The Driller is the person on a rig who is in charge of the well drilling process, they supervise the crew and the running of the rig itself. They are responsible for monitoring things like pressure build-ups and gas levels, with safety being of paramount importance.
Drillers are one of the very few people with the authority to shut down the well if an emergency occurs.
The Toolpusher, driller and rig crew will work for a drilling contractor, taking their operational orders from the Company Man or Drilling Supervisor who represents the operator company.
What qualifications are needed as a driller?
For a driller, skills are arguably more important than specific qualifications, with a lot of the experience required coming through working through the ranks on a rig.
Typically, good critical thinking, excellent communication skills, steady hands and good coordination make up the skills toolbox for a driller.
There are two main well control certifications, with many companies wanting at least one. These are the IADC and the IWCF.
For offshore rigs, the standard industry certificates such as BOSIET, HUET or MIST are essential, as is a medical to prove good health.

How to become one?
It’s quite common for drillers to start on the rig floor working as a roustabout and learning on the job until they become an assistant driller, then once they have the relevant knowledge and a bit more experience they can take the step up to being a drill operator.
What salary you’ll make
This really depends on where your rig is based, with key factors including remoteness and the harshness of environmental conditions. An onshore rig in Abu Dhabi will not pay a driller as much as one based in the stormy seas west of the Shetland Isles for example.
It is the norm for people to work on a rotation, usually 28 days on 28 days off, and to be paid a daily rate for the days they work. These range from $750 up to $1,000 or occasionally higher.
What jobs are there?
There are onshore drilling operations in large parts of the world, and many offshore areas still being explored and developed.
For offshore work, you will work either on a fixed or floating rig, which is determined by the depth of water. This could be a drillship, a jack-up rig, a platform or a semisubmersible.
This really depends on where your rig is based, with key factors including remoteness and the harshness of environmental conditions. An onshore rig in Abu Dhabi will not pay a driller as much as one based in the stormy seas west of the Shetland Isles for example.
It is the norm for people to work on a rotation, usually 28 days on 28 days off, and to be paid a daily rate for the days they work.
As an offshore drilling engineer, you could expect to earn a salary of around $55,000 - $65,000 per year. On the highest end of the scale, a specialist role like a drilling consultant would earn between $143,000 - $305,000.
There are many opportunities for career progression in the sector. After joining the industry through an entry-level role like a drilling engineer, you could be promoted to a drilling consultant or an offshore installation manager.
Alternatively, you may decide to set up your own business and work as a contractor with other firms to negotiate a higher rate of pay.
Job openings in Drilling
Front End Loader Driver
Location: Brisbane
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 2 years
The Front End Loader Driver is an integral member of the rig floor team led by the Driller. This team physically performs all the standard drilling operations, and is always involved in service company operations also. In addition to the ability to safely perform manual skills in a highly skilled team environment, it is essential to be able to learn the various procedures which are required to carry out the Drilling Program. These procedures include establishing the well, tripping drill strings, running casing strings, handling BOP stacks and risers and operating and maintaining the surface mud treatment equipment. The Front End Loader Driver is responsible for operating the Front End load on the rig site.
Production Operator
Location: Darwin
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Essential Responsibilities PRODUCTION Perform transfer of packaged, liquid and bulk products Preparation of drilling fluids and brines to formulations specified by management using filtration and centrifuging where required. Check that raw materials and packaging is available prior to decanting. Take product samples for QC as detailed in operations procedures. HSE Meet company expectations for HSE standards and policy. Attend daily toolbox meeting. Participate in the observation system at the required frequency. QUALITY Ensure stock is received with correct quality paperwork. Ensure product is not shipped to customer if it doesn't meet the required quality specifications. Read and be familiar with the Quality Management Plan. ADMINISTRATION Advise Site Supervisor of possible stock shortages. Help with stock takes as required.
Warehouse Materials Handler
Location: Perth
Branche: Renewable Energy
Expertise: Transport & Logistics
Experience: 2 years
Actively participate in HSE, Integrity and Quality programs and initiatives. Strictly adhere to the HSE policies and procedures. Apply safe work practices for self and others at all times. Carry out stock takes and cycle counts on items stored in the warehouse and the yard. Perform housekeeping duties to ensure the yard / facility / shops are clean and tidy and kept to a high standard. Perform daily / routine maintenance tasks on equipment. Operate mobile equipment such as forklift, pallet stacker, Franna crane, cherry picker, etc Operate other shop equipment such as pedestal cranes, gantry cranes, high-pressure washdown, part washer, stencilling machine, metal strap binding machine, etc. Correct & safe use of power tools such as grinder, buffer, needle gun, etc. Load / off-load equipment, containers, etc safely without incidents. Handle equipment / materials movement as required between shops / warehouse / yard to meet business requirements. This includes preparing equipment (and associated paperwork) ready for either short/long term storage or for loading out. Perform general duties associated with preservation, storage and maintenance on subsea & drilling equipment such as buffing, cleaning, greasing, coating, painting, etc as per the company standards. When there are no duties in the yard or warehouse, the Material Handlers are expected to assist in the shops. Work independently to complete tasks and activities.
Rig Mechanics
Location: Toowoomba
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 2 years
We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Rig Mechanic to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair drilling rig equipment. You will be responsible for ensuring all mechanical systems operate efficiently to support drilling operations. Key Responsibilities: Perform maintenance on rig equipment (engines, pumps, generators, etc.) Troubleshoot and repair mechanical faults Conduct regular inspections and preventative maintenance Ensure compliance with safety and operational standards