How To Become A Rig Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a rig operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

If you have dreamt of becoming a sergeant, this might be your chance. Be the oil and gas industry's drill sergeant as you become a rig operator. Basically, a rig operator operates and maintains drilling and service rigs.

You will be responsible for the maintenance of rig engines, heating systems, motors, transmissions, and other related equipment. You also might be tasked to supervise other drilling crews.

Even though some rig operators have bachelor's and master's degrees, you can become a rig operator with only a GED or a high school degree. What's important is the skills you have to land this job. Of course, you should have remarkable knowledge in operating drill rig machinery and other related equipment, you should be physically fit and possess physical strength, and you should also be able to work efficiently with other people and in a flexible atmosphere.

Although more responsibilities will be bestowed to you, climbing up the work ladder will give you the chance to become a superintendent. With more years in the industry and good work ethics, it is not impossible for you to end up with the title superintendent.

ScoreRig OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.0

Avg. Salary $38,713

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

7.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.21%

Asian 1.21%

Black or African American 8.29%

Hispanic or Latino 24.60%

Unknown 4.19%

White 59.50%

Gender

female 2.51%

male 97.49%

Age - 39

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 - 39

Stress level

9.2

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

0.4

Work life balance is

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a rig operator

Explore rig operator education requirements

Most common rig operator degrees

High School Diploma

57.5 %

Diploma

13.5 %

Associate

12.7 %

Start to develop specific rig operator skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	22.09%
Productivity Standards	15.82%
Customer Satisfaction	11.27%
Efficient Maintenance	7.87%
Well Control	5.93%

Complete relevant rig operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New 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 rig operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real rig operator resumes.

Research rig operator duties and responsibilities

Perform maintenance and repair of equipment including welding and fabrication of augers and drill bits.
Train in H2S regulation and prevention.
Regulate boiler blow down, backwash and clean condensers.
Log and sample soil, rock and water for environmental and geotechnical analysis.

Prepare your rig operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your rig operator 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 operator 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 operator resume templates

Build a professional rig operator 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 operator resume.