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Offshore Oil Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oceaneering

Mechanical Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$27.36 - $38.61/hr

Fork-lift, overhead crane, and rigging experience. * Good communication skills and the ability to ... Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea ...

Oceaneering

Mechanical Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$27.36 - $38.61/hr

Fork-lift, overhead crane, and rigging experience. * Good communication skills and the ability to ... Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Dredge Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$450 - $875/day

This position frequently requires long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel. WHO YOU ARE ... MMC QMED/Oiler * Able Seaman Endorsement * STCW Basic Training VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Assistant or ...

Curtin Maritime

Dredge Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

This position frequently requires long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel. WHO YOU ARE ... MMC QMED/Oiler * Able Seaman Endorsement * STCW Basic Training VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Assistant or ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$450 - $875/day

This position frequently requires long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel. WHO YOU ARE ... MMC QMED/Oiler * Able Seaman Endorsement * STCW Basic Training VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Assistant or ...

Curtin Maritime

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

This position frequently requires long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel. WHO YOU ARE ... MMC QMED/Oiler * Able Seaman Endorsement * STCW Basic Training VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Assistant or ...

Curtin Marine Transportation

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$83.03 - $161.44/hr

This position frequently requires long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel. Who you are Mental ... MMC QMED/Oiler * Able Seaman Endorsement * STCW Basic Training Vessel Proficiencies * Assistant or ...

All JobsOffshore Oil Rigging JobsOffshore Oil Rigging Jobs in California

Offshore Oil Rigging information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do offshore oil rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore oil rigging in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is offshore oil rigging?

Offshore oil rigging jobs involve working on oil platforms located at sea, where workers help extract oil and gas from beneath the ocean floor. These roles can include drillers, roughnecks, rig managers, engineers, and support staff, all contributing to the operation and maintenance of the rig. Workers typically live on the rig for weeks at a time, working in shifts, and must follow strict safety protocols due to the challenging and hazardous environment. Offshore oil rigging offers good pay but requires physical stamina, adaptability, and a willingness to work away from home for extended periods.

What are the typical shift patterns and living arrangements for workers on offshore oil rigs?

Offshore oil rig workers typically follow rotational shift patterns, such as two weeks on the rig followed by two weeks off at home. While on the rig, employees live in shared accommodations that include sleeping quarters, cafeterias, and recreational areas. The work environment is highly structured for safety and efficiency, with long shifts—often 12 hours—covering both day and night. Teamwork is essential, as workers collaborate closely with colleagues from different specialties to ensure smooth operations and address any challenges that arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an offshore oil rig worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Oil Rig Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical fitness, and relevant safety training or certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET). Familiarity with drilling equipment, heavy machinery, and safety management systems like Permit to Work (PTW) is essential. Teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience in challenging environments are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and help workers adapt to the demanding and hazardous conditions offshore.

What is the difference between Offshore Oil Rigging vs Offshore Oil Drilling?

AspectOffshore Oil RiggingOffshore Oil Drilling
Primary RoleAssembling, installing, and maintaining rig components and equipmentOperating drilling equipment to extract oil and gas from beneath the seabed
Required CertificationsCrane operation, safety training, rigging certificationsDrilling certifications, safety training, technical licenses
Work EnvironmentOn rig platforms, focusing on construction and maintenanceOn drilling rigs, focusing on extraction operations
Industry UsageUsed during rig setup, maintenance, and upgradesUsed during the actual drilling process to reach oil reserves

While both roles are essential on offshore rigs, Offshore Oil Rigging focuses on assembling and maintaining rig equipment, whereas Offshore Oil Drilling involves operating the drilling machinery to extract resources. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path and employers can better define job roles.

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

Getting hired as an offshore oil rig worker can be competitive and requires relevant skills, certifications, and physical fitness. Employers often look for experience in safety procedures, technical skills, and the ability to work long shifts in challenging environments.

What are popular job titles related to Offshore Oil Rigging jobs in California?

For Offshore Oil Rigging jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Offshore Oil Rigging jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Offshore Oil Rigging jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Offshore Oil Rigging jobs?

Cities in California with the most Offshore Oil Rigging job openings:

Offshore Oil Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Offshore Oil Rigging job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Mechanical Technician

Oceaneering

San Diego, CA • On-site

$27.36 - $38.61/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Oceaneering rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

375th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Description The Mechanical Technician will perform scheduled and corrective maintenance, integration, testing, field installation, and troubleshooting of mechanical, life support, and hydraulic equipment and systems. Responsibilities
  • Provide sound and seasoned technical judgement that follows company policies and procedures in meeting SROMC obligations.
  • Conduct mechanical and hydraulic maintenance and operation of all USN submarine rescue systems and support equipment (SRDRS, SRCFS, ROV, SILOS, LWMS). Maintain rescue teams and systems in the highest state of readiness in order to meet Fleet requirements.
  • Works within and supports a safety culture that is in compliance with Oceaneering's Life Safety Rules and HSE program.
  • Working knowledge of applicable technical requirements from NAVSEA SS800-AG-MAN-010/P9290 (Systems Certification Procedures and Criteria Manual for Deep Submergence Systems), NAVSEA SS521-AA-MAN-010 (U.S. Navy Diving and Manned Hyperbaric System Safety Certification Manual), and American Bureau of Shipping rules.
  • Be able to document maintenance and operational activities in accordance with applicable procedures to sustain certification of submarine rescue system equipment.
  • Work within a team to resolve technical issues.
  • Formulate methods and processes which will increase safety, efficiency and readiness.
  • Hydraulic, piping, mechanical, and small valve maintenance and repair.
  • Life support piping systems, oxygen systems and/or diver breathing gas systems maintenance and repair.
  • Travel and at-sea watch standing will be required.
Qualifications REQUIRED
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Technical Associates Degree or tech trade school preferred.
  • Minimum two years formal training or four years of progressively responsible, on-scene experience in fabricating, assembling, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing hydraulic, life support and mechanical systems, and small valve maintenance., including high pressure gas/liquid power and control equipment (pumps, valves, etc.).
  • Able to interpret complex mechanical and hydraulic schematics and drawings.
  • Skills in use of piping system test sets, flow/pressure meters, and NDT.
  • Proficient in the use of common hand and power-driven tools including drills, grinders, drill presses, cut saws, etc.
  • Proficient in hydraulic system operation/repair/maintenance and troubleshooting. Some formal hydraulic system training preferred. Proficient in the use of fluid and gas test equipment.
  • Fork-lift, overhead crane, and rigging experience.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced environment.
  • Able to work with minimum supervision under a variety of conditions.
  • A current valid U.S. passport is required.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Requires the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance.
DESIRED
  • Experience with Deep Submergence Systems - Scope of Certification (DSS-SOC) and/or Diving and Manned Hyperbaric Systems - Scope of Certification is considered a plus.
  • Experience troubleshooting to the component level is preferred.
  • Experience with MIL-STD-1330 and/or MIL-STD-1622 cleaning and testing standards
  • Certified Oxygen Clean Worker or equivalent
  • Knowledge of shipboard and subsea systems (Diving/ROVs/AUVs) is preferred.
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program. The hourly pay range for this position is $27.36 - $38.61 About Us Oceaneering is a global provider of engineered services and products, primarily to the offshore energy industry. We develop products and services for use throughout the lifecycle of an offshore oilfield, from drilling to decommissioning. We operate the world's premier fleet of work class ROVs. Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea hardware, and tooling. We also use applied technology expertise to serve the defense, material handling, aerospace, science, and renewable energy industries. Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factor. About the Team Oceaneering Aerospace and Defense Technologies (AdTech) delivers solutions that enable humans to work safely and effectively in harsh environments - from underwater to the outer reaches of space. Our innovative solutions support the development and application of practical, cost-effective systems that meet our customers' challenges - from routine to extreme. Our experience and expertise across multiple industries uniquely positions us as a leader in the government, space, and maritime services markets. Our products and services meet the rigorous demands of the complex environments in which they operate, delivering results without compromising safety or reliability.

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