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

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Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig information

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$21

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

As of Sep 4, 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 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 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.

How much does an entry level offshore oil rig worker make?

Entry-level offshore oil rig workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, company, and specific role. Workers often receive additional compensation for overtime, hazardous conditions, and certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET).

Is it hard to get hired on an entry level offshore oil rig?

Getting hired on an entry-level offshore oil rig can be competitive, but candidates with relevant certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and a strong work ethic have good chances. Employers often look for physical fitness, safety awareness, and the ability to work in challenging environments, with many positions requiring prior training or experience in related fields.

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:

Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Offshore Oil Rig job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,151 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Wellbay Operator

Amplify Energy Services LLC

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Amplify Energy is an independent oil company focused on low decline, assets with significant upside. The company intends to enhance current operations, reduce costs, grow production, and increase cash flow. Amplify operates in two core areas; 1) Beta (Pacific Outer Continental Shelf), and 2) Bairoil (Wyoming). Amplify Energy is seeking a team-oriented individual who will join the offshore Beta team.
 
 

Job Summary: 

Monitors, operates, and adjusts the producing, injection, and disposal wells, gas system, production surge vessel, and shipping pumps on an offshore platform in a safe and environmentally sound manner, in compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations. Utilizes computer and manual monitoring of wells, well safety/shutdown hydraulic systems, flow lines, gas system, sewage system, and chemical injection systems, as well as the drilling rig motor pack, air compressors, and emergency generator. Completes all paperwork and testing required by the MMA (Department of the Interior) and the US Coast Guard (for fuel transfers). Maintains a daily log and takes daily readings on wells and other equipment as required. Understands and responds to all emergency situations in the Well Bay. Works at the direction of the Control Room Operator and the platform's Lead Wellbay Operator.

Essential Functions:

  • Monitor producing, injection, and disposal well operation systems, ensuring all systems function in compliance with established procedures and regulations, including those of the MMA (US Dept. of Interior), US DOT (pipeline to shore), and the US Coast Guard.
  • Identify and evaluate wells for malfunctions and take corrective action — adjustments, flushing, rate changes via well chokes, or writing work orders for repair. Notify the Production Supervisor of problems or immediately shut in a well when needed to prevent harm. Interface with and support the Rig Crew during well workover and drilling operations.
  • Perform daily systems inspections to ensure optimal well production, injection, and shipping/pipeline operations, including environmental inspections, fire and ventilation checks, and daily instrument readings on all operating and standby systems.
  • Monitor chemical injection rates and perform chemical pump repair; conduct daily pollution, potable water, and produced water/oil/grease testing; maintain deck drain and skim pile pump logs; run weekly firewater pump tests; perform daily sewage ClO2 residual testing and BS&W / vapor PSI / H2S content checks.
  • Operate and maintain condensate removal, and heat medium systems, oil/gas/water separation vessels, compressors, pumps, and diesel units; perform valve replacement, equipment isolation, Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO), and filter changes.
  • Perform batch treating and pigging operations on oil and gas pipelines; support well bay operations including wireline, acid injection, and chemical injection; operate chokes for optimum efficiency.
  • Complete monthly and weekly MMA-required system testing and all associated paperwork; support annual MMA platform process inspections and maintain compliance documentation.
  • Respond to alarms and site emergencies; help maintain accountability for personnel and actions during emergency situations; participate in safe work, hot work, and confined space entry permitting and JSAs as directed.
  • Maintain an accurate Operator's logbook, documenting all daily activities, readings, and events; compile data relating to operational activities and reports.
  • Complete all required training, including Computer-Based Training and field/emergency response training; must be able to walk to and enter the escape lifeboat in an emergency.
  • Maintain the safety of self and others by following all written and verbal instructions, promptly reporting or correcting hazards and unsafe conditions, questioning nonstandard operations, and giving feedback to site leads on safety issues. Understand and follow all regulatory agency rules pertaining to offshore platforms. Perform safety checks related to OSHA, USCG, MMA safety regulations as assigned. 
  • Provide support to field offices on vendor status, work order, and information requests as needed.

This job descritipn is not intended to be an exhastive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.  The employee may be required to perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs. 

Knowledge, Skill and Experience:

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Experience:

Two (2) to five (5) years of offshore oil & gas production/wellbay operating experience (or equivalent onshore oil & gas production experience), including at least one year working directly in a Wellbay Operator, Operator 1, or comparable production-operator role. Prior offshore platform experience with Beta Offshore is a plus.

Skills Required:

  • Working knowledge of production and injection well components — well heads, Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs), hydraulic pumps — and producing-well testing techniques.
  • Proficient reading and interpreting Piping & Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs) and other petroleum-industry instrumentation.
  • Understands operations associated with an offshore platform, including well bay, gas system, production surge vessel, and shipping pump operations.
  • Working knowledge of the Federal Code of Regulations applicable to OCS operations (API RP 14-C, 30 CFR, 33 CFR, 40 CFR, DOT, APCD) and MMA/US Coast Guard reporting and testing requirements.
  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Access, as well as well-monitoring software (HMI/PLC); strong, accurate documentation practices for daily operations.
  • Skilled in Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) and hazardous-energy isolation practices, safe work / hot work / confined space entry permitting, and job safety analysis (JSA).

Certifications (required or obtainable within introductory period):

  • T-2 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Certified
  • API RP2D Qualified Rigger, or Rigger and Job Crane Certified
  • Wellbay Operator’s Test within 6 months of hire. 
  • CPR / First Aid / AED Certified

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications:

  • Crane Operator Certification (e.g., NCCCO or equivalent) — a plus, not required. *We own/operate friction cranes, NOT hydraulic cranes. 

Schedule & Compensation

Schedule: 14 days on / 14 days off (14/14), 12-hour shifts (including holidays as dictated by schedule), working in federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters. Transportation to and from the platform is mainly by boat, occasionally by helicopter. Travel to the dock is on the individual.  The boat leaves from Long Beach, California. 

Pay: $26.00 – $40.00 per hour, depending on experience.

This hourly range equates to approximately $81,000 – $124,000 in total direct annual compensation 


We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.