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What is a drilling rig operator and how to become one
The responsibility of a drilling rig Operator is to maintain and operate drilling equipment at a well site. They maintain and operate drilling fluid systems and pumps during the drilling process. You are to operate and set up several drills to remove underground oil and gas and also extract important materials for experimenting during oil and gas exploitation. As a drilling rig Operator, you must monitor the drilling equipment and determine the depth of the borehole by counting sections of the drill rod. To avoid unforeseen circumstances, you are to control diesel and gasoline by pushing brake pedals and levers.
Most times, you are in charge of maintaining machinery for proper functioning, which includes repairing, oiling, and cleaning pulleys. Also, for accountability, you are to keep records of the location of the strata area, materials, and tools used, service relinquished, and time taken to accomplish work. Basic skills requirements of a drilling rig Operator include the ability to persuade, critical thinking, ability to make decisions and to judge rightly. The mean salary of a drilling rig operator is $45,000 yearly. However, you must be able to operate a drill rig and have the experience to back it. Earning a high school diploma is an essential educational qualification for this position.
Avg. Salary $44,739
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 7%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2.25%
Asian 1.21%
Black or African American 9.03%
Hispanic or Latino 19.45%
Unknown 4.21%
White 63.85%
Genderfemale 3.05%
male 96.95%
Age - 39American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 39Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is very poor
6.4 - fair
Drilling rig operator career paths
Key steps to become a drilling rig operator
Explore drilling rig operator education requirements
Start to develop specific drilling rig operator skills
Skills Percentages CDL 23.14% OSHA 9.95% Minor Maintenance 7.54% Augers 7.44% Equipment Maintenance 6.81% Complete relevant drilling rig operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New drilling rig operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a drilling rig operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real drilling rig operator resumes.Research drilling rig operator duties and responsibilities
- Maintain fluid weights by careful mixing of chemicals using PPE and careful mathematical calculations in collaboration with engineers.
- Manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients using GMP format and aseptic techniques.
Apply for drilling rig operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a drilling rig operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average drilling rig operator salary
The average drilling rig operator salary in the United States is $44,739 per year or $22 per hour. Drilling rig operator salaries range between $33,000 and $60,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do drilling rig operators rate their job?
Drilling rig operator reviews
You get benifits
You get paid low, no one there listens, and there is never a drill plan
I like working with people and operating different types of underground drilling machines
I don't like misunderstanding
First of all I love my career as drill rig operator,and the most thing I love is to drill and putting all my mind on drilling
I don't like working without a drilling plan
Updated January 8, 2025
