Oil rig workers in the United States earn an average annual salary of $66,483, with newcomers starting at $45,000 to $50,000. The average hourly wage for oil rig workers ranges from $21 to $31, with experienced workers earning $40 or more per hour. Oil rig welders have an average wage of $37.60 and can earn up to $300 in one day, potentially making up to $1500 in a 40-hour work week. Most oil rig workers work in rotations of two to three weeks on the rig and one to three weeks off.