Driller/Exploration Team Member III
$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.
Driller/Exploration Team Member III
$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.
Driller/Exploration Team Member V
Lodi, CA · On-site
$34.10 - $53.08/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.
Driller/Exploration Team Member V
Lodi, CA · On-site
$34.10 - $53.08/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.
RigCLOUD Technician I - California
$20.50 - $28/hr
Frequent exposure to outdoor elements, drilling rig environments, and electronic devices. * Must be able to drive long distances and travel extensively (75%+ travel required). * Willingness to work a ...
RigCLOUD Technician I - California
$20.50 - $28/hr
Frequent exposure to outdoor elements, drilling rig environments, and electronic devices. * Must be able to drive long distances and travel extensively (75%+ travel required). * Willingness to work a ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Geotechnical Driller
$63.46 - $70/hr
Record drilling parameters, production data, and daily progress reports, while maintaining open and ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.
Geotechnical Driller
$63.46 - $70/hr
Record drilling parameters, production data, and daily progress reports, while maintaining open and ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.
Rig Team Lead
Elk Grove, CA · On-site
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
Elk Grove, CA · On-site
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
Guadalupe, CA · On-site
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
Guadalupe, CA · On-site
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
Guadalupe, CA · On-site
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
Guadalupe, CA · On-site
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
Lompoc, CA · On-site
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
Lompoc, CA · On-site
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Geotechnical Driller
Walnut Creek, CA · On-site
$63.46 - $70/hr
Record drilling parameters, production data, and daily progress reports, while maintaining open and ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.
Geotechnical Driller
Walnut Creek, CA · On-site
$63.46 - $70/hr
Record drilling parameters, production data, and daily progress reports, while maintaining open and ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Rig Team Lead
$25 - $31/hr
The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, and agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out ...
Record drilling parameters, production data, and daily progress reports, while maintaining open and ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.
Quick apply
Record drilling parameters, production data, and daily progress reports, while maintaining open and ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.
Rig Helper II
Bakersfield, CA · On-site
$21 - $26/hr
The Rig Helper II will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out, assemble ...
Rig Helper II
Bakersfield, CA · On-site
$21 - $26/hr
The Rig Helper II will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out, assemble ...
Rig Helper II
$21 - $26/hr
The Rig Helper II will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out, assemble ...
Rig Helper II
$21 - $26/hr
The Rig Helper II will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment used for water wells, irrigation systems, agriculturally based rig activities. Lay out, assemble ...
Drilling Rig information
See California salary details
$14.47 - $17.04
3% of jobs
$17.04 - $19.60
10% of jobs
$22.06 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$19.60 - $22.17
13% of jobs
$22.17 - $24.74
17% of jobs
The median wage is $25.49 / hr.
$24.74 - $27.30
26% of jobs
$28.69 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$27.30 - $29.87
13% of jobs
$29.87 - $32.44
6% of jobs
$32.44 - $35
3% of jobs
$35 - $37.57
4% of jobs
$37.57 - $40.14
2% of jobs
$40.14 - $42.70
3% of jobs
$14
$27
$42
How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 31, 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?
| Aspect | Drilling Rig | Drilling Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Certifications in equipment operation, safety training | Same certifications, plus operational training |
| Work Environment | On-site at drilling locations, heavy machinery | On-site, operating drilling equipment |
| Industry Usage | Used to describe the equipment and infrastructure | Refers 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.
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:
$24.50 - $33.25/hr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 10 days ago
Terracon rating
7.5
Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
49th of 72 rated business consultants
Job description
Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located.From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum 3-years' experience.
- Proficient in geotechnical and/or environmental drilling methods.
- A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. Where applicable, such licensure is required.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
- Demonstrate an ability to problem solve and implement solutions on routine to moderately complex problems with guidance from management or other senior level ETMs.
- Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.
- Oversee a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
- Be proficient in multiple drilling methods common to their region.
- Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
- Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
- Perform surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks.
- Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
- Inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
- Assist in project preparation and pre-task planning.
- Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects.
- Participate in pre-task planning.
- Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
- Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.