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Oil Field Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections Inc

Equipment Operator

Antelope, CA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

You will be running reports and monitoring the oil field waste treatment operations. Previous experience as a mechanic, working on mechanical systems, or large plant maintenance is highly preferred.

Planted Solar

Field Robotics Technician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Background in construction, military, oil field, or comparable hands-on field environment * Mechanical and/or electrical troubleshooting and repair experience * Comfortable with sustained travel (~80 ...

Planted Solar

Field Robotics Technician

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$35 - $45/hr

Background in construction, military, oil field, or comparable hands-on field environment * Mechanical and/or electrical troubleshooting and repair experience * Comfortable with sustained travel (~80 ...

City of Long Beach

PORT PLANNER I-V

Long Beach, CA

$39.33 - $74.67/hr

... oil field, and land use information; assists in the preparation and presentation of forecasts, study findings and plan recommendations. This is not an inclusive list of duties. A complete list of ...

Hitachi

Field Service Technician

Modesto, CA

Field Service Manager Summary of the position: Provides maintenance and technical support for ... Oil Flooded Basics * Stationary Controllers * Introduction to Control System * Oil Sampling

Hitachi, Ltd.

Field Service Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

Field Service Manager Summary of the position: Provides maintenance and technical support for ... Oil Flooded Basics * Stationary Controllers * Introduction to Control System * Oil Sampling

GHD Group

Field Safety Techs (CA)

Fresno, CA · On-site

$31.26 - $52.10/hr

This field-based role supports mining and oil and gas operations by promoting safe work practices, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. GHD has openings in California and New Mexico for ...

GHD

Field Safety Techs (CA)

Fresno, CA · On-site

$31.26 - $52.10/hr

This field-based role supports mining and oil and gas operations by promoting safe work practices, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. GHD has openings in California and New Mexico for ...

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Oil Field information

See California salary details

$14

$24

$37

How much do oil field jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil field in California is $24.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are oil field jobs?

Oil field jobs refer to a wide range of positions involved in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas. These roles can include drilling engineers, rig operators, geologists, equipment technicians, and support staff who work on-site or at remote drilling locations. Oil field workers are responsible for operating machinery, maintaining equipment, ensuring safety standards, and helping bring oil and gas from underground reservoirs to the surface. The work environment can be physically demanding and often requires working in challenging conditions and remote areas. Oil field jobs are vital for the energy sector and offer various opportunities for career advancement.

What qualifications are required to get an oil field job?

Formal education may not be required to get a job on an oil field, though courses in oil field technology or petroleum training may help boost your job prospects or qualify for more advanced opportunities. Employers typically provide on-the-job training for entry-level positions. You need the physical ability to lift at least 50 pounds at regular intervals throughout the day and operate heavy machinery and equipment. Other qualifications include strong interpersonal and communication skills to work well with your crew and to follow directions. You may also need to relocate to other oil fields to work on different company projects.

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

To thrive as an Oil Field Worker, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, heavy machinery, and safety certification programs (like H2S or OSHA) is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication help individuals excel in challenging and hazard-prone environments. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safety, operational efficiency, and productivity in oil field operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in oil fields, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working in oil fields often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, extended shifts, and remote locations, which can impact both safety and work-life balance. Navigating strict safety protocols and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams are also key aspects of the job. To manage these challenges, many employers provide comprehensive safety training, rotational work schedules, and on-site amenities to support their teams. Building strong communication skills and adaptability can help workers thrive and advance in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Oil Field vs Oil Rig Worker?

AspectOil FieldOil Rig Worker
CredentialsVaries; often includes safety certifications and technical trainingSafety certifications, technical skills, and sometimes specialized training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at oil extraction locations, including land and offshore sitesOnboard oil rigs or platforms, often in remote offshore locations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly to describe the oil extraction area or workforceRefers specifically to personnel working directly on oil rigs or platforms

In summary, 'Oil Field' is a broad term encompassing the entire oil extraction area and workforce, while 'Oil Rig Worker' specifically refers to personnel working directly on oil rigs or platforms. Both roles require safety certifications and technical skills, but their work environments differ mainly by location, with oil rig workers operating primarily offshore on rigs.

How do you start working in the oil field?

To start working in the oil field, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training. Entry-level positions often require physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments, with some roles offering on-the-job training or apprenticeships to gain experience.

Is it easy to get a job in an oil field?

Getting a job in an oil field can be competitive and often requires relevant skills, certifications such as H2S or safety training, and physical fitness. Entry-level positions may be available with minimal experience, but higher-skilled roles typically demand technical knowledge and experience in the industry.
More about Oil Field jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Field jobs in California?

The most popular types of Oil Field jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Oil Field jobs?

Cities in California with the most Oil Field job openings:

Oil Field jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Field job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,734 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Waste Connections Inc

Antelope, CA • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Waste Connections rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 265 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

R360 Environmental Solutions, a Waste Connections company, is the nation's leading environmental oilfield waste management provider, R360 has the resources to offer superior reliability and results to customers across the country.

We are currently hiring Equipment Operators to work at ourfacility in Jal, NM. In this job, you will be working outside in all weather conditions.This is a local job with no travel and no per diem.We offer family benefits, 401k, and paid vacation.

Pay Range: $65,000-$80,000+ DOE

Schedule:

  • Rotating Night Shift and Day Shift position working a 14 Days On 7 Days Off Rotation.

  • For out-of-city applicants, we do provide housing/man camps.

  • The working hours are 5:30 am to 5:30 pm, and 5:30 pm to 5:30 am.

Responsibilities:

  • Operations - Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, loaders, ADT haul trucks, etc. Working to help the team in day to day operations of the facility.

  • Water Control Duties - Monitoring and maintaining the customer truck wash rack, running 6X6 diesel-driven pumps, oil skimming, and assisting with customer off-loading.

  • SWD Duties - Tank, pump, and well maintenance along with basic labor and cleaning duties. You will be running reports and monitoring the oil field waste treatment operations. Previous experience as a mechanic, working on mechanical systems, or large plant maintenance is highly preferred.

Requirements:

  • Heavy Equipment Experience

  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions

  • Basic Computer Skills

Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.

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