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Local Oil Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

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Local Oil Rig information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do local oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for local oil rig in California is $22.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local oil rig?

Local oil rig jobs refer to employment opportunities on oil drilling rigs that are situated within a specific region or community, rather than offshore or in distant locations. These positions can include roles such as drillers, roughnecks, roustabouts, engineers, and safety technicians, all of whom work together to extract oil and maintain rig operations. Local oil rig jobs often provide stable employment and may offer rotational shifts, competitive salaries, and benefits. Working on a local rig can also reduce travel time and allow employees to spend more time at home compared to remote or offshore assignments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work on a local oil rig?

To thrive as a Local Oil Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring specialized training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety protocols, and certifications such as H2S and first aid/CPR are typically necessary. Teamwork, strong communication, and problem-solving skills are essential soft skills for operating safely and efficiently in challenging environments. These skills and qualifications ensure safe operations, minimize downtime, and contribute to the overall productivity and safety of the rig.

What challenges do workers face on a local oil rig, and how can they be managed?

Working on a local oil rig often involves long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Teamwork and clear communication are essential for ensuring safety and efficiency, as operations require close coordination among crew members. Many oil rigs have well-established safety protocols and provide comprehensive training to help workers manage these challenges. Those considering this role should be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be proactive in following safety procedures to minimize risks.

What is the difference between Local Oil Rig vs Offshore Oil Rig?

AspectLocal Oil RigOffshore Oil Rig
Work EnvironmentOnshore, land-based drilling sitesSea-based platforms in open water
Required CertificationsBasic safety and operational certificationsAdvanced safety, survival, and offshore certifications
Employer & Industry UsageOil companies operating on landOil companies operating at sea
Work ConditionsMore stable, predictable scheduleChallenging, remote, and variable conditions

In summary, Local Oil Rigs are land-based drilling sites with different safety and operational requirements compared to Offshore Oil Rigs, which are located at sea and require specialized certifications and safety measures. The choice depends on the work environment and career focus within the oil industry.

How do I get hired on a local oil rig?

To get hired on a local oil rig, candidates typically need relevant experience in the oil and gas industry, such as working as a roustabout, roughneck, or in a related field. Certifications like OSHA safety training and specialized technical skills can improve job prospects, and applying through company websites or staffing agencies that specialize in oilfield employment is common.

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 cities in California are hiring for Local Oil Rig jobs?

Cities in California with the most Local Oil Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Oil Rig job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,576 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Crane Operator (All Levels)

Date: Aug 16, 2026

Location: San Diego, CA, US, 92113

Company: National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Job Posting End Date: Until Filled Shift: ALL Security Clearance: No Clearance Required

Who We Are General Dynamics NASSCO is one of three shipyards in the Marine Systems group of General Dynamics Corporation. General Dynamics NASSCO traces its beginnings to the industrial heart of San Diego, along the working waterfront of beautiful and historic San Diego Bay. The company has been designing and building ships in San Diego's industrial corridor since 1960 and is the largest full service shipyard on the West Coast of the United States.

Job Summary Operates a variety of diesel electric cranes, including portal, tower, mobile, mobile (auxiliary), overhead (cab), overhead (floor), to lift and move heavy objects and machinery. Responds to ground signals to rotate boom, alter angle of boom, reposition crane and raise and lowers load. Inspects crane for defective parts and performs routine maintenance and inspection procedures. Performs other related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.

Qualifications Standards Must have knowledge of mechanical and crane operation principles. NCCCO License to operate Mobile Hydraulic Crane (All Terrain) preferred. Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred. Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number, compartment location, etc.) Must be able to coordinate hand, foot and eye movement. Basic knowledge and comprehension of weights and conversion (lbs, tons, kilograms) needed. Knowledge and comprehension of universal hand-signals for rigging and crane operations necessary with the ability to clearly communicate via hand-held radio. Must have the ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and be available to work any shift. Must comprehend written and verbal instructions, hear warning signals and read and comprehend safety instructions, regulations and warnings.

Essential Job Tasks Operate diesel electric cranes, including portal, tower, mobile, mobile (auxiliary), overhead (cab), overhead (floor) cranes; rotate and alter boom angles in response to radio or hand signals to raise, lower and transfer loads. Set up machinery and equipment, including boom lengths and crib outriggers. Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. Provide data into log books relating to lifts. Read load charts and understand different types of load materials and landing areas. Inspect cranes for proper operation. Conduct pre and post-job inspections independently and/or with supervision. Perform minor crane maintenance, clean windows, and make basic repairs. Train and mentor others in essential rigging job functions and safe crane operations. Other job duties as assigned relevant to the trade.

Materials, Tools, Equipment, Work Aids Basic hand and power tools, rigging tools, gloves, lubricating greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required.

Physical/Mental Involvement Repetitive or prolonged sitting, climbing, balancing, and lifting. Lifting body weight, sitting, reaching, handling, pushing/pulling, standing, walking, leaning and seeing (to maintain visual contact with load), eye/hand/foot coordination. Hearing warning signals, reading and comprehending safety instructions and planning sequence. Works in all areas of the shipyard and on board ships. Hearing warning signals and reading and comprehending safety instructions. Must be able to maintain general safety awareness and avoid hazards commonly present in employee's work area.

Marginal Job Tasks Housekeeping in all work areas, including sweeping. May be required to attend safety, quality and/or process improvement meetings.

Environmental Factors Exposure to wind, rain, ambient temperatures such as extreme heat and cold, wet and humid conditions, dust, and toxic/caustic chemicals. Works at heights of up to 120' on piers or barges. Exposed to high levels of constant noise.

PAY SCALE $33.15 - $36.50 This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the hourly range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services.

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.