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Tong Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NWI Defense

Press/Forge Operator

Albany, OR

$16.25 - $21/hr

Use strong communication skills when working with Tong Operator to synchronize parts in and out of the ovens. * Use in-house lubricant to lube tooling between hits. * Maintain tooling, and replace ...

Pursuit Aerospace

Forge Operator

Whitesboro, NY · On-site

$23/hr

Purpose/ Summary: The Forge Operator position is responsible for for supporting the forge ... Tong material from heating unit to die cavity or receive from automatic transfer feed - trip the ...

Pursuit Aerospace

Forge Operator

Whitesboro, NY

Purpose/ Summary: The Forge Operator position is responsible for for supporting the forge ... Tong material from heating unit to die cavity or receive from automatic transfer feed - trip the ...

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 ...

TEAM SAN JOSE

Cook Helper

San Jose, CA · On-site

$28.64/hr

Must have knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment, i.e., stoves, ovens, broilers, slicers ... knives, spoons, spatulas, tong, slicers, etc. * Ability to perform duties within extreme ...

Ranger Energy Services

Supervisor - Rig

Bowie, TX

Performs daily operation of the Tong's if needed * Pulls and lays down rods, tubing, casing, and ... Ability to understand Hazard ID cards and near hit cards, as well as follow standard operating ...

alu

Blacksmith Level I - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$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 ...

Ranger Energy Services LLC

Supervisor-Rig

Odessa, TX · On-site

Performs daily operation of the Tong's if needed * Pulls and lays down rods, tubing, casing, and ... Ability to understand Hazard ID cards and near hit cards, as well as follow standard operating ...

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How much do tong operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 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 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 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.
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Tong Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tong Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical 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 • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

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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