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Oil Rig Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Antares

Mechanical Design Engineer II (PCS)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115 - $150/hr

... contract with the military services, NASA, and the Department of Energy. About the Role As a ... You will support test rig design and instrumentation placement, then take what the data says about ...

Antares

Mechanical Design Engineer II (PCS)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

... contract with the military services, NASA, and the Department of Energy. About the Role As a ... You will support test rig design and instrumentation placement, then take what the data says about ...

SLB

FIELD SERVICE SPECIALIST

Bakersfield, CA

$24 - $28/hr

Salary Range: $24-28 2 years relevant oil filed experience High School Diploma or General Education ... NOT a contract. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & VETERANS Company policy is to provide every ...

New

53 Stations

Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$140 - $185/hr

... contract with the military services, NASA, and the Department of Energy. About the Role As the ... Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ...

New

Antares

Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

... contract with the military services, NASA, and the Department of Energy. About the Role As the ... Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ...

Antares

Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$140 - $185/hr

... contract with the military services, NASA, and the Department of Energy. About the Role As the ... Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ...

Antares

Thermo-Mechanical Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

... contract with the military services, NASA, and the Department of Energy. About the Role As the ... Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ...

All JobsOil Rig Contract JobsOil Rig Contract Jobs in California

Oil Rig Contract information

See California salary details

$7

$26

$46

How much do oil rig contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an oil rig contract position?

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 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 contract workers have contracts?

Yes, oil rig contract workers typically sign employment contracts that specify the duration, duties, compensation, safety requirements, and other terms of employment. These contracts help define the worker's responsibilities and rights while working on the rig, often including provisions for safety training and certifications. Contract lengths can vary from short-term projects to long-term assignments depending on the job and employer needs.

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 much do oil rig contractors make?

Oil rig contractors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project scope. Contractors often work long shifts in challenging environments and may need certifications such as H2S or safety training to qualify for higher-paying roles.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,548 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

USC - WE ARE HIRING! Drilling | California Region | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorha

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Ensign Energy
See more jobs at Ensign Energyexternal

$37.80/hr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

USC - WE ARE HIRING! Drilling | California Region | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhand
Job Summary
The Drilling Team (USC) Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhand performs the duties of general manual labor on the rig and supports and assists other members of the drilling crew during all rig operations.
  • Drilling - Floorhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $27.00 an hour
  • Drilling - Motorhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $28.08 an hour
  • Drilling - Derrickhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $31.86 an hour
  • Drilling - Assistant Driller (USC) Bakersfield, California $32.94 an hour
  • Drilling - Driller (USC) Bakersfield, California $37.80 an hour

Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities
  • Works in a safe, healthy, and environmentally protective manner
  • Operates tongs, picks up/lays down pipe and latches tubing in elevators
  • Manages tools on the work floor
  • Operates the mud pump
  • Nipples up/down BOP
  • Tallys the stands (pipe)
  • Assists in daily maintenance and housekeeping
  • Reports and corrects any unsafe work practices and safety hazards
  • Participates in all safety programs, processes and requirements
  • Attends Operations Training up to two times per year and up to five days per training at designated locations
  • Performs other duties as directed by management

Technical Competencies
  • Understands and is capable of reading all safety / training requirements and materials
  • Develops an understanding of all major rig components and the necessary servicing

Behavioral Competencies
  • Works in a manner that insures personal safety and the safety of fellow crewmembers
  • Maintains a professional, effective, and polite relationship with other Ensign employees and suppliers
  • Strives continuously to develop a greater knowledge of the total operations, including the duties and responsibilities of each position
  • Works well as a team player and demonstrates willingness to share knowledge to advance knowledge and skills of others
  • Respects chain of command and follows thru on instructions

Education and Experience
  • Prior experience in oil field, heavy industry or construction is beneficial
  • High School diploma or GED is preferred

Qualifications
  • The employee must:
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Pass a post-offer physical examination, fitness testing, safety aptitude test, drug tests & background check
    • Provide proof of and maintain proper legal authorization to work in the United States
    • Arrange for reliable transportation to and from work and training locations
    • Speak and read English well enough to understand verbal and written safety postings, alerts and announcements, communicate with co-workers and be able to participate in job safety analysis meetings

Other Accountabilities
  • Business Ethics - Understands fully Ensign's ethics policy and its application in all business dealings including contractual agreements and contract negotiations
  • Business Policies - Understands and agrees to follow all of Ensign's Policy and Directives and procedures as set forth in the Ensign Company Policy and Basic Directives Handbook for Employees
  • Certifications - Maintains technical and safety certifications required by company or government agencies; remains current on all OSHA, EUSD and other required training
  • Drug-free workplace - Conforms to a drug-free workplace, not be under the influence of mind-altering prescription or non-prescription drugs, including alcohol and other drugs of abuse.

Occupational Health and Safety - Understands fully the Ensign Health and Safety policy and self-responsibility for own health and safety at work; Demonstrates responsibility to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others through any act or omission
  • Uses the correct protective clothing and equipment as provided by Ensign and guards against misuse or damage to such equipment
  • Reports any hazardous situations arising in the workplace that cannot be self-corrected, or injury incurred during the course of work, no matter how minor
  • Avoids injury resulting from manual handling tasks, by use of risk assessment, correct mechanical handling equipment and correct manual handling techniques

Ensign United States Drilling Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Ensign provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Ensign takes affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and otherwise treat qualified individuals without discrimination as required by law.

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