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Drill Rig Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

Overview FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

New

Overview FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Drill Rig Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$50

How much do drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 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 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

Drill Rig Operator

MasTec

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

New


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 79 rated construction


Job description

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects throughout the Southwest. Successful candidates must pass an ATF background check and be willing to travel. This is a safety sensitive position.

Company Overview

FNF Construction, Inc., a MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure (CE&I) company, has delivered high-quality construction services since 1984. Specializing in heavy highway construction and general engineering, we operate primarily throughout the Southwest as a general contractor, subcontractor, and producer of aggregate and asphaltic concrete. Our collaborative, partnership-driven approach has built long-standing relationships with both public and private clients across projects of varying size and complexity.

• Operate heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on drilling equipment.
• Monitor drilling parameters, adjust operations as needed, and record accurate data for reporting.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards at all times.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate operations.

• Minimum 3 years experience operating drill rigs.
• Experience operating Sandvik 700-800 top hammer drill rigs.
• Must be able to work out of town/state.
• Able to pass an ATF background check.
• Able to operate company pickup.
• Able to lift 50+ pounds for length of work shift.
• Operators are expected to operate and maintain the drill rig.
• Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills.
• Drill rig operator will operate drill rigs and required to assist blast crew with loading blast holes.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years experience operating drill rigs.
• Experience operating Sandvik 700-800 top hammer drill rigs.
• Must be able to work out of town/state.
• Able to pass an ATF background check.
• Able to operate company pickup.
• Able to lift 50+ pounds for length of work shift.
• Operators are expected to operate and maintain the drill rig.
• Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills.
• Drill rig operator will operate drill rigs and required to assist blast crew with loading blast holes.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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