1

Workover Rigs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Derrick Hand is part of a 4-5-person workover rig crew who are responsible for performing services on workover rigs. This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig ...

The Derrick Hand is part of a 4-5-person workover rig crew who are responsible for performing services on workover rigs. This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig ...

Derrick Hand

Odessa, TX ยท On-site

The Derrick Hand is part of a 4-5-person workover rig crew who are responsible for performing services on workover rigs. This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig ...

Derrick Hand

La Salle, CO ยท On-site

$24 - $26/hr

The Derrick Hand is part of a 4-5-person workover rig crew who are responsible for performing services on workover rigs. This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig ...

Reverse Unit Supervisor

Odessa, TX ยท On-site

$29.75 - $38.75/hr

Minimum two (2) years of pump down, reverse unit operation experience in oilfield services, with working knowledge of workover rigs and downhole experience. * Expert knowledge of duplex and triplex ...

Reverse Unit Supervisor

Hobbs, NM ยท On-site

$28.25 - $36.75/hr

Minimum two (2) years of pump down, reverse unit operation experience in oilfield services, with working knowledge of workover rigs and downhole experience. * Expert knowledge of duplex and triplex ...

Mechanic

Odessa, TX

$22.75 - $30.25/hr

The primary role of the equipment Mechanic is to maintain and repair a variety of equipment including diesel engines, heavy trucks, workover rigs, pumping equipment, lifting equipment, and other rig ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Workover Rigs information

See salary details

$61K

$124K

$173.5K

How much do workover rigs jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for workover rigs in the United States is $123,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Workover Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workover Rig Operator, you need expertise in rig operations, well servicing techniques, and a strong understanding of safety protocols, typically backed by industry certifications such as Well Control or H2S training. Familiarity with technical tools like hoisting equipment, downhole tools, and computerized rig monitoring systems is essential. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are critical for managing site challenges and ensuring crew safety. These competencies are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and upholding safety standards in demanding oilfield environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Workover Rig operators, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Workover Rig operators often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations, managing heavy equipment, and adhering to strict safety protocols in high-pressure environments. New hires should be ready to adapt to irregular schedules, collaborate closely with teams under shifting conditions, and respond quickly to unexpected well conditions or equipment issues. Gaining a strong understanding of safety procedures, maintaining physical fitness, and developing effective communication skills are key to succeeding and advancing in this role.

What are workover rigs?

Workover rigs are specialized drilling rigs used in the maintenance, repair, and enhancement of existing oil and gas wells. Unlike drilling rigs that are primarily used to drill new wells, workover rigs are employed to perform tasks such as replacing production tubing, cleaning out wells, or installing new equipment to improve well performance. They play a crucial role in extending the productive life of wells and ensuring optimal output. Workover rigs can be truck-mounted or skid-mounted and vary in size and capability depending on the well service requirements.

What is the difference between Workover Rigs vs Drilling Rigs?

AspectWorkover RigsDrilling Rigs
Primary FunctionPerform maintenance, repair, and well interventionsDrill new wells or deepen existing ones
Work EnvironmentOn-site at existing wells, often in remote locationsAt drilling sites, often in open fields or offshore
Credentials NeededWell control certifications, safety trainingWell control certifications, safety training
Industry UsageOil and gas extraction companiesOil and gas exploration and production

Workover Rigs and Drilling Rigs are both essential in oil and gas operations but serve different purposes. Workover Rigs focus on maintaining and repairing existing wells, while Drilling Rigs are used to create new wells. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right equipment and expertise for specific operational needs.

More about Workover Rigs jobs
What cities are hiring for Workover Rigs jobs? Cities with the most Workover Rigs job openings:
What states have the most Workover Rigs jobs? States with the most job openings for Workover Rigs jobs include:
Infographic showing various Workover Rigs job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 20% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,968 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Derrick Hand

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

***This job has preference to qualified local job seekers within 60 miles of our Axis Marmarth, ND facility.
The Derrick Hand is part of a 4-5-person workover rig crew who are responsible for performing services on workover rigs. This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig Operator. The primary responsibilities of a Derrick Hand are to work anywhere on the derrick of the workover rig including but not limited to the tubing board and rod basket (in other words this person may also need to go up and perform routine maintenance on the derrick structure or components) and other functions specified by the Tool Pusher or Rig Operator.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Assists the operator in rigging up and down, lining up the well service rig with the well; performs servicing on the well.
  • Responsible for all elevated work associated with rigging up/down (such as removing horse head from pumping unit).
  • Responsible for all work performed for the rod basket and tubing board (transferring rods and tubing from the vertical racks to the elevator).
  • Operates tubing elevators for standing tubing in derrick.
  • Assists in picking up or laying down tubing, manually lifting the tubing from the rack onto the work floor or vice versa.
  • Sets hydraulic jacks, handles pads/boards, and assists in attaching the guy wires to the anchor.
  • Assists in walking the rods when laying down rods.
  • Reports any safety hazards, accidents, or maintenance issues to the Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor.
  • Ensures that work carried out follows Axis policies and procedures and according to Axis and customer safety programs.
  • May be required to work floors or operate the rig when needed.
  • May drive the crew truck as needed (must maintain active state issued driver license).
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent.
  • Must have a valid state issued driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR); CDL Class A or B preferred.
  • Minimum (1) year of Derrick hand experience required; at least two (2) years of workover rig floor experience required.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and written in English.
  • Must be able to work a varied rotational schedule and travel as job requires.
  • Work may be performed in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to lift heavy equipment up to 75 lbs.
  • Ability to access the work environment by use of a ladder at heights of 50 ft. or more.
  • Long periods of standing, squatting, kneeling, reaching or similar activities may be necessary.
  • Able to perform duties with protective equipment, working near or with heavy tools and moving machinery.
  • Mobility, including entering confined spaces, enter areas by the use of ladders or other access devices; ability to bend, stoop, twist, stand, squat, crawl and walk.
  • Ability to interact with others in a team environment.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at once.
  • Basic problem solving and organizational skills.
  • Reliable telephone (cell phone) communication and transportation.
  • Able to clear pre-employment drug/alcohol and job-relevant screens.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.