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Independent Contractor Oil Rig Jobs in California

C&J Well Services, LLC

Rig Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

... the contracted services. * Positions the rig, raises and lowers the mast. * Directs the crew ... Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience. Knowledge ...

C&J Well Services, LLC

Rig Operator

Bakersfield, CA

... the contracted services. * Positions the rig, raises and lowers the mast. * Directs the crew ... Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience. Knowledge ...

Schaeffer Manufacturing-Schaeffer's Oil

CA

Join Schaeffer Oil -- a trusted American-made brand with over 185+ years of proven performance in ... Independent contractor role (1099) with no cap on earnings . * Straight commission plus monthly and ...

Schaeffer Manufacturing-Schaeffer's Oil

CA

Join Schaeffer Oil -- a trusted American-made brand with over 185+ years of proven performance in ... Independent contractor role (1099) with no cap on earnings . * Straight commission plus monthly and ...

Schaeffer Manufacturing-Schaeffer's Oil

CA

Join Schaeffer Oil -- a trusted American-made brand with over 185+ years of proven performance in ... Independent contractor role (1099) with no cap on earnings . * Straight commission plus monthly and ...

Schaeffer Manufacturing-Schaeffer's Oil

CA

Join Schaeffer Oil -- a trusted American-made brand with over 185+ years of proven performance in ... Independent contractor role (1099) with no cap on earnings . * Straight commission plus monthly and ...

Schaeffer Manufacturing-Schaeffer's Oil

CA

Join Schaeffer Oil -- a trusted American-made brand with over 185+ years of proven performance in ... Independent contractor role (1099) with no cap on earnings . * Straight commission plus monthly and ...

Schaeffer Manufacturing-Schaeffer's Oil

CA

Join Schaeffer Oil -- a trusted American-made brand with over 185+ years of proven performance in ... Independent contractor role (1099) with no cap on earnings . * Straight commission plus monthly and ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Oil Rig JobsIndependent Contractor Oil Rig Jobs in California

Independent Contractor Oil Rig information

Do roughnecks make 180k a year?

Roughnecks, or oil rig workers, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers in high-paying regions sometimes reaching around $150,000. Earning $180,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand environments with overtime and hazard pay.

How much do oil rig contractors make?

Oil rig contractors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Contractors often work on a per-project basis or hourly, with some earning higher rates for specialized skills or certifications such as HAZWOPER or safety training.

What is the highest paying oil rig job?

The highest paying oil rig jobs are typically specialized roles such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, and offshore installation managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, technical skills, and certifications like BOSIET or HUET for safety, and often involve long shifts and offshore work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Independent Contractor Oil Rig position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Independent Contractor Oil Rig worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and extensive safety training, often supported by relevant certifications such as HAZWOPER, TWIC, and basic offshore safety induction. Familiarity with drilling equipment, rig monitoring systems, and specialized tools is essential for this role. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and clear communication skills help you work efficiently in dynamic and challenging environments. These competencies ensure safe, effective operations and the ability to tackle complex tasks in remote, high-risk settings.

Do independent contractors work on oil rigs?

Yes, independent contractors often work on oil rigs, performing specialized tasks such as drilling, maintenance, and safety inspections. They typically need relevant certifications, technical skills, and knowledge of safety protocols to operate in this environment.

What is the typical work schedule and living arrangement for independent contractors on oil rigs?

Independent contractors on oil rigs usually work rotational shifts, such as two weeks on followed by two weeks off, though schedules can vary by company and project. During their rotation, contractors typically live on the rig in shared accommodations, with provided meals and basic amenities. The work environment is remote, demanding, and requires flexibility, as shifts are often long and conditions can change rapidly. Contractors are expected to collaborate closely with permanent crew members and other contractors to maintain safety and efficiency throughout operations.

What is an Independent Contractor Oil Rig job?

An Independent Contractor Oil Rig job involves working on an oil rig without being a direct employee of a specific company. Contractors are typically hired for specialized skills, such as drilling, welding, or equipment maintenance. They negotiate their own contracts, manage their schedules, and are responsible for providing their own insurance and certifications. This role offers flexibility but also requires extensive experience, adherence to safety regulations, and the ability to work in harsh environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in California? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Oil Rig jobs in California? For Independent Contractor Oil Rig jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Oil Rig jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Oil Rig jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Independent Contractor Oil Rig jobs? Cities in California with the most Independent Contractor Oil Rig job openings:
Independent Contractor Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Oil Rig job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Rig Operator

C&J Well Services, LLC

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 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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