1

Floorhand Oil Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Floorhand

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or with/around heavy industrial machinery ...

Floorhand

Bakersfield, CA

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or with/around heavy industrial machinery ...

Floorhand Oil Rig information

See California salary details

$11

$31

$54

How much do floorhand oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for floorhand oil rig in California is $31.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $42.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by floorhands on oil rigs, and how can they be managed?

Floorhands on oil rigs often encounter physically demanding tasks, long shifts, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Adapting to the fast-paced, safety-focused environment can be challenging, especially for those new to the industry. Effective communication with team members and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations. Regular training and a willingness to learn from experienced coworkers can help new Floorhands develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed.

What is a floorhand on an oil rig?

A floorhand on an oil rig is a crew member responsible for assisting with drilling operations on the rig floor. Their duties include handling equipment, maintaining safety protocols, and supporting the drill crew during drilling and maintenance tasks. This role requires physical stamina, knowledge of safety procedures, and often involves working in a challenging offshore environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a floorhand oil rig?

To thrive as a Floorhand Oil Rig, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rig equipment, safety protocols, and certifications like H2S or basic offshore safety training are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and effective operations in the demanding environment of an oil rig.

What is the difference between Floorhand Oil Rig vs Roustabout Oil Rig?

AspectFloorhand Oil RigRoustabout Oil Rig
CertificationsOSHA safety training, Basic offshore safetyOSHA safety training, Basic offshore safety
Work EnvironmentOn drilling floor, handling equipmentOn deck, assisting with equipment and supplies
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling drill pipe, maintaining equipmentLoading supplies, cleaning, assisting crew

Both Floorhand and Roustabout roles work in offshore oil rigs, requiring safety certifications and physical labor. Floorhands focus on operating and maintaining drilling equipment on the rig floor, while Roustabouts handle general labor tasks like loading supplies and cleaning. The roles are similar in environment and certifications but differ mainly in specific duties on the rig.

How much does a floorhand oil rig make?

A floorhand on an oil rig typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working in high-demand regions earning higher wages. Overtime, bonuses, and hazard pay can increase total compensation, and the role often requires physical stamina and safety certifications.

Is it hard to become a floorhand oil rig?

Becoming a floorhand on an oil rig typically requires physical fitness, basic safety training, and sometimes a high school diploma or equivalent. Entry-level positions are available, and on-the-job training is common, but the work can be physically demanding and involves working in challenging environments and shifts. Developing skills in safety procedures and equipment operation can improve job prospects.

What does a floorhand do on an oil rig?

A Floorhand, also known as a roustabout, is responsible for a variety of manual labor tasks on an oil rig. They assist with drilling operations, handle and maintain equipment, clean the rig, and help assemble or disassemble drilling pipes and machinery. Floorhands work under the supervision of more experienced crew members and play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the drilling process. The job is physically demanding and often requires working long shifts in challenging conditions.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Floorhand Oil Rig jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Floorhand Oil Rig jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Floorhand Oil Rig job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,415 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

USC - WE ARE HIRING! Drilling | California Region | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorha

Ensign Energy

Bakersfield, CA โ€ข On-site

$37.80/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

USC - WE ARE HIRING! Drilling | California Region | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhand
Job Summary
The Drilling Team (USC) Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhand performs the duties of general manual labor on the rig and supports and assists other members of the drilling crew during all rig operations.
  • Drilling - Floorhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $27.00 an hour
  • Drilling - Motorhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $28.08 an hour
  • Drilling - Derrickhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $31.86 an hour
  • Drilling - Assistant Driller (USC) Bakersfield, California $32.94 an hour
  • Drilling - Driller (USC) Bakersfield, California $37.80 an hour

Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities
  • Works in a safe, healthy, and environmentally protective manner
  • Operates tongs, picks up/lays down pipe and latches tubing in elevators
  • Manages tools on the work floor
  • Operates the mud pump
  • Nipples up/down BOP
  • Tallys the stands (pipe)
  • Assists in daily maintenance and housekeeping
  • Reports and corrects any unsafe work practices and safety hazards
  • Participates in all safety programs, processes and requirements
  • Attends Operations Training up to two times per year and up to five days per training at designated locations
  • Performs other duties as directed by management

Technical Competencies
  • Understands and is capable of reading all safety / training requirements and materials
  • Develops an understanding of all major rig components and the necessary servicing

Behavioral Competencies
  • Works in a manner that insures personal safety and the safety of fellow crewmembers
  • Maintains a professional, effective, and polite relationship with other Ensign employees and suppliers
  • Strives continuously to develop a greater knowledge of the total operations, including the duties and responsibilities of each position
  • Works well as a team player and demonstrates willingness to share knowledge to advance knowledge and skills of others
  • Respects chain of command and follows thru on instructions

Education and Experience
  • Prior experience in oil field, heavy industry or construction is beneficial
  • High School diploma or GED is preferred

Qualifications
  • The employee must:
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Pass a post-offer physical examination, fitness testing, safety aptitude test, drug tests & background check
    • Provide proof of and maintain proper legal authorization to work in the United States
    • Arrange for reliable transportation to and from work and training locations
    • Speak and read English well enough to understand verbal and written safety postings, alerts and announcements, communicate with co-workers and be able to participate in job safety analysis meetings

Other Accountabilities
  • Business Ethics - Understands fully Ensign's ethics policy and its application in all business dealings including contractual agreements and contract negotiations
  • Business Policies - Understands and agrees to follow all of Ensign's Policy and Directives and procedures as set forth in the Ensign Company Policy and Basic Directives Handbook for Employees
  • Certifications - Maintains technical and safety certifications required by company or government agencies; remains current on all OSHA, EUSD and other required training
  • Drug-free workplace - Conforms to a drug-free workplace, not be under the influence of mind-altering prescription or non-prescription drugs, including alcohol and other drugs of abuse.

Occupational Health and Safety - Understands fully the Ensign Health and Safety policy and self-responsibility for own health and safety at work; Demonstrates responsibility to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others through any act or omission
  • Uses the correct protective clothing and equipment as provided by Ensign and guards against misuse or damage to such equipment
  • Reports any hazardous situations arising in the workplace that cannot be self-corrected, or injury incurred during the course of work, no matter how minor
  • Avoids injury resulting from manual handling tasks, by use of risk assessment, correct mechanical handling equipment and correct manual handling techniques

Ensign United States Drilling Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Ensign provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Ensign takes affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and otherwise treat qualified individuals without discrimination as required by law.