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Drilling Rig 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

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

... drill rig and drill truck including cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Train with trainer to ... Prepare and maintain all records and reports concerning drilling activities, including safety, in ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Helper I

San Joaquin, CA · On-site

$17.90 - $26.85/hr

The Rig Helper will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, agriculturally based rig activities. Will lay out ...

Rain for Rent

Rig Helper I

San Joaquin, CA · On-site

$17.90 - $26.85/hr

The Rig Helper will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, agriculturally based rig activities. Will lay out ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24.48 - $34.38/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Helper I

San Joaquin, CA · On-site

$17.90 - $26/hr

The Rig Helper will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, agriculturally based rig activities. Will lay out ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member IV

Lodi, CA · On-site

$33 - $46.20/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Lodi, CA · On-site

$27.78 - $38.78/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member IV

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site ... Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.

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Drilling Rig information

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$42

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Drilling Rig jobs

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 are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in California?

For Drilling Rig jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 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:

Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,509 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Bore Rig Operator

Acampo, CA • On-site

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$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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 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.