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Top Drive Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Service Manager

Mount Vernon, WA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Recruit, develop, coach, and retain top-performing technicians, supervisors, and service personnel. * Drive technician productivity, efficiency, proficiency, and profitability. * Ensure repairs are ...

*Rig Equipment Support Technician

Houston, TX

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

The technician is expected to resolve routine issues and log all cases in a tracking system ... Rig Equipment (Top Drive, Catwalk, Wrench, Drawworks, VFDs, Generators, Mud Pumps, BOP)

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 ... the Top Drive, Mud Pump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections

Service Manager

Mount Vernon, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Recruit, develop, coach, and retain top-performing technicians, supervisors, and service personnel. * Drive technician productivity, efficiency, proficiency, and profitability. * Ensure repairs are ...

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 ... the Top Drive, Mud Pump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections

Service Manager

Mount Vernon, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Recruit, develop, coach, and retain top-performing technicians, supervisors, and service personnel. * Drive technician productivity, efficiency, proficiency, and profitability. * Ensure repairs are ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Instrumentation & Electrical Technicians: If you have expertise in electrical systems and ... the Top Drive, Mud Pump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... the Top Drive, MudPump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections ... Maintenance Assistant Technician * Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites with ...

Showing results 21-40

Top Drive Technician information

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$9

$30

$62

How much do top drive technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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:

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.

STX MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN

NABORS

Alice, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

To safely ensure the efficient & continual functioning of all the mechanical equipment at the drilling rig site, supporting all the rigs in the assigned district. 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 for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.

2-4 years experience as a Mechanic Ability to wear respiratory protective devices Must have reliable transportation to and from the worksite High school diploma or equivalent The knowledge and experience in maintaining and repairing various types of diesel engines as well as mechanical devices

Ensures the regular preventative maintenance activities for the mechanical components of the rig are accomplished.? Installs, repairs and tests all mechanical equipment at the rig site.? Conducts safety inspections of all major pieces of equipment, making repairs, adjustments/ calibrations as required.? Ensures that an adequate amount of spare parts are on hand at all time. Submits requisitions as needed.? Participates in rig down/ rig up activities to ensure proper disconnect, transportation and connection of mechanical equipment.? Ability to perform essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations?