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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 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 ...

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 ...

Dyno Nobel

Drill Operator

Victorville, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/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 ...

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 ...

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 IV

Lodi, CA

$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 V

Lodi, CA

$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

$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 II

Lodi, CA

$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 ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in California

Drilling Rig information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 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 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 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,509 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Water Well Driller

Valley Well Drilling, LLC

Los Angeles, CA

$55K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Position: Water Well Driller


Location: Oahu and Kauai


Pay: ($55,000 - $100,000 per year) based on experience


Overview
We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Drill Rig Operator to join our
team in the water well industry located in Hawaii.
The ideal candidate must have a strong mechanical background and experience with various drilling Methods (mud and air rotary) and experience with submersible pump installation. As a Driller, you will play a crucial role in the maintenance and operation of drilling equipment and ensure the safe and efficient execution of drilling projects.
CDL is required.
Forklift certification required.

Duties
Operate drilling rigs and associated equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and OSHA standards. Perform routine maintenance on drilling equipment, including and support equipment. Maintain accurate records of drilling operations, including depth, and other relevant data. Apply housekeeping skills and have a positive work ethic to promote safety and efficiency.


Please submit a resume.

This is an opportunity to work throughout the state of Hawaii


Job Type: Full-time


Pay: negotiable based on experience

30 day evaluation period.

Must have the ability to commute or relocate.

Position available immediately.


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