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Oil Field Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Field Robotics Technician

Oakland, CA ยท 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 ...

Field Robotics Technician

Oakland, CA ยท 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 ...

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

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

Field Safety Techs (CA)

Fresno, CA ยท 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 ...

Field Safety Techs (CA)

Fresno, CA ยท 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 ...

Sr. I&E Technician

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$46 - $58/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent required * 4 years in the oil field preferred * Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and be familiar with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook * Gain ...

Sr. I&E Technician

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$46 - $58/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent required * 4 years in the oil field preferred * Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and be familiar with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook * Gain ...

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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 1, 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.

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 cities in California are hiring for Oil Field jobs?

Cities in California with the most Oil Field job openings:

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.

Field Robotics Technician

Planted Solar

Oakland, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Field Robotics Technician
Oakland, CA Preferred - Remote Ok
Full-time - 80% Travel
Energy is the binding constraint on human progress. Solar and storage are the lowest cost sources of new generation, but the conventional project delivery model has not changed in 30 years and deployment cannot keep pace with demand.
Planted is the execution layer between a parcel of land and a powered facility. We digitize sites, optimize designs, and deploy robots to build the lowest cost and fastest new power systems at the speed of manufacturing.
We're expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and operators who want to accelerate that transition. Come take ownership of large parts of our product, company, and business development as we help power the world with 100% clean and abundant energy.
About The Role
The Field Robotics Technician is the boots-on-the-ground member of the Integration Engineering team, deploying to project sites to keep Planted's robot fleet running. You'll perform preventative and routine maintenance on Planted's installation robots, robotic mowers, pile load testing, site walks, and surveying. This is a travel-heavy role, you'll deploy as part of a two-person team for site safety and operational efficiency. When not in the field, you'll apply your trade to maintaining machines and facilities in Oakland. Your reliability in the field directly enables Planted to scale utility-scale solar deployment.
The hourly range for this full-time position is $35 - $45 plus stock options and benefits. The cost of travel, accommodations, and meals are compensated by Planted. Hourly rate includes travel time. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 3-7+ years
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Preventative and routine field maintenance of Planted's robot fleet
  • Perform pile load testing, site walks, and surveying for structural and permitting process
  • Operate Planted robots in Oakland and at project sites
  • Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical issues on-site with minimal supervision
  • Deploy as part of a two-person field team for safety and efficiency
  • Perform routine maintenance of machines and facilities in Oakland during non-travel periods
  • Complete field documentation and report issues back to engineering

QUALIFICATIONS
  • 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%) and extended time on project sites
  • Able to work outdoors in variable conditions and physically demanding settings
  • Hands-on aptitude, strong ownership mentality, and resourcefulness
  • Valid driver's license; clean driving record
  • Forklift or heavy equipment certification a plus - training available
  • Preferably located in the San Francisco Bay Area

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with solar, robotics, heavy equipment, or industrial field service
  • Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and basic fabrication
  • Comfort reading drawings, schematics, and maintenance documentation
  • OSHA 10/30 or other site-safety certification

*A note on qualifications: Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
  • ~80% travel to project sites, often remote, with extended days
  • Frequent lifting, bending, standing, and work in outdoor/field conditions
  • Use of hand and power tools; work around heavy equipment and machinery

What We Offer
  • 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Company-paid in-office lunches
  • Stock options
  • Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • 401(k)
  • A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate
This will be a great fit if:
  • You want to solve challenging problems
  • You are biased towards action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
  • You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
  • You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
  • You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
  • You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Planted is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.