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Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig information

See California salary details

$10

$15

$21

How much do entry level offshore oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level offshore oil rig in California is $15.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level offshore oil rig?

An entry-level offshore oil rig job involves performing basic tasks to support drilling and production operations. Common roles include roustabout, roughneck, and floorhand, which involve cleaning, maintaining equipment, and assisting skilled workers. These positions require physical labor, long shifts, and extended rotations at sea. No prior experience is usually needed, but physical fitness and a willingness to work in tough environments are essential. Many workers use these roles as a stepping stone for higher positions in the oil and gas industry.

What is the typical schedule and work environment like for an entry level offshore oil rig position?

Entry level offshore oil rig roles commonly operate on a rotational schedule, such as two weeks on the rig followed by two weeks off. Workdays are long, often involving 12-hour shifts, and employees live and work on the rig for the duration of their rotation. The environment is physically demanding and safety-focused, but modern rigs offer amenities such as shared living quarters, meals, and recreational spaces. Teamwork is essential, as tasks are performed in close collaboration with colleagues from various disciplines. This unique work structure can be rewarding both financially and in terms of career growth for those comfortable with remote, high-energy settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level offshore oil rig position?

To thrive as an Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig worker, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols and certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are often required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart in this challenging setting. These skills help maintain safety, operational efficiency, and a positive working environment in a demanding offshore context.

What are the most commonly searched types of Offshore Oil Rig jobs in California?

The most popular types of Offshore Oil Rig jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig jobs in California?

For Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,151 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Foss Lightering Engineer - Long Beach, California

Foss Maritime Company

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$710.85/day

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Foss Maritime

Foss Maritime is one of the most recognized and respected maritime brands in the U.S., combining a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach to industry innovation. While deeply rooted in tradition, Foss is evolving at a fast pace, continuously setting new standards for operational excellence and sustainability.

With operations spanning all U.S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore wind projects. Our primary operations are on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.

As part of the Saltchuk family of companies, Foss is a values-driven organization that takes pride in its exceptional team, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer success. With a culture built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, Foss Maritime remains a trusted leader in the maritime industry.

About the Role

As a Lightering Engineer, you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and reliable maritime services. You'll work alongside a dedicated team that values professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

Essential Functions & Duties - Shoreside

  • Equipment readiness: Maintain, inspect, and support the upkeep of customer-owned lightering gear to ensure readiness for safe and efficient operations.
  • Equipment and vehicle operation: Operate forklifts, cranes, company trucks, and other assigned equipment in support of shoreside maintenance, staging, and logistics activities.
  • Inventory and materials control: Track customer-owned inventory, lightering gear, stores, and spare parts for vessels participating in PAL operations.
  • Warehouse and yard support: Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and efficient use of the warehouse and maintenance yard.
  • Logistics and vessel support: Assist with delivery of stores, spare parts, and customer-owned materials to support vessels and ongoing lightering operations.

Essential Functions & Duties - Offshore

  • Operational readiness: Under the direction of Customer Lightering Masters, support the lightering team in preparing for safe, compliant, and efficient ship-to-ship transfer operations.
  • Lightering gear and hose handling: Rig, secure, and handle lightering gear and cargo transfer hoses during offshore lightering operations.
  • Mooring and vessel coordination: Assist with mooring and unmooring operations while maintaining effective communication with vessel and support vessel crews.
  • Emergency response readiness: Serve as part of the oil spill response team aboard the lightering support vessel and participate in response activities as directed.
  • Safety and marine compliance: Follow established safety, environmental, and marine operational procedures throughout offshore operations.

What We're Looking For

  • Maritime knowledge: General knowledge of seamanship, vessel deck operations, and safe marine work practices.
  • Training and certification readiness: Ability to attend, understand, and successfully complete training and certification courses required to meet regulatory standards and support safe, environmentally responsible operations.
  • Equipment and vehicle operation: Ability to operate forklifts of various sizes, company vehicles, including a 12-foot stake bed truck, and qualify for future certification on company-owned cranes.
  • Physical capability: Must be in good physical condition and able to access offices, shops, vessels, and ships at sea, including boarding vessels and lifting moderately heavy materials.
  • Schedule flexibility: Ability to work overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and varied schedules as operational needs require.

What We Offer

  • Pay for this position will be $41.62/ hour (shoreside) and $710.85 (offshore day rate)
  • Benefits
  • Opportunities for advancement in a legacy-rich company
  • Training and development programs
  • A culture rooted in safety, respect, and teamwork

How to Apply

Ready to set sail with Foss? Submit your application via our careers page. If you need any assistance please reach out to fossjobs@foss.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Drug Free Workplace


Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer


Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.