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Drilling Rig Hand Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ability to use such hand tools as torque / manual wrenches, screwdrivers, sledgehammers ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

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Drilling Rig Hand information

See California salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do drilling rig hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig hand in California is $24.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $33.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drilling Rig Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Hand, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a basic understanding of drilling operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, hand and power tools, and sometimes certifications like H2S Alive or First Aid are commonly required. Strong teamwork, communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for working efficiently and safely on-site. These abilities are vital to ensure safety, operational efficiency, and the successful completion of drilling projects in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Drilling Rig Hands, and how can they be managed on the job?

Drilling Rig Hands often encounter physically demanding tasks, exposure to harsh weather, and long shifts that can extend beyond typical working hours. Maintaining safety is a top priority, as the work involves heavy machinery and potentially hazardous materials. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, since Rig Hands coordinate closely with other crew members to ensure smooth operations and prevent accidents. Adapting to changing conditions and staying attentive to safety protocols can help manage these challenges and contribute to a successful rig environment.

What are Drilling Rig Hands?

Drilling Rig Hands, often referred to as roughnecks, are entry-level workers on oil and gas drilling rigs. They are responsible for a variety of manual labor tasks such as handling drilling equipment, maintaining the rig, and assisting more experienced crew members with drilling operations. Rig Hands work in physically demanding environments and often follow strict safety protocols. Their work is essential to the smooth and efficient operation of drilling rigs. Over time, Rig Hands can advance to higher positions with experience and training.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig Hand vs Derrickhand?

AspectDrilling Rig HandDerrickhand
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, basic certificationsSimilar certifications, more specialized safety training
Work EnvironmentOn drilling rigs, outdoors, physically demandingOn drilling rigs, working in the derrick, physically demanding
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with equipment, maintenance, safety proceduresHandling drilling fluid, maintaining the derrick, assisting in drilling operations

The main difference between a Drilling Rig Hand and a Derrickhand lies in their specific roles on the rig. While both work in similar environments and require comparable certifications, Derrickhands focus more on managing drilling fluids and working in the derrick, whereas Drilling Rig Hands assist with general equipment and safety tasks. Both positions are essential for efficient drilling operations and often overlap in skills and training.

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig Hand jobs in California? For Drilling Rig Hand jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Hand jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Hand jobs in California are:
Maintenance Mechanic

$81K - $147K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

As an NRG employee, we encourage you to take charge of your career and development journey. We invite you to explore exciting opportunities across our businesses. You'll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to our ongoing success-take the lead in shaping your career development, goals and future!


 

Summary:

Maintain and repair various power plant mechanical equipment and their associated auxiliary components.

This position is at our Ivanpah Generating Station facility in Nipton, CA approximately 30 - 40-minute drive from Las Vegas Strip.

Essential Duties/ Responsibilities:

  • Install, maintain, test, inspect and repair generating station equipment such as, boilers, turbines, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, vessels and a variety of utility vehicles. 
  • Troubleshoot mechanical failures and provide recommendations and findings to supervisor.
  • Perform preventative and corrective maintenance plans on mechanical equipment.
  • Replace packing in pumps and valves, bearings, shaft seals, sleeves, seats and other miscellaneous parts used in plant equipment. 
  • Remove and replace insulation materials on pumps, heaters, tanks, turbines, lines, valves, etc. 
  • Clean pipes and perform other plumbing and pipe fitting tasks. 
  • Set up rigging for installing/removing equipment. 
  • Specify and/or order proper materials for job completion.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and identify parts and spares requirements.
  • Ability to use such hand tools as torque / manual wrenches, screwdrivers, sledgehammers, micrometers, calipers, torque wrenches, and other precision devices.
  • Complete required records and document work performed. 
  • Recognize safety hazards and follow safety guidelines. 
  • Knowledgeable of environmental rules and regulations and effectively apply them to all work situations.
  • Assist in providing skill enhancement training to other personnel. 
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with management and other personnel

 

Preferred Skills:

  • Ability to perform basic mathematics to calculate measurements and computations needed for repair and maintenance of power plant equipment.  
  • Knowledge of rotating equipment and knowledge of general maintenance activities and procedures including ultrasonic greasing, performance of oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. 
  • Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g. forklift, man-lift, crane, etc.) and maintain operating licenses and certifications. 
  • Ability to operate machine shop equipment such as drill presses, lathes and boring mills. 
  • Ability to lift, carry and position such items as large chain falls, slugging wrenches and various equipment (can weigh up to 50 lbs.) 
  • Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and parts in awkward positions, swing various weights of sledgehammers, stoop and bend to reach valves, pull on chainfalls and comealongs. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Verifiable training in the proper use of laser alignment equipment, HyTorc (or similar) equipment, and standard Millwright training is a bonus.
  • Training and expertise in the use of portable vibration monitoring equipment is a plus.
  • Completion of Journeyman-level Millwright or Mechanic training program preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Five (5) years of industrial mechanical maintenance experience in the repair, inspection, and/or maintenance of related power plant or machine shop equipment including inspection and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, fabricating and diagnostics.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Outdoor environment at generating plant work locations includes:

  • Work in and around rotating equipment, high voltage electrical equipment, high noise areas and elevations up to 450 feet.
  • Work in all temperatures and climatic conditions. Some temperatures can be extreme. 
  • Performance of duties requires response to calls 24 hours/day, seven days/week and working irregular shifts.
  • Daily work expectation requires ability to perform tasks by walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, shoveling, climbing, and in positions above and below head, and extended from body to complete repairs.

Plant Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

  • Must be able to pass a company physical exam.
  • Requires operation of a motor vehicle; valid driver's license is required.
  • Power plant environment. Work environment includes working out of doors, working at heights, high/low ambient temperatures and high humidity areas at generating unit work locations.  Work in all temperatures and climate conditions.  Some temperatures can be extreme.

The base salary range for this position is: $81,760-$147,120* *The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.  

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

EEO is the Law Poster (The poster can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf)

Official description on file with Talent.


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About NRG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At NRG, we're bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Industry

Oil and coal products manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US