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Top Drive Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The Data & Logistics Technician is responsible for supporting asset management, inventory control ... Familiarity with engines, mud pumps, top drives, drawworks, and other rig equipment. Experience ...

... top talent; builds and develops succession plans and pipeline of talent Cultivate employee ... to drive technician development and in implementing union and positive employee relations ...

Top Secret Public Trust/Other Required: None Job Family: Network and Telecommunications Job ... Bring your Cable Technician expertise along with a drive for innovation to GDIT. The Cable ...

... top talent; builds and develops succession plans and pipeline of talent Cultivate employee ... to drive technician development and in implementing union and positive employee relations ...

... top talent; builds and develops succession plans and pipeline of talent * Cultivate employee ... Actively partners with HR and other teams to drive technician development and in implementing union ...

Sales Technician

Auburn, AL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Build a Real Career in a High-Performance Sales Engine Top Hat Chimney Sweeps | Base + Commission ... competitive drive and willingness to commit to daily training and skill-building Strong ...

Sales Technician

Auburn, AL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Build a Real Career in a High-Performance Sales Engine Top Hat Chimney Sweeps | Base + Commission ... competitive drive and willingness to commit to daily training and skill-building Strong ...

Sales Technician

Adamsville, AL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Build a Real Career in a High-Performance Sales Engine Top Hat Chimney Sweeps | Base + Commission ... competitive drive and willingness to commit to daily training and skill-building Strong ...

Sales Technician

Adamsville, AL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Build a Real Career in a High-Performance Sales Engine Top Hat Chimney Sweeps | Base + Commission ... competitive drive and willingness to commit to daily training and skill-building Strong ...

While on rotation the technician will travel to rigs to survey equipment and determine the ... Experience working on Canrig, Tesco, NOV top drives * Experience with RigCLOUD, Pason, Totco ...

Main Line Service Technician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Service Technician , you have an immense amount of discipline for fine details, and you ... This along with TOP Performer opportunities in our Drive for Success programs provide a financial ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO • On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of equipment service and maintenance activities. Activities include servicing, repairing, adjusting, inspecting and testing equipment, documenting equipment condition and maintenance activities. Additional duties include training and mentoring other technicians and rig crews on operational level maintenance, coordinating maintenance related projects on rigs, and providing appropriate feedback to the job site manager and maintenance management team. 

Detailed Description: 

  • Plan appropriately to drive extended distances to rig locations and perform maintenance duties 

  • Basic diagnostic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical faults and plan coordination for the repair of the system(s) 

  • Assist in training operational crews and assistant technicians in preventative maintenance checks and services, including how to properly implement and conduct basic and intermediate repairs 

  • Assist in maintenance related projects on the rig with the rig crew or 3rd party support 

  • Assist with repairs identified during the technical level inspections 

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, MudPump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections 

  • Ability to read and have a basic understanding of schematics (electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic) 

  • Effectively utilize multimeter to detect voltages and current in basic electrical and electric over hydraulic circuits 

  • Effectively wire circuitry and plugs ranging from 4 milliamps to 480 volts 

  • Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing feeler gauges, dial indicators and other specific tools to perform inspections 

  • Utilize Cat ET, Waukesha, and other programming platforms to perform engine diagnostics 

  • Effectively install, test, and set hydraulic pressures utilizing a hydraulic pressure testing kit 

  • Effectively identify and change filters in equipment 

  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize a torque wrench and torque multiplier to appropriately torque connections 

  • Perform trouble shooting and problem-solving on assigned equipment and assets 

  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description 

Job Requirements: 

  • Demonstrate ability to successfully complete all duties and required trainings of a Field Maintenance Assistant Technician 

  • 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 in all areas as assigned; requiring extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area 

  • 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 

  • Knowledge of, ability and experience troubleshooting and repairing complex problems on multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment and systems 

  • Possess mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and/or control system skills 

  • Possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office 

  • Ability to demonstrate proficiency in using maintenance software, updating and properly closing work orders 

  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces 

  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl during visits to field and operational work areas 

  • Frequently 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 

  • Ability to accurately recall 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 during occasional extended work periods 

  • 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 

  • Ability to work a rotational schedule that can include days or nights as well as weekends, holidays, and be on call after hours 

  • Demonstrate basic math skills 

  • 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 

  • 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 

  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties 

  • Ability to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws 

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Level 1 

  • High School Diploma or GED 

  • Two (2) years stable related work history in field maintenance or one (1) year of troubleshooting and repair related experience and successful completion of related vocational training 

  • 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 

  • Level 2 

  • High School Diploma or GED 

  • 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 

  • 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 

  • Level 3 

  • High School Diploma or GED 

  • 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 

  • 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: 

  • 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-10 SD 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 

Rate of Pay:  Starting at $27.30/hr. 

This role is classified as Hourly 

The role is eligible to receive per diem 

This role may be eligible for a cell phone allowance 

At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments:  Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance,  401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program.  In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy 

The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting.  All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law. 


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