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Top Drive Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NABORS

MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN

Alice, TX

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 ...

NABORS

*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)

Patterson-UTI

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

Patterson-UTI

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

Patterson-UTI

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

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... 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 ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... 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 ...

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Top Drive Technician information

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How much do top drive technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Top Drive Technician, and why are they important?

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 are some common challenges 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 are Top Drive Technicians?

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,476 per year, or $30 per hour.
Field Maintenance Tech PDC - Oklahoma

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - Oklahoma

Patterson-UTI

El Reno, OK • On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Detailed Description:
  • Plan appropriately to drive extended distances to rig locations and perform maintenance duties
  • Provide various levels of support and training to operational crews in preventative maintenance checks and services, including how to properly conduct basic and intermediate repairs
  • Diagnostic knowledge (basic to advanced) of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical faults and plan coordination for the repair of the system(s)
  • 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 electrical/VFD inspections
  • Various levels of participation in maintenance related projects on the rig with the rig crew or 3rd party support
  • Develop and monitor spare and replacement parts listing for specific equipment
  • Complete various levels of repairs identified during the technical level inspections
  • Perform various levels of trouble shooting and problem-solving on assigned equipment and assets
  • Provide various levels of assistance to operations in designated Maintenance/Policy implementation
  • Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment and systems, or related equipment

Job Requirements:
  • Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)
  • Ability to travel to visit drilling rig work sites and support business units; requiring extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area
  • Ability to work a rotational schedule that can include days or nights as well as weekends, holidays, and be on call after hours
  • Lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl during visits to field and operational work areas
  • Frequent use a variety of hand and power tools to perform a range of mechanically oriented functions including independent use of heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
  • Ability to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Ability to listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems
  • Accurate recall of information over short and long-term memory
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Stay alert and focused including during occasional extended work periods
  • 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
  • Ability to immediately respond to emergency situations
  • 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
  • Possess strong interpersonal skills including ability to interact productively with coworkers and third parties; working closely with others under deadlines including time-sensitive response situations
  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties
  • Demonstrate basic math skills
  • Possess basic computer skills in Microsoft Office
  • Ability to demonstrate proficiency in using maintenance software, updating and properly closing work orders
  • Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary
  • Attend and successfully complete all additional training courses, certification courses and related work, as assigned
  • Ability to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) ad background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

Minimum Qualifications:
All Level Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of technical training or advanced education courses
  • Control system experience in automations and electronics (Robotics and Automation Technology, Electrical Technology, etc.)
  • Instrumentations and electronics control system experience (Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, etc.)
  • Diesel technology and power generation experience

Field Maintenance Technician 2:
  • Three (3) years stable related work history in field maintenance
  • Or two (2) years history in troubleshooting and repair of drilling rig equipment (drawworks, mud pumps, top drive systems, or related electrical systems) and successful completion of advanced education in a relevant vocational field

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 1 year of Patterson-UTI field-based experience
  • Experience with repair and preventative maintenance with equipment to include: Caterpillar 3512 series engines, Waukesha L7044 series engines, Alta DW, F-1600 style mud pumps, Forum Catwalk, GD800 DW, ST-80, Rotary Table, Hydraulics, TDS 11 Top Drive, ADS-10 SD DW, DSDG 375 DW
  • Experience with: Omron, Amphion, Current Power, Siemens, Function Block, Allen Bradley, ABB Drives, Woodward Easy Gen Controls, Yaskawa Drives, or other related electrical equipment
  • Technical or vocational training on repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment

Field Maintenance Technician 3:
  • Four (4) years of field maintenance experience (additional years of experience may serve in lieu of advanced education) including a minimum two (2) years of experience working with: electrical control systems and/or repair and preventative equipment maintenance of oilfield equipment or related
  • Technical or vocational training or related experience on a variety of control and power systems and mechanical equipment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2 years of Patterson-UTI field-based experience
  • Related OEM training
  • Experience working with Omron, Amphion, or Current Power Control systems, or related electrical control systems
  • Experience with equipment maintenance to include: Caterpillar 3512 series engines, Waukesha L7044 Series engines, Alta DW, F-1600 mud pumps, Forum Catwalk, GD800 DW, ST-80, Rotary Table, Hydraulics, TDS 11 Top Drive, ADS-10SD DW, DSDG 375 DW, or related
  • Experience with: Omron, Amphion, Current Power, Siemens, Function Block, Allen Bradley, ABB Drives, Woodward Easy Gen Controls, Yaskawa Drives, or other related electrical equipment
  • Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role in the oil and natural gas industry or related field

Work Environment:
This position requires the person to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold/heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. The Technician will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the drilling operations and rigs are located. The Technician will 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.

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