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Drill Rig Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Bore Rig Operator

Acampo, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Pre-drilling duties * Site preparation : Before drilling, the operator is responsible for positioning the rig and associated equipment, such as mud pumps and generators, at the correct location. In ...

Dyno Nobel

Drill Operator

Victorville, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Job Brief Operate applicable drill equipment in a safe, reliable, timely and professional manner. Assist the operator in the safe operation of the drill rig and drill truck. The pay for this role is ...

Dyno Nobel

Driller / Drill Operator

Corona, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Job Brief Operate applicable drill equipment in a safe, reliable, timely and professional manner. Assist the operator in the safe operation of the drill rig and drill truck. The pay for this role is ...

Dyno Nobel

Drill Operator

Victorville, CA

$25 - $30/hr

What You'll Do As the Drill Operator, you will operate applicable drill equipment in a safe, reliable, timely and professional manner. Assist the operator in the safe operation of the drill rig and ...

Dyno Nobel

Driller / Drill Operator

Corona, CA

$19/hr

What You'll Do As a Driller / Drill Operator, you will operate applicable drill equipment in a safe ... drill rig and drill truck including cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Train with trainer to ...

Schnabel

Geotechnical Driller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$63.46 - $70/hr

... operating drill rigs proficiently. * High level of focus in a construction environment that is very busy and noisy. * Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain ...

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Rig Team Lead

Modesto, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

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Rig Team Lead

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

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Rig Team Lead

Stockton, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

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Rig Team Lead

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Paso Robles, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Woodland, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Lodi, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Elk Grove, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Turlock, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Arroyo Grande, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

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All JobsDrill Rig Operator JobsDrill Rig Operator Jobs in California

Drill Rig Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$50

How much do drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill rig operator in California is $27.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Drill Rig Operator?

As a Drill Rig Operator, your daily responsibilities typically include setting up, operating, and maintaining drilling rigs, monitoring equipment performance, and adhering to strict safety protocols. You'll often work closely with a team of drillers, assistants, and engineers, collaborating to ensure precise drilling according to project specifications. Regular tasks may also involve equipment inspections, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and recording drilling data. The role requires adaptability, as you may work in varying weather conditions and different locations, depending on the project.

How to get hired on a drilling rig?

To get hired as a drill rig operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience, and often a certification such as Well Control or OSHA safety training. Employers look for physical fitness, mechanical skills, and the ability to work in challenging environments, with on-the-job training provided for specific equipment and safety procedures.

What is a Drill Rig Operator job?

A Drill Rig Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining drilling equipment to bore holes for various purposes, such as mining, construction, or oil and gas extraction. They set up, position, and control drilling rigs, monitor operations, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Operators must have technical knowledge of machinery, the ability to read blueprints, and an understanding of soil and rock formations. The role often requires physical endurance and adherence to strict safety regulations.

How much do oil rigs get paid?

Drill rig operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the rig. Overtime, certifications, and working in remote locations can increase earnings, with some experienced operators making over $120,000 per year.

How do I become a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn operating procedures and safety protocols. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with machinery, tools, and safety standards is essential for the role.

How much does a drill rig operator earn?

A drill rig operator typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy machinery may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Drill Rig Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drill Rig Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a solid understanding of drilling processes, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety regulations such as OSHA, and certifications like a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies enable safe, efficient drilling operations and effective teamwork in demanding outdoor environments.

What are popular job titles related to Drill Rig Operator jobs in California? For Drill Rig Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drill Rig Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drill Rig Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drill Rig Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Drill Rig Operator job openings:
Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drill Rig Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,158 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Bore Rig Operator

Maxsim Traffic Logistics

Acampo, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

A bore rig operator's duties include

safely operating and maintaining drilling equipment to create deep, narrow holes for various purposes, including utility installation, water wells, and resource extraction. They work as part of a crew and must follow detailed project plans and strict safety protocols.

Pre-drilling duties

  • Site preparation: Before drilling, the operator is responsible for positioning the rig and associated equipment, such as mud pumps and generators, at the correct location. In directional drilling, they must first verify the bore path and mark all existing underground utilities to avoid accidental damage.
  • Inspections and checks: The operator conducts pre-operation inspections to ensure all equipment is in working order. This includes verifying that all safety systems and support equipment are functioning properly.
  • Fluid mixing: Depending on the type of drilling, the operator may need to mix drilling fluids or "mud" by adding clay and chemicals to water to achieve the right consistency.

Operation duties

  • Equipment operation: The operator skillfully uses levers and controls to manage the drill's speed, pressure, and direction. They monitor gauges to ensure the machine operates within safe and optimal parameters.
  • Collaboration: They work with a crew and may direct their activities, such as connecting drill pipes and assembling rig components.
  • Sampling and analysis: In water well or geotechnical drilling, the operator may collect and log core samples to determine the nature of the rock and soil strata being drilled.
  • Problem-solving: The operator must troubleshoot issues during drilling, including addressing geological obstacles and retrieving lost or broken bits and pipes.
  • Directional steering: For directional boring projects, the operator uses specialized equipment to precisely guide the drill head along the planned underground path.

Post-drilling and maintenance duties

  • Data recording: The operator is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the drilling process, including footage drilled, materials used, and geological data.
  • Equipment maintenance: Regular and preventative maintenance is a key duty. This includes cleaning, greasing, and repairing equipment to ensure it performs correctly.
  • Well completion: For water wells, the operator installs the well casing, necessary hardware, and the pump to prepare the well for use.
  • Site cleanup: After the job is complete, the operator and crew clean and restore the site, which may include plugging observation wells.