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Drilling Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

Responsibilities Operate heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations ... Drill rig operator will operate drill rigs and required to assist blast crew with loading blast ...

... heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations. • Perform routine ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

Responsibilities • Operate heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling ... drill rig. • Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills. • Drill rig operator will ...

Flag Crane Operator during lifts, install tag lines to prevent accidents, interferences and/or damage. Assist in maintaining the general appearance of the drilling rig. Maintain the paint locker neat ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drilling Rig information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in California is $27.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling rig?

A drilling rig is a complex machine used to create holes in the ground, most commonly for the exploration and extraction of oil, natural gas, or water. These rigs can be massive structures used offshore or smaller, mobile units for land-based drilling. Drilling rigs are equipped with specialized equipment to drill, circulate drilling fluids, and handle extracted materials. The type of rig used depends on the location, depth, and purpose of the drilling operation.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig vs Drilling Operator?

AspectDrilling RigDrilling Operator
CredentialsCertifications in equipment operation, safety trainingSame certifications, plus operational training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, heavy machineryOn-site, operating drilling equipment
Industry UsageUsed to describe the equipment and infrastructureRefers to the personnel operating the equipment

The drilling rig is the large structure used to drill wells, while the drilling operator is the worker who operates the rig. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the rig refers to the equipment, and the operator refers to the personnel managing it.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Drilling rig jobs, such as roustabouts or roughnecks, can pay around $4,000 per week with experience and safety certifications. These roles often require physical stamina, technical skills, and on-the-job training rather than a college degree, and they typically involve working in the oil and gas industry on a rotating schedule.

How to get hired on a drilling rig?

To get hired on a drilling rig, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as OSHA, and physical fitness. Experience in the oil and gas industry or technical training in drilling operations can improve job prospects, and entry-level positions often require willingness to work long shifts and in remote locations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a drilling rig, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working on a drilling rig often encounter challenges such as long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as safety depends on clear communication and collaboration among crew members. Adapting quickly to changing situations and following strict safety protocols helps manage risks and ensures smooth operations. Regular training and support from experienced colleagues also play a key role in overcoming these challenges and fostering a safe, productive work environment.

What Are Drilling Rig Jobs?

Six positions on an oil rig crew run the operations of both onshore and offshore drilling rigs. As the rig manager, you are in charge of the company's interests. You oversee all personnel and operations and report program progress to your superiors. As a driller, you monitor drilling procedures and ensure that all other personnel follows safety and efficiency protocol. As a derrickhand, you maintain and repair the circulating system equipment. Your duties as a leasehand include setting up and taking down the drilling equipment and keeping an organized work environment. The floorhand's responsibilities include manipulating pipe sections and drill stems. Finally, as the motorhand, you operate the diesel and electric engines that keep the rig running.

What is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically senior positions such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, or rig managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling operations, and relevant certifications such as Well Control or IADC Rig Pass. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety systems, and industry-standard software like drilling data acquisition systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure operational safety, minimize downtime, and maintain productivity in demanding environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in California? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs? Cities in California with the most Drilling Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, and 93% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,509 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Drill Rig Operator

Drill Rig Operator

MasTec

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 153 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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