.

What is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig job is typically that of a drilling engineer or a toolpusher, with senior positions earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments. Compensation varies based on location, experience, and company, but top-tier positions can exceed $150,000 annually.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A Tong Operator typically earns around $3,000 or more per month, especially with experience and overtime. Other jobs that can pay similar wages without a degree include commercial truck drivers, HVAC technicians, and certain skilled trades like electricians or welders, which often require technical training or certifications rather than a college degree.
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Tong Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tong Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Tong Operator - International Snubbing Services

Tong Operator - International Snubbing Services

Superior Energy Services

Arnaudville, LA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Since 1982, International Snubbing Services (ISS), a Superior Energy Services subsidiary, has provided industry leading well-intervention services. Areas of expertise include hydraulic workover (HWO), snubbing, well control, blowout prevention, P&A, offshore drilling, intervention solutions, and equipment. The company's experienced teams are trained to the highest level of certification and backed by our enhanced and proven equipment.  

Join our well-intervention team! ISS is seeking a Tong Operator to join our team of snubbing and hydraulic workover specialists. Career path advancement is accessible through specialized training and mentors who are committed to helping you learn about the snubbing and HWO process. 

Project locations are primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and Texas land-based job sites. Lodging, meal subsidies, and rotating schedules are provided by ISS, based on the assigned project. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist in rig-up and rig down of HWO or Snubbing unit and related equipment
  • Execute tong and pumping operations
  • Skilled in rigging up an HWO and snubbing unit
  • Ability to inspect, service, and maintain tong equipment
  • Maintain the correct torque using the tong relief valve (Confirm torque value)
  • Ability to operate high pressure pumps
  • Basic ability to understand, speak, read, and write English
  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to read and understand equipment certification and test charts
  • Maintain general housekeeping

The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified; nothing restricts the company’s right to change, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time or for any reason.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

  • High School or GED equivalent preferred
  • Strong knowledge of the mechanics of power tongs
  • Experience in oilfield services required
  • Must be at least 18 years of age

WORKING CONDITIONS   

  • Perform work in all types of environmental and extreme weather conditions.
  • Perform duties with all protective equipment and H2S respirator when required. 
  • Working from varying heights.
  • Working with high-pressure equipment. 

OUTSTANDING BENEFITS 

  • Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Matching 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Personal Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
  • 100% Company Paid short-term & long-term disability and life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Employee Job Referral Bonus Program

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against any job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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