How to hire a rig supervisor

How to hire a rig supervisor, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a rig supervisor, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A rig supervisor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, rig supervisors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents rig supervisor salaries for various positions.

   Type of Rig Supervisor	Description	Hourly rate
   Rig Supervisor		$49-107
   Crew Foreman	A crew foreman coordinates the daily activities in a construction site to ensure that operations adhere to deadlines, budgets, and quality standards. They serve as the point of contact for supervisors, clients, and construction workers... Show more	$19-30
   Construction Foreman	A construction foreman is responsible for overseeing construction operations and determining the construction progress by monitoring plans and schedules. A construction foreman allocates tasks to the workers and ensures that everyone adheres to the safety guidelines and regulations, preventing potential hazards in the work area and avoiding construction delays... Show more	$20-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Procedures
   • Well Control
   • Party Contractors
   • BOP
   • Wellview
   • Safety Culture
   • On-Site Supervision
   • ESP
   • Hoisting
   • Safety Program
   • Completion Operations
   • PPE
   • Logistics
   • Customer Relations

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage weekly payroll disbursement for contract employees.
   • Record daily drilling activities accurately in IADC reports while keeping accurate component tally.
   • Include supervision and oversight of all workers onsite

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, rig supervisors' average salary in mississippi is 38% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level rig supervisors 54% less than senior-level rig supervisors.
   • Certifications. A rig supervisor 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 supervisor's salary.

   Average rig supervisor salary

   $152,646yearly

   $73.39 hourly rate

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   Entry-level rig supervisor salary

   $103,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 25, 2025

4. Writing a rig supervisor job description

   A good rig supervisor 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 supervisor job description:

   Rig supervisor job description example

   The Workover Rig Senior Crew Chief/Supervisor is responsible for planning and leading the execution of high profile, complex job treatment programs and providing supervision and support to Crew Chiefs (Operators) and Field Crews. Safety is a core value for Brigade Energy Services and we are seeking like-minded Senior Crew Chiefs/Supervisors who consider Safety as the number one priority. A successful Senior Crew Chief/Supervisor will lead our people, drive our business, provide top notch customer service and maintain the image and integrity of our company. In return, we will provide opportunities to grow and advance, to become an expert at what you do, or progress to higher positions within the company.
   
   Provides a strong leadership presence when present at job sites by coaching, mentoring and training Crew Chiefs/Operators and crew members at all levels while creating a positive team spirit and safe working environment
   
   Partners with District and Operations Managers to plan the execution and logistics of each job and ensures rig crews arrive on-site on-time with the appropriate and necessary equipment and materials for the job
   
   Maintains regular contact and communication with customers to review pre-job plans, resolve concerns, issues and complaints while building customer relationships, providing superior customer service and technical support
   
   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
   
   Supervises, monitors, manages and ensures crew chiefs, crews, rigs and equipment operate in accordance with the contractual specifications, terms and conditions as requested or designated by the customers.
   
   Ensures all work is carried out in compliance with company policies, procedures and safety regulations
   
   Responsible for stopping work if conditions are unsafe and reports concerns immediately, including all hazards or potentially hazardous situations, accidents, incidents and injuries
   
   Facilitates and develops workplan Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and develops hazard assessments with crews prior to job
   
   Troubleshoots and resolves complex issues; develops contingency plans; provides guidance to Crew Chiefs and Crews on how to resolve routine and non-routine operating issues.
   Ensures efficient maintenance of assigned rig and equipment Conducts pre-job operating procedures and safety meetings with crews, customers and 3rd parties Follows-up with external and internal customers to ensure job was executed to expectations Ensures all field paperwork, including but not limited to fuel reports, logbooks, job tickets, post job treatment reports, Transport of Dangerous Goods reports, quarterly inspection reports, equipment inspections, etc., are completely and accurately filled out, audited, and approved Supports our Short Service Employee Program and ensures training is complete for all new hires and team members Attends weekly Safety Meetings All other duties assigned
   Requirements: EXPERIENCE & WORKING REQUIREMENTS Experience: High school diploma, equivalent or higher Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Hazmat endorsement preferred 3+ years workover rig / wellsite supervisory experience 6+ years oilfield service experience - (Knowledge and demonstrate competency in rigging up/down and well servicing operations.) Previous experience working on and leading complex/high profile treatment programs Knowledgeable of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Working Requirements: Exceptional team leadership abilities and customer service skills Coaches, mentors and develops trust with Crew Chiefs and rig crew Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships among the team Outstanding problem anticipation, recognition and solving skills Strong attention to detail and highly organized Proficient computer skills including suite of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint Can work flexible schedules and overtime as required Can perform in outdoor working environments in extreme temperatures and conditions Must provide proof of right to work in the United States, have a clean driving record and ability to pass a drug screen and background check WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ABILITIES: While performing the duties of this job the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee may also be exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the environment is moderate to loud depending upon the location. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk; feel, grasp, reach and lift up to 25 pounds. Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear and smell; and lift more than 50 pounds. The vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
   
   PI194588419

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5. Post your job

   To find rig supervisors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any rig supervisors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level rig supervisors with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with rig supervisor candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 supervisor

   Once you've selected the best rig supervisor candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   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.)

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