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What is a rig manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
ScoreRig ManagerUS Average
Salary
8.5

Avg. Salary $134,142

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.01%

Asian 1.38%

Black or African American 4.78%

Hispanic or Latino 25.72%

Unknown 3.82%

White 63.30%

Gender

female 3.10%

male 96.90%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Rig manager career paths

Key steps to become a rig manager

  1. Explore rig manager education requirements

    Most common rig manager degrees

    High School Diploma

    56.9 %

    Bachelor's

    15.3 %

    Associate

    12.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific rig manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Safety Procedures14.72%
    Well Control9.45%
    Preventative Maintenance5.75%
    CPR4.94%
    JSA4.06%
  3. Complete relevant rig manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New rig managers 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 rig manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real rig manager resumes.
  4. Research rig manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage all rig operations and personnel on SCR and Kelly rigs.2.
    • Manage workovers and well site recovery project in preparation for re-drill program.
    • Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports, and manage their efforts to maximize their contribution to operational effectiveness and performance.
    • Drill extended laterals on OBM as well as cut brine drilling fluids.
  5. Prepare your rig manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your rig manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a rig manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable rig manager resume templates

    Build a professional rig manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your rig manager resume.
    Rig Manager Resume
    Rig Manager Resume
    Rig Manager Resume
    Rig Manager Resume
    Rig Manager Resume
    Rig Manager Resume
    Rig Manager Resume
    Rig Manager Resume
    Rig Manager Resume
  6. Apply for rig manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a rig manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first rig manager job

Zippi

Are you a rig manager?

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Average rig manager salary

The average rig manager salary in the United States is $134,142 per year or $64 per hour. Rig manager salaries range between $75,000 and $238,000 per year.

Average rig manager salary
$134,142 Yearly
$64.49 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do rig managers rate their job?

-/5

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Rig manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Its a challenging job where every day is a new day expecting an expected. Always able to try new things & approach to improve performance both in operation & Safety. Its a job which makes me feel alive and young everyday

Cons

Nothing apart from being away from my family for a long period of time


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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