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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 · 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 · 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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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 - WTX

Midland, TX

$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 · 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

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/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

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/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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Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck information

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$26.5K

$38K

$57.5K

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

As of Aug 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 is a trainee oil rig roughneck?

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?

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 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 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 do I get a job on an oil rig as a trainee oil rig roughneck?

To become a trainee oil rig roughneck, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and sometimes a valid safety certification such as OSHA. Entry often involves applying through oil companies or staffing agencies, gaining basic safety training, and being prepared for physically demanding work in a challenging environment. Prior experience in manual labor or related fields can be beneficial, but many companies provide on-the-job training for trainees.

Is a trainee oil rig roughneck entry-level?

Yes, a trainee oil rig roughneck is typically an entry-level position that provides on-the-job training in drilling operations. Trainees usually learn skills such as handling drilling equipment, safety procedures, and teamwork, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Advancement depends on experience, skills, and certifications like H2S safety training.

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

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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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