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Top Drive Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Norton Energy Drilling

Top Drive Technician

Lubbock, TX · On-site

$38 - $44/hr

Norton Energy Drilling is currently looking to hire an experienced technician to service the company's numerous top drives employed in its fleet of drilling rigs. Responsibilities * Diagnose top ...

NABORS

FIELD TECHNICIAN III

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Electrical systems integration, and troubleshooting of complete Top Drive, Catwalk and Hydraulic Wrench systems, as well as supervise and train less experienced technicians. * Demonstrates ability to ...

Car Guys Inc.

Boat and RV Mechanic

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

Outboard / Inboard / Stern Drive Technicians * Wakeboard/Wakesurf Boats, Pontoons, Cruisers, Center ... Generators | Solar | Hydraulics | Appliances | 12V/120V Electrical | Chassis & Suspension What top ...

NABORS

STX MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN

Alice, TX · On-site

Installs, repairs and troubleshoots all aspects of various mechanical systems on the drilling rig, including the mud pumps, top drive and TM-80.. Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology ...

Nabors Industries Limited

Technician II

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Technician will perform diversified medial tasks relating to product assembly including component ... This equipment includes the Top Drive, Power House, Driller's cabin, Drawworks, pipe handling ...

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Top Drive Technician information

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$62

How much do top drive technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for top drive technician in the United States is $30.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a top drive technician?

Top Drive Technicians are specialized professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing top drive systems used on drilling rigs. Top drives are critical components that improve drilling efficiency and safety by providing rotational force to the drill string from the top of the rig. Technicians ensure these complex electromechanical systems operate reliably, often working in challenging environments such as oil rigs or remote drilling sites. Their work is essential to prevent costly downtime and maintain safe drilling operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a top drive technician?

To excel as a Top Drive Technician, you need a solid background in mechanical and electrical systems, often supported by technical training or an associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with PLCs, hydraulic systems, and diagnostic tools, as well as certifications like H2S and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operation and maintenance of top drive systems, minimizing downtime and supporting continuous drilling operations.

What challenges do top drive technicians face when maintaining drilling equipment, and how can they be addressed?

Top Drive Technicians often encounter challenges such as unexpected breakdowns, troubleshooting complex electronic control systems, and working under tight time constraints during drilling operations. To address these, technicians must stay up-to-date with manufacturer training, maintain detailed maintenance logs, and collaborate closely with rig operators and engineers. Effective communication and proactive preventative maintenance are essential to minimize downtime and ensure safety on the rig.

What is the difference between Top Drive Technician vs Drilling Equipment Technician?

AspectTop Drive TechnicianDrilling Equipment Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, industry certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling rigs, well sitesOffshore/onshore drilling rigs, well sites
Job FocusMaintains and repairs top drive systems used in drillingMaintains and repairs various drilling equipment, including top drives

The Top Drive Technician specializes in maintaining and repairing top drive systems used in drilling operations, focusing on the equipment directly involved in rotating drill pipes. The Drilling Equipment Technician has a broader role, handling various drilling machinery, including top drives, mud pumps, and other components. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, the Top Drive Technician's expertise is more specific to top drive systems, making it essential for drilling efficiency and safety.

More about Top Drive Technician jobs

What states have the most Top Drive Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Top Drive Technician jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Top Drive Technician jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Top Drive Technician jobs are:

Top Drive Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Top Drive Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,476 per year, or $30 per hour.

Top Drive Technician

Norton Energy Drilling

Lubbock, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Norton Energy Drilling is currently looking to hire an experienced technician to service the company's numerous top drives employed in its fleet of drilling rigs.
Responsibilities
  • Diagnose top drive problems and make onsite repairs
  • Adhere to all Company safety policies and procedures
  • Overhaul top drives and top drive components in shop facility and maintain appropriate spare part inventory
  • Respond to downtime in a timely manner
  • Train and work with rig personnel on proper top drive operation and routine maintenance
  • Inspect working rigs for proper top drive operation and complete any necessary repairs
  • Provide recommendations for improved top drive performance and longevity

Knowledge and Skills
  • Excellent working knowledge of both AC and hydraulic top drives with the ability to diagnose problems and make field repairs.
  • Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods of time
  • Good communication skills both written and verbal
  • Read and interpret schematic diagrams both hydraulic and electrical
  • Good working knowledge of hydraulic systems
  • Must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Experience
  • One year field service
  • Two years working with NOV and Canrig top drives

Work Schedule
  • Living in Lubbock area: Monday through Friday with every other weekend on call
  • Living outside Lubbock area: 7/7 or 14/14 TBD (Housing provided)
  • Work vehicle and cell phone provided

Benefits
Benefit eligibility is active the first day of the month after a 60-day grace period, and includes:
  • Group medical insurance with dependent coverage available
  • Dental and vision insurance available
  • 401K
  • Life insurance and long-term disability

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