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Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Helicopter preferred * 1500 Hours PIC Helicopter * 500 hours of cross-country flight time * 100 hours of night flight time * 75 hours of instrument time, including at ...

Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot information

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$70.6K

$98.9K

$121.9K

How much do oil rig helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil rig helicopter pilot in California is $98,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do oil rig helicopter pilots make?

Oil rig helicopter pilots typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. They often work long shifts in remote environments and require specialized training and safety certifications.

Is 40 too old to become an oil rig helicopter pilot?

Age is not a strict barrier to becoming an oil rig helicopter pilot, as experience, physical fitness, and obtaining necessary certifications like a commercial pilot license are more important. Many pilots start or continue their careers into their 40s and beyond, provided they meet health and training requirements. Employers value skills and experience over age, but candidates must pass medical exams and flight training standards regardless of age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil rig helicopter pilot?

To thrive as an Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot, you need exceptional flight skills, a commercial helicopter pilot's license, offshore flying experience, and a strong understanding of aviation safety protocols. This role typically requires proficiency with navigation systems, weather monitoring technology, and communication equipment, as well as Offshore Survival and HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) certifications. Strong situational awareness, decision-making ability, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this high-responsibility position. These competencies are crucial to ensuring the safe transport of personnel and cargo under challenging conditions, while maintaining operational efficiency and safety standards.

What is the typical work schedule and environment like for an oil rig helicopter pilot?

Oil Rig Helicopter Pilots often work in rotating shifts, which can include working several weeks on followed by several weeks off, depending on the employer and location. The job involves flying between onshore bases and offshore oil platforms, frequently in varying weather conditions and over open water, which requires high attention to safety and adaptability. Pilots typically operate as part of a small, highly coordinated team that includes co-pilots, mechanics, and ground support staff to ensure smooth operations. The work environment is demanding but highly rewarding for those who enjoy challenges and the opportunity to contribute to critical offshore operations.

What is an oil rig helicopter pilot?

An Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot is responsible for transporting workers, supplies, and emergency personnel between offshore oil rigs and onshore locations. They operate helicopters in challenging weather conditions over open water, ensuring safe and efficient transportation. Pilots must have extensive flight training, specialized certifications, and experience in offshore operations. Their role is critical in supporting the oil and gas industry by maintaining reliable transport to and from remote drilling sites.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot jobs in California? The most popular types of Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,936 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

H-60 Helicopter Engine Drivetrain Mechanic/Aviation Machinist Ma with Security Clearance

Amentum

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Location: Jubail Saudi Arabia Will perform Field and Sustainment Level maintenance support/augmentation to include: Production control, Quality Control, Supply Management, maintenance, and repair of aircraft. Position requires a skilled Engine / Drivetrain Mechanic with the ability to perform Intermediate Maintenance Periodicity requirements on MH-60R helicopters. Organizational, Intermediate, and Depot level skills are desired to inspect, repair, and fabricate propulsion and drive chain components. Also requires inspection and repair of flight control components and systems. Shall work in specialized shops associated with fixed base operations Field Level maintenance as well as perform troubleshooting, testing, maintenance repairs and Technical Directive compliance on the H-60 Airframe in Saudi Arabia. Essential Responsibilities: Current or previous experience performing complex helicopter mechanical work to include but not limited to: Perform maintenance and repair of major assemblies, subassemblies and line replaceable unit's (LRUs) of the MH-60R power plant related systems (engines and auxiliary power units). Along with fuel cell maintenance, tail rotor breakdown and rigging, and tail drive shaft removal and shimming. Has a in-depth knowledge of the IMDS/HUMS vibration diagnostic system. Can use IVHMU data and the HUMS ground station to make adjustments to bring in vibration diagnostics to the minimum standards. Remove, disassemble, repair, rig, rework, reassemble, install, modify, adjust, test and preserve power plant systems, transmission systems, tail drive shaft assembly, rotor systems, fuel cells, flight controls, subsystems, and components according to directives, technical manuals, and safety procedures. Perform inspection, troubleshooting, fault detection, fault isolation, and appropriate AVUM/AVIM corrective actions on the power plant related systems, transmission systems, tail drive shaft assembly, rotor system, fuel systems, and oil systems. Perform depot-level maintenance and repair when authorized. Perform power plant depot-level maintenance and repair when authorized. Operate and maintain all applicable peculiar and common ground support equipment. Identify, use and maintain all common, special, and precision tools available for power plant maintenance and repair. Responsible for completion and maintenance of applicable forms, records, and reports using appropriate references and other publications including the NAMP. Provide On-the-Job-Training (OJT) for Saudi technicians and/or other personnel to include maintaining appropriate records on personnel such as Readiness Insight, ASMi, or an ASMi substitute. Assist in shop safety as well as safety in the hangar and on the flight line. Accept accountability of property for the Power Plant Shop. Maintain cleanliness and general maintenance of the associated work area. Perform cleaning, preservation, and operational maintenance work on assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment. Operate motor vehicles, machines, and other mechanical equipment in the performance of assigned duties. Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: 8 years current or previous experience performing complex helicopter mechanical work, and verifiable experience maintaining H-60 aircraft. A valid A&P license , QAR, CDQAR, or TI qualification is required. High School Diploma or equivalent Clearance Requirement: Must be able to obtain and maintain a NAC(T3) Background Investigation and drug test. Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. May be required to obtain and maintain a secret clearance. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform post offer, pre-employment substance abuse testing.