How to hire a rig operator

How to hire a rig operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step rig operator 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 operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new rig operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a rig operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the rig operator you need to hire. Certain rig operator 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 operator 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 operator that fits the bill.

   This list presents rig operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Rig Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Rig Operator		$13-25
   Wireline Operator	A wireline operator specializes in handling and directing wireline equipment, tools, and instruments, ensuring safety and efficiency. Part of their job is to assess and analyze project requirements, install cables according to protocols and guidelines, control equipment up and down, conduct regular maintenance checks, and perform repairs as necessary... Show more	$14-28
   Lease Operator	A lease operator is responsible for inspecting the efficiency and optimal performance of equipment and machinery and measuring the oil from the operation of the wells. Lease operators report the inconsistencies and failures of the equipment for immediate repair and replacement to avoid delays and prevent potential hazards... Show more	$2-52

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Productivity Standards
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Efficient Maintenance
   • Well Control
   • Work Ethic
   • Hand Tools
   • Fall Protection
   • Safety Procedures
   • H2S
   • Swab
   • Tongs
   • Crew Truck
   • Safety Regulations

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Control power hoisting equipment to pull casing, tubing, and rods from production wells.
   • Operate a 3 man pulling unit, operate a reverse unit, run packers, and daily reports

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your rig operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A rig operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, rig operators' average salary in kansas is 42% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level rig operators earn 46% less than senior-level rig operators.
   • Certifications. A rig operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a rig operator's salary.

   Average rig operator salary

   $38,713yearly

   $18.61 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level rig operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a rig operator job description

   A good rig operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a rig operator job description:

   Rig operator job description example

   This position is responsible for the operation of the rig, crew and equipment and for ensuring customer satisfaction with all services rendered. Incumbent ensures that all crew are at the rig and ready to work at scheduled time, and maintains productivity standards for all rig functions.
   
   This position has a dotted line reporting line to: Service Line Manager or Operations Superintendent.
   Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
   Ensures all crew members are at the rig and prepared to work at scheduled time. Operates the assigned rig and equipment in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions as requested or designated by the customers. Maintains regular contact and communication with customers to resolve concerns, issues and complaints. Ensures that quality products and services are provided to the customers including maintaining productivity standards for all rig functions, following safety procedures for a safe working environment for all rig employees, and adhering to all applicable governmental regulations for compliance. Ensures efficient maintenance of assigned rig and equipment. Establishes and maintains a positive and safe work environment for the assigned rig crew, including training and coaching them in carrying out their assigned duties on the rig. Performs other related duties as assigned. Wears proper safety equipment on the job (when applicable)
   a. Goggles, face shields or safety glasses
   b. Ear plugs/muffs
   c. Steel toed boots.
   d. Hard hats
   e. Safety belts
   f. Anti-fall devices
   g. SCBA (Self-contained Breathing Apparatus)
   h. H2S detectors
   i. Slicker or tyvek chemical suits
   j. Gloves
   K. FR uniforms
   Qualifications:
   Must have rig operation experience and be able to demonstrate full competency in rigging up/rigging down and well servicing operations. Minimum two or more years experience in rig and well servicing operations. Knowledge and experience in oilfield well servicing is required. Must possess CDL B drivers license to drive rig. Must meet all qualifications defined in Motor Vehicle Policy. Ability to effectively communicate with people within and outside of the company. Ability to lead or provide guidance to crew members to work safely and efficiently. Multi-tasking and basic problem solving skills required; organizational skills preferred. Must pass post-employment drug/alcohol urinalysis. Must pass post-offer "Essential Job Functions Test." Must pass DOT-drug and physical test if required by state and federal government.
   Education Requirements:
   
   High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right rig operator 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 operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit rig operators 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 operator job on Zippia to find and attract quality rig operator candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting rig operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   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 operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the rig operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a rig operator?