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Oil Rig Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Oil Rig Contract information

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$7

$26

$46

How much do oil rig contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig contract in California is $26.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Oil Rig Contract job?

An Oil Rig Contract job is a temporary or fixed-term position on an offshore or onshore oil rig, where workers are hired for a specific duration under a contract. These roles can include drilling, maintenance, engineering, or support services. Contract workers typically receive competitive pay, accommodations, and rotational schedules. The contract outlines job responsibilities, duration, salary, and benefits. It is a common way for skilled professionals to work in the oil and gas industry without permanent employment.

How do I get hired on an oil rig?

To get hired on an oil rig, candidates typically need relevant experience in the oil and gas industry, such as working in construction, welding, or mechanical roles, and often require certifications like H2S, BOSIET, or CPR. Applying through offshore staffing agencies or directly to oil companies, and demonstrating physical fitness and safety awareness, are also important steps in the hiring process.

How long are oil rig contracts?

Oil rig contracts typically range from 2 to 6 months, with some lasting up to a year depending on the project and company needs. Longer contracts are common for specialized roles or during major drilling campaigns, and workers often work on rotational schedules such as 14 days on and 14 days off.

What are the typical working conditions and schedules for an Oil Rig Contract position?

Oil Rig Contract positions often involve working offshore in remote and sometimes physically demanding environments, with shifts commonly structured in rotations such as two weeks on and two weeks off. Crew members typically work long hours each day while on-site, but accommodations, meals, and safety measures are provided by the employer. The role requires adaptability to communal living, adherence to strict safety protocols, and working as part of a close-knit team. This schedule allows for extended periods of time off between rotations, offering a unique work-life balance for those who enjoy travel and time away from a traditional office setting.

Do oil rig workers have contracts?

Yes, oil rig workers typically have employment contracts that specify job duties, compensation, safety requirements, and work schedules. These contracts often include provisions for rotations, certifications, and adherence to safety standards due to the demanding and hazardous environment of offshore drilling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Oil Rig Contract position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Oil Rig Contract role, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, safety protocols, and relevant hands-on experience, usually supported by certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) or similar. Familiarity with equipment like drilling machinery, computer-based monitoring systems, and adherence to regulatory standards is crucial. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help individuals excel in high-pressure, often remote environments. These skills are vital to maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and successful collaboration on an oil rig.

What is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically specialized roles such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, and offshore installation managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, technical skills, and certifications, and often involve long shifts in challenging offshore environments.
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 are popular job titles related to Oil Rig Contract jobs in California? For Oil Rig Contract jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Contract jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Contract jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Oil Rig Contract jobs? Cities in California with the most Oil Rig Contract job openings:
Oil Rig Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Contract job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,548 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Drilling/Drill Site Manager III

Drilling/Drill Site Manager III

West Coast Logistics

Bakersfield, CA

$1.1K - $1.2K/day

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Client Highlight
The Client you will be working for is a Fortune 100 Oil and Gas Company. This opportunity will give you experience in the energy sector in the United States with a company that is a globally recognized leader in energy production and one of the biggest companies in the US.

Location
Bakersfield, California, 93308

Compensation
$1,100–$1,200 per day

Schedule
Working Model: Onsite
Working Hours: 14/14 hitch rotation

Contract Term
1 year with possible extension

Responsibilities - Drilling/Drill Site Manager III
  • Managing day-to-day rig operations as a Drilling/wellsite representative for the Wells Abandonment organization.
  • Assumes initial control of any emergency onsite and follows the procedures outlined in the Emergency Response Plan.
  • Ensures that the rig contractor and service company personnel perform safely and efficiently and in accordance with their contractual obligations.
  • Witnesses and documents all required safety drills, testing, and in-house inspections of equipment, and ensures conformity to the required standard of performance and frequency. Requests mobilization of materials, equipment, and services in a timely manner and initiates the removal of redundant materials and the immediate return of rental equipment when it is no longer required.
  • Ensures that the Drilling Superintendent is fully briefed on all drilling operational matters.
  • Ensures that reports are prepared and submitted in accordance with the reporting procedures.
  • Maintains a well file on the current well and submits it to the Completions & Drilling Engineer at the completion of each well.
  • Ensures the drilling activities are in continual compliance with its HSE Management System. Facilitates and conducts HSE Risk Assessment for the drilling activities in liaison with the concerned departments. Ensures compliance of Drilling contractor personnel with HSE policies, procedures, and standards. Works as an emergency controller in case of any emergency within the assigned rig and the production platform.
Required Qualifications/Skills
  • 10+ years of experience in onshore drilling operations.
  • 5+ years of experience at the supervisory level with an oil company.
  • Current IADC Well Control Certificate required; recent Well Control training and testing strongly preferred. Candidates must be prepared to meet client-specific Well Control competency requirements upon assignment.
  • Familiarity with California Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (CalGEM) regulations and state-specific compliance requirements.
  • Experience operating within California's regulatory environment, including environmental, safety, and permitting requirements applicable to onshore drilling operations.
  • Highly numerate and possess good oral and written communication skills.
  • Computer literate and capable of learning Company approved spreadsheet and word processing programs.
  • Prior experience/exposure using Wellview software.
Preferred Qualifications
  • San Joaquin Valley (SJV) drilling experience strongly preferred; familiarity with Bakersfield-area operations and local regulatory agencies a plus.
  • Prior experience with major integrated oil company operations in California (e.g., legacy Exxon, Sable, or similar operators).