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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 dutiesSite 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

Driller / Drill Operator

Corona, CA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

Schnabel

Geotechnical Driller

Walnut Creek, CA

... 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 ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Helper I

San Joaquin, CA

$17.90 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Rain for Rent

Rig Helper I

San Joaquin, CA · On-site

$17.90 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Modesto, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Stockton, CA

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 Aug 19, 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 is a drill rig operator?

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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drill rig operator?

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.

How do I become a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and 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.

What do you need to be a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in operating drilling equipment. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the industry and location, and physical stamina and safety awareness are important for working in demanding environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drill Rig Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Drill Rig Operator jobs in California are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% 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 16 hours 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 dutiesSite 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 dutiesEquipment 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 dutiesData 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.