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Freelance Oil Rig Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

C&J Well Services, LLC

Rig Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Critical: * Ability to wear personal protective equipment and/or safety ...

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Rio Vista, CA

$23 - $32.38/hr

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Oilfield Truck Driving experience a plus. * Forklift certified preferred. * Haz Mat CDL endorsement ...

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Rio Vista, CA

$23 - $32.38/hr

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Oilfield Truck Driving experience a plus. * Forklift certified preferred. * Haz Mat CDL endorsement ...

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Rio Vista, CA

$23 - $32.38/hr

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Oilfield Truck Driving experience a plus. * Forklift certified preferred. * Haz Mat CDL endorsement ...

PBF Energy

Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic

Martinez, CA · On-site

$57.54/hr

... oil refineries and related facilities. We have an opportunity at our Martinez Refinery in ... Possess or must obtain NCCCO RIG-I, TTR-I, and SGP within probationary period Preferred ...

DCOR, LLC - BW.

Crane Mechanic

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... of oil well rigs as needed  Work as directed by Crane Supervisor, Lead Operators, Rig Supervisors, Lead Crane Mechanic, and Maintenance Foreman  Maintain maintenance and repair records and ...

C&J Well Services, LLC

Crew Worker

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or completion of CJWS Trainee program.

C&J Well Services, LLC

Crew Worker

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or completion of CJWS Trainee program.

C&J Well Services, LLC

Floorhand

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

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 ...

C&J Well Services, LLC

Crew Worker-Ventura, CA

Ventura, CA

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

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 ...

C&J Well Services, LLC

Crew Worker

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or completion of CJWS Trainee program.

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Freelance Oil Rig Operator information

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A freelance oil rig operator can potentially earn around $4,000 per week due to high demand for skilled workers in the oil and gas industry, especially with experience and certifications like H2S and safety training. Such roles often involve long shifts in challenging environments and may require specialized technical skills but typically do not require a college degree. Earnings depend on location, experience, and the specific employer.

Can you get an offshore oil rig job with no experience?

Freelance oil rig operators typically require prior experience and relevant certifications such as H2S and safety training. Entry-level positions may be limited, but gaining skills through training programs or apprenticeships can improve chances of employment in the industry.

What is the difference between Freelance Oil Rig Operator vs Contract Oil Rig Worker?

AspectFreelance Oil Rig OperatorContract Oil Rig Worker
CredentialsCertifications in offshore safety, equipment operationSimilar certifications, often required for safety and operation
Work EnvironmentOn offshore oil rigs, variable locationsOn offshore oil rigs, temporary or project-based
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed or hired through agencies, flexible contractsHired by companies for specific projects, fixed-term contracts

Both Freelance Oil Rig Operators and Contract Oil Rig Workers operate in offshore environments with similar certifications. The key difference lies in employment type: freelancers work independently or through agencies with flexible arrangements, while contract workers are hired directly for specific projects with fixed durations.

Can you make 200k in the oil field?

Freelance oil rig operators can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand environments. However, earnings vary based on factors such as location, certifications, hours worked, and the complexity of the rig operations.

How much money do oil rig operators make?

Oil rig operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore or in specialized roles earning higher wages. Compensation often includes shift differentials, overtime pay, and benefits, reflecting the demanding environment and technical skills required for the job.
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs in California? For Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Oil Rig Operator job openings:
Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Oil Rig Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 17% Contract, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 67% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution.

Rig Operator

C&J Well Services, LLC

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Key Accountabilities
  • Directs other crew members in rigging up guy-lines, various equipment, and tools; lifts, removes, installs, and operates wellhead, pumping units, matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads, and other production equipment in a manner consistent with safe operating procedures to perform the contracted services.
  • Positions the rig, raises and lowers the mast.
  • Directs the crew members in performing routine maintenance and repair activities of the rig and rig tools.
  • Conducts Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Mitigation.
  • Conducts safety meetings and performs pre-job briefs with his crew members and other service providers on site.
  • Completes the Field Service Reports, documenting services performed, equipment used, billable consumables, and compensable crew time.
  • Interacts positively with customer representatives on location to ensure proper job execution and customer satisfaction.
  • Conducts route planning.
  • Conducts safety observations.
  • Develops and reviews Job Safety Plans (JSP).
  • Completes equipment inspections and audits.
  • May be required to drive a company, light, or DOT-regulated commercial vehicle.
  • Performs all duties in compliance with Customer and Company policies and procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and safe work procedures.
  • Complies with all the Company's Safety and Environmental policies, practices, and programs. Takes corrective action within training limitations. Escalates as necessary.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education, Certificates, Licenses
  • Motor Vehicle Record qualifies the individual to be an approved company driver required.
  • Commercial driver's license preferred.
  • Well Control training required within 30 days.

Experience
  • Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Critical:
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment and/or safety equipment including safety glasses, face shields, goggles, earmuffs/plugs, steel toe boots, hard hat, full body harness with applicable fall protection devices, SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), H2S detectors, slicker or TYVEK suits and gloves.
  • Knowledge of company and client policies, DOT and HSE standards and guidelines.
  • Ability to comply with the client's and the company's safe operating procedures. All activities are to be performed consistent with the company's Safe Operating Procedures, to provide the maximum protection for all workers at the work site, the environment, and the equipment; and to complete the tasks efficiently.

Required:
  • Basic knowledge of downhole conditions and desired outcome from an intervention.
  • Ability to perform the primary thinking called for and encompassed by the overall job description.
  • Ability to make quick decision-making and problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges.
  • Skilled in driving rig and other heavy equipment.
  • Ability to perform and plan rig operations and services.
  • Ability to read and follow job plans.
  • Ability to direct crew members in their daily activities.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members, supervisors, and other personnel on the job site to ensure the efficient and safe completion of tasks.
  • Ability to participate in and contribute to the collaborative resolution of challenges and issues within a team setting.
  • Ability to work at heights up to or greater than 50 feet.
  • Demonstrated dependability i.e. reporting for work at the prescribed location and on time.
  • Ability to work beyond the traditional 8-hour work day; available to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, to meet operational needs.

Desired:
  • Awareness of and familiarity with oilfield operations, including understanding the layout of well sites, pipelines, and other infrastructure.

  • Certification in First Aid, CPR, H2S, confined space entry, and defensive driver.
  • Commercial driver's license.

Work Environment
This role works primarily in a non-office environment. In this capacity, incumbents are regularly:
  • Exposed to outdoor elements such as extreme heat or cold, heavy winds, rain, or snow.
  • Exposed to loud noise level elements.
  • Required to drive to and access job sites, in light of day as well as in darkness, to perform work assignments. Some job site locations may be remote from the office requiring long drives to locations isolated from interaction with others and towns.
  • Required to balance, bend, squat, crouch, climb, reach, grasp, stoop, kneel, push/pull and lift objects, and use apparatus to push/pull and lift heavy objects weighing 50 lbs or more.
  • Subject to exposure to hazards such as but not limited to slippery or uneven surfaces; environmental/industry hazards such as chemicals, high-decibel noise from production equipment, fumes, or poor ventilation; proximity to moving objects and vehicles; potentially combustible components; hazardous off- road conditions such as dust, ice, and snow.
  • May be requested to work long hours to complete job assignments.
  • May work a rotating schedule, shift, and/or be on call.
  • Follow all company safety policies and protocols.
  • Required to perform active, physical tasks including but not limited to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs.
  • Required to have visual acuity to work with parts, equipment, apparatus, etc.
  • Required to possess audible acuity to hear alarms in the event of emergency. field locations.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties nor account for all abilities required to perform the job. It is a general description of the nature of the position.
The pay range for this position in California is between $29.32 per hour and $30.43 per hour. Please note that the hourly rate information is a general guideline, and that the hourly rate will vary depending on your location. C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") will consider factors such as (but not limited to) scope of responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. excellent benefits including full health benefits, 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting, and generous paid time off.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
C&J Well Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
LINK to Equal Employment Opportunity Posters:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at 661-589-5220 or CJWSHR@cjws.com.
Pay Transparency Notice
C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against an applicant or employee because they have inquired about or discussed compensation.
Notice to Third Party Agencies
Please note that C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Agreement, CJWS will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, CJWS explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, will not be reviewed or considered in part of the application process.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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