How to hire a rig mechanic

How to hire a rig mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step rig mechanic hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a rig mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new rig mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the rig mechanic you need to hire. Certain rig mechanic roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a rig mechanic to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a rig mechanic that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of rig mechanic salaries for various roles:

   Type of Rig Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Rig Mechanic	Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.	$13-31
   Industrial Maintenance/Electrician	An industrial maintenance/electrician specializes in installing and maintaining electrical systems in different establishments. Responsibilities usually include performing inspections to assess electrical damages on systems, understanding blueprints, troubleshooting problems, replacing or fixing components, and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure that electrical systems function smoothly and efficiently... Show more	$21-35
   Gas Turbine Technician	Another name for a gas turbine technician is "gas turbine mechanic." They repair and carry out maintenance on gas turbine engines and mechanical apparatuses. They are responsible for operating the machine, and it is also expected that they understand both the electrical and mechanical sections of the engines... Show more	$13-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Troubleshoot
   • Mechanical Equipment
   • Cranes
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Mud Pumps
   • Parts Inventory
   • DOT
   • Blowers
   • Air Compressors
   • Caterpillar
   • Diesel Engines
   • Electrical Systems
   • Hoists

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your rig mechanic job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A rig mechanic can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, rig mechanics' average salary in florida is 45% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level rig mechanics 56% less than senior-level rig mechanics.
   • Certifications. A rig mechanic with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a rig mechanic's salary.

   Average rig mechanic salary

   $44,088yearly

   $21.20 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level rig mechanic salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a rig mechanic job description

   A rig mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a rig mechanic job description:

   Rig mechanic job description example

   The employee inspects, services and repairs machinery and drilling equipment such as engines, motors, pumps, winches, pneumatic, hydraulic and rig moving systems.
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
   
   + Perform daily preventative maintenance checks to ensure equipment is operating within proper limitations
   
   + Troubleshoot mechanical failures for root-cause and repair as required
   
   + Caterpillar 3500 series engines and power generators
   
   + Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
   
   + Electrical and electronic systems
   
   + Rig specific equipment: (draw-works, top drives, mud pumps, moving systems, etc.)
   
   + Document all work performed on work orders and entry into MP2 program daily
   
   + Maintain critical spare parts inventory and initiate purchases orders for parts and equipment as required
   
   + Sets up and operate power, air and hand tools to make and repair parts
   
   + Train Motormen to properly maintain equipment and perform minor repairs as needed
   
   + Maintain clear communication with rig crew, relief and supervisor
   
   + Follow DDI policies and procedures
   
   + Perform other duties assigned
   
   CORE COMPETENCIES
   
   + Commitment to Excellence - Identifies what needs to be done and takes action to achieve a standard of excellence beyond job expectations.
   
   + Corporate Values- Understand, embraces, and integrates Doyon corporate values into everyday duties and responsibilities.
   
   + Customer Service - Identifies and responds to current and future client needs by providing excellent service to internal and external clients.
   
   + Safety and Security - Promotes a safe work environment for co-workers and customers.
   
   + Teamwork - Resourceful team player that builds, strengthens, and maintains collaborative relationships with others inside or outside the organization.
   
   JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
   
   + Adaptability- Adapts to changing conditions and work assignments, sets priorities and manages multiple assignments, and tasks.
   
   + Attention to Detail- Ensures one's own and other's work and information are complete and accurate.
   
   + Communication Skills- Listens, writes, and speaks effectively, and positively relates and interacts with co-workers, customers and others.
   
   + Dependability- Consistently adheres to operational standards, ensures smooth operations and positive customer experiences, builds a productive workplace, is reliable, and improves team morale
   
   + Self-motivated- Requires little to no supervision, works well both independently and as part of a team.
   
   REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
   
   + High school diploma or equivalent
   
   + Rig experience as a mechanic
   
   + Caterpillar 3500 series experience
   
   + NSTC (North Slope Training Certificate)
   
   + Valid Driver's License
   
   PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
   
   + Alaska on/offshore experience
   
   WORKING ENVIRONMENT
   
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions both on and off shore. Temperatures reach as low as 50 degrees below zero during the winter months. Employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places, extreme heat and high noise levels. Employee will be required to work at various heights on the rig. Employee will work in an environment where there is risk that they will be exposed to toxic, caustic and/or hazardous chemicals, fumes or airborne particles. Workers are required to wear personal protective equipment while on the job.
   
   PHYSICAL DEMANDS
   
   An individual will be required to work the majority of hours in a remote industrial environment, and will need to be able to quickly respond to a change in work demands. Occasional lifting up to (1-50 lbs.) is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   
   REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
   
   It is Doyon Drilling's business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
   
   PREFERENCE STATEMENT
   
   Doyon grants preference to qualified Doyon Shareholders first, and second to qualified shareholders of other Alaska Native corporations that grant a similar preference in all phases of employment and training, which include, but are not limited to hiring, promotion, layoff, transfer, and training.
   
   
   Company: Doyon Drilling, Inc.
   
   External Company Name: Doyon Limited
   
   External Company URL: www.doyon.com

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right rig mechanic for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with rig mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit rig mechanics who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your rig mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit rig mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit rig mechanics, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new rig mechanic

   Once you've decided on a perfect rig mechanic candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new rig mechanic first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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