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Offshore Oil Rigging Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Dredge Engineer

Long Beach, CA · Remote

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA · Remote

$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 ...

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 ...

Offshore Oil Rigging information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$15

$28

$39

How much do offshore oil rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore oil rigging in Pasadena, CA is $28.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.19 and $32.50 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 cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Offshore Oil Rigging jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Offshore Oil Rigging job openings:

Infographic showing various Offshore Oil Rigging job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,028 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Dredge Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Curtin Maritime, Corp
Water Transportation • 11 - 50 employees

$450 - $875/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

***Dredge Experience Required***

Clamshell Dredge Experience Preferred


Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.


THIS ROLE:

Engineers will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.


Schedule: This is a full-time position. Days and hours are project specific and will require significant time/travel away from home. This position frequently requires long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel.


WHO YOU ARE:


Mental Aptitudes

  • Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to handle stressful situations with focus, including safe and effective decision-making under potentially dangerous conditions.
  • Continuously demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and ownership by being proactive in all situations/tasks
  • Understanding the importance of being a mentor, the ability to invest in the development and success of others
  • Superior communication skills, ability to speak to your audience whether it be the office or instructing/training multi-levels of crew, etc.
  • Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills, ability to not only plan and execute voyage, but also have a complete understanding of the vessel (mechanical and movement)

Physical Aptitudes

  • Agility to traverse uneven ground and walk, gangways at various heights
  • Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
  • Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; makeup tows with wire rigging; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
  • Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
  • Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
  • Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel
  • Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness
  • Must be able to swim

Engineer I - $450 - $550/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • TWIC Card
  • MMC - OS/Wiper
  • CG Med Cert
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • MMC QMED/Oiler
  • Able Seaman Endorsement
  • STCW Basic Training


VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Assistant or sole Engineer on tugs
  • Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems
  • Tow winch operation
  • Cleaning and maintaining an engine room to the Curtin Standard

COMPLIANCE:

  • Basic proficiency in operation of Vessel Management System (VMS)
  • Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
  • Thorough recordkeeping and reporting to Port Engineer


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Take ownership of assigned vessels. Maintain inventories, work plans, and be proactive in creating requisitions and leaving the vessel cleaner than you found it.
  • Manage Deckhands (when applicable) on projects and during downtime.
  • Partner with the Port Engineer and Captain to plan work while underway.

Engineer II - $550 - $650/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I
  • MMC - QMED/Oiler
  • STCW Basic Training

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled in all Deckhand I - III position duties
  • Engineer "signed off" on multiple vessels in the fleet.
  • "Figuring it out." With some guidance, Engineer II's should be able to get on a new boat and figure out the basic engineering systems on board.
  • Growing understanding and troubleshooting/repair abilities in all vessel systems

COMPLIANCE:

  • Proficient utilization and operation of VMS
  • Beginning understanding of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Manage teams on vessel projects and hold all accountable for completing tasks and assignments.
  • Assist Captain in making sure "everyone always has something to do!"
  • Lead by example, don't just say how it should be done. Do it!

Engineer III - $650 - $750/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I & II
  • DDE 1000

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW - RFPEW

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Engineer on all vessels in the fleet, including ocean tugs.
  • "Figuring it out." Engineer II's should be able to get on any boat, without prior knowledge or instruction and figuring out how to engineer it.
  • Thorough understanding and troubleshooting/repair abilities in all vessel systems
  • Critical path and proactive planning to maximize efficiency in operations of the engineering of the vessel including maintaining a constant state of readiness.

COMPLIANCE:

  • Full utilization and operation of VMS
  • Thorough understanding of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements
  • Experience participating in external and internal audits.
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Strong management skills as it relates to fellow crew, vendors, and shipyards.
  • Maintain a constant training ground onboard the vessel for Engineers I & II and Deckhands.
  • Provide critical and constructive feedback to other crew and on equipment, jobs, etc.


Engineer IV - $750-800/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I - III
  • DDE 4000

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW - RFPEW, AS-Engine

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: tugs, cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems.
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function.


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing dry-dockings and repairs.
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOP's and other training content.


Engineer V - $800 - $875/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I - IV
  • DDE Any HP - 500 Ton

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW - RFPEW, AS-Engine
  • STCW - OICEW

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: tugs, cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems.
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing drydockings and repairs.
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOP's and other training content.


WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.


Curtin Maritimeis an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.