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Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Mansfield, LA

The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor. Job Duties ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Mansfield, LA · On-site

The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor. Job Duties ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Morgantown, WV

Perform rig up and rig down activities as assigned * Perform "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

Expand Energy

Roughneck

Morgantown, WV · On-site

Perform rig up and rig down activities as assigned * Perform "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

Sound Oil Plc

Lease Analyst

Houston, TX

... rig floor during drilling. 9. Ensure the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the ...

Sound Oil Plc

Lease Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

... rig floor during drilling. 9. Ensure the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the ...

Pacer Group

Mechanical Technician Trainee

Katy, TX · On-site

$19 - $22.50/hr

Job Title: Mechanical Technician Trainee Location: Katy, TX 77493 Duration: 6 months Contract ... Tear down, clean, and service tools used in oil rig operations (including wash bay and power ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech

Saint Clairsville, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Keeping rig equipment cool in extreme conditions is crucial. If you're an HVAC pro, we'd love to ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

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All JobsTrainee Oil Rig Roughneck Jobs

Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck information

See salary details

$26.5K

$38K

$57.5K

How much do trainee oil rig roughneck jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee oil rig roughneck in the United States is $37,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $42,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Trainee Oil Rig Roughnecks often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, long shifts, and challenging weather conditions on offshore or remote sites. New hires can prepare by improving their physical fitness, learning about safety protocols, and familiarizing themselves with the tools and equipment used on rigs. Building strong teamwork and communication skills is also essential, as roughnecks work closely with others to ensure smooth and safe operations. Being proactive in asking questions and seeking guidance from experienced crew members can help trainees quickly adapt and succeed in this role.

What are trainee oil rig roughnecks?

Trainee oil rig roughnecks are entry-level workers on oil drilling rigs who assist with manual labor tasks related to drilling operations. They help set up and maintain equipment, handle drill pipes, and keep the rig clean and safe. This position is physically demanding and requires working long hours in challenging environments. Trainees learn the basics of rig operations, safety procedures, and teamwork, often with the goal of advancing to more specialized roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck, you need physical fitness, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to work in challenging environments, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and basic rig tools is commonly required, with safety certifications like BOSIET being valuable. Teamwork, reliability, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining safety and efficiency on the rig. These abilities are essential to ensure safe operations, prevent accidents, and contribute effectively to demanding oilfield teams.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Trainee oil rig roughnecks typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily pay is usually associated with experienced offshore drilling personnel, specialized engineers, or management roles in the oil industry. Entry-level roughneck positions often pay significantly less, with higher earnings possible as skills and experience increase, especially in remote or hazardous environments that require certifications and physical endurance.

What is the difference between Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck vs Roustabout?

AspectTrainee Oil Rig RoughneckRoustabout
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentOn oil rigs, performing manual labor and assisting roughnecksOn oil rigs or in field, performing general labor tasks
Job RoleEntry-level position assisting roughnecks, learning rig operationsGeneral laborer supporting rig operations, maintenance, and cleanup

The main difference is that a Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting roughnecks, often with a pathway to become a roughneck. A Roustabout is a more general labor role that may not specifically involve training to become a roughneck but shares similar work environments and certifications. Both roles are essential in oil rig operations and often overlap in duties, but the trainee role emphasizes skill development and progression.

How much do roughnecks make on oil rigs?

Trainee oil rig roughnecks typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, with experienced roughnecks making $70,000 or more. Wages depend on factors such as location, experience, and the complexity of the rig operations, and workers often receive additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.

How to become a roughneck with no experience?

To become a trainee oil rig roughneck with no experience, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam. Employers often provide on-the-job training, and having basic physical fitness, willingness to work in challenging environments, and a valid driver's license can improve chances of entry into the field.

Do roughnecks really make 180k a year?

Trainee oil rig roughnecks typically do not earn $180,000 annually; this figure is more common for experienced roughnecks with several years of work, overtime, and specialized skills. Entry-level roughnecks usually start with lower wages, but pay can increase significantly with experience, certifications, and working in high-demand environments.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Roughneck jobs? The most popular types of Oil Rig Roughneck jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck jobs include:
Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck jobs near you

Roughneck

Expand Energy

Mansfield, LA

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Our core values - Stewardship, Character, Collaborate, Learn, Disrupt - are the lens through which we evaluate every business decision. As a dynamic, growing company that offers extremely competitive compensation and benefits, our employees are our most valued assets and the foundation of Expands performance among our E&P competitors.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We realize that, historically, underrepresented groups feel the need to be 100% qualified in order to apply. If you meet any combination of our requirements, we encourage you to apply. We strive to hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

Job Summary

The Roughneck is primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling machinery and equipment. They will perform maintenance to the equipment and minor repairs in a safe and efficient manner under the direct supervision of the Driller. The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Performs rig up and rig down activities as assigned.
  • Performs "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of the blowout preventer stack.
  • Performs general repairs and maintenance on major and minor rig components.
  • Assists the Assistant Driller (Derrickman) with mud-mixing duties.
  • Performs emergency procedures.
  • Ensures that work carried out is in compliance with company policies and procedures and according to safety regulations.
Job Specific Skills
  • Ability to assist with tools and parts
  • Ability to maintain a safe work environment
  • Knowledge of heavy equipment
  • Knowledge of chemical and fractionator systems
Education & Experience

Minimum: High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent is required

Minimum: 0 - 6+ years related experience

Minimum training requirements: Health, Safety and Environment Orientation and Rig Specific Start Up Training

Additional Qualifications

Expand Energy takes necessary action to ensure that all applicants are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Expand Energy Corporation's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

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