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Trainee Oil Rig Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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:
Solids Control Field Technician - Permian Basin JOB FAIR -- June 15, 2026

Solids Control Field Technician - Permian Basin JOB FAIR -- June 15, 2026

Stage 3 Separation

Midland, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Stage 3 specializes in high quality solids control equipment designed for mud systems to effectively manage solids, reducing costs for the customer and providing limited or zero discharge solutions as necessary. But we don't stop there. Additionally, Stage 3 uses a team of Solids Control Field Technicians, field supervisors, engineers and scientists to make intelligent and informed recommendations on how to best manage your job for efficiency and cost savings.

While our business has expanded, our mission remains to provide superior service and performance through:

  • Emphasis on Safety
  • Teamwork
  • Technology innovation
  • Operational integrity

Under general direction from and reporting to the Field Leader(s), the Solids Control Technician is responsible for overseeing mechanical processes which are used to provide enhanced drilling operations and recycled drilling fluid through closed loop and other mud systems. You will receive on the job training, on a variety of our specialized Stage 3 equipment. You will work 12 hour shifts, on a rotational schedule, in the "back yard" of various drilling rigs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Able to work 14 days on and 7 days off.
  • Able to work 12-hour shifts (rotation), daily, including overtime.
  • Able to work a Swing (rotation) from 12:00PM to 12:00AM or 12:00AM to 12:00PM. Trainee will job shadow with an experienced Technician and Field Leader.
  • Must be able to travel domestically to remote rig locations, in personal vehicle, throughout the United States.
  • Will be assigned to one rig for rotation, or multiple rigs - based on business requirement.
  • Will learn how to rig up and rig down equipment.
  • Will learn and operate a variety of solids control equipment including shaker tanks, centrifuge, drying equipment, and pumps.
  • Will develop basic understanding of oil and gas drilling processes.
  • Will develop basic knowledge of Environmental Services.
  • Will gain an understanding of basic electrical principles.
  • Will develop an understanding of drilling fluid properties including drilling fluid weight, funnel viscosity, retort analysis, etc., and will perform drilling fluid analysis.
  • Will learn how to perform various solids control services such as air drilling, barite recovery, de-watering, floc water, fluid transfers, target lo gravity solids, cuttings drying/invert recovery, etc.
  • Will learn how to perform basic routine maintenance services and routine electrical services on various equipment.
  • Will learn how to move cuttings from pits to trailers, by operating heavy machinery, safely and efficiently, with supervision.
  • Must maintain a clean and orderly "backyard" by using a variety of pressure washing equipment.
  • Will attend and actively participate in daily safety meetings.
  • You will be responsible for completing daily PJRA/JSA, inspection reports, observation reports, and checklists, as required.
  • You will be required to wear proper PPE/FR's while working in the backyard of a drilling rig.
  • Must always abide by safety protocols.

NOTE: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time by a manager, with or without notice.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Team player who can work independently.
  • Must be mechanically inclined with comprehension for electronics.
  • Will learn how to input routine data into various systems including company Portal.
  • Must be a problem solver and use time efficiently.
  • Must have ability to develop professional relationships with everyone working on the rig.
  • Must be customer service oriented, learning how to use diplomacy and tact.
  • Will learn how to operate and will operate an excavator, forklift or Wheel Loader and will operate them daily, will and earn certification.
  • Will earn certifications for various Rig Safety programs including PEC Safe Land, H2S, and CPR/First Aid.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, wet, and hot).
  • Must have the ability to be away from home for 20 days or longer, to complete scheduled rotation (hitch).
  • Must keep living quarters clean, and orderly.
  • Must be able to read, write and comprehend English.
  • Trainee will advance to Field Level 1 by passing a Performance Evaluation and competency test(s).

Minimum Required Education, Credentials, Licenses and Experience:

  • High School diploma, or GED equivalent.
  • Must be 18+ years of age or older.
  • 2-year Associate's degree or technical diploma, in Technology, Electronics, or Mechanics, or similar field, is preferred.
  • Prior Forklift, Excavator, or Wheel Loader experience, or Certifications, is/are preferred. Certification training will be provided prior to working on a rig.
  • Basic Microsoft Office experience including Outlook.
  • Must have a valid State driver's license.
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from assigned rig site locations.
  • This position is contingent upon successfully passing a background check which includes running a criminal history, pre-employment drug testing (hair follicle and urine), and fit for duty physical.

Requirements

  • Solid's Control Experience.
  • Oil and gas experience.
  • Shaker tanks,
  • Centrifuge.
  • Drying equipment.
  • Pumps.
  • Heavy Equipment Experience
  • Forklift.
  • Wheel Loader.
  • Drilling fluids.

Benefits

Company Provided Benefits

  • Employee Health Insurance (100% Employer -paid)
  • Dependent Health Insurance (After 18 Months, 100% Employer Paid)
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays

Additional Available Benefits

  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Additional Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • 401(K)