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Oil Rig Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Oil Rig Inspector information

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$12

$26

$51

How much do oil rig inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig inspector in California is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an oil rig inspector do?

An Oil Rig Inspector is responsible for ensuring that oil rigs comply with safety, environmental, and operational regulations. They conduct regular inspections of equipment, procedures, and working conditions to identify potential hazards or violations. Their work helps prevent accidents, protect workers, and ensure that drilling operations run smoothly and within legal requirements. Oil Rig Inspectors often work both offshore and onshore, and must be knowledgeable about industry standards and government regulations.

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

To thrive as an Oil Rig Inspector, you need a solid background in engineering or safety management, industry certifications such as API or OSHA, and experience with drilling operations. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing equipment, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this role. These skills ensure oil rig safety, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of costly accidents or environmental incidents.

How much do oil rig inspectors make?

Oil rig inspectors typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in offshore environments, requiring knowledge of safety standards and inspection tools. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the rig and the employer.

What is the difference between Oil Rig Inspector vs Oil & Gas Technician?

AspectOil Rig InspectorOil & Gas Technician
CertificationsAPI Inspector Certifications, safety trainingTechnical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffshore oil rigs, industrial sitesOffshore platforms, drilling sites, refineries
Employer & Industry UsageOil companies, inspection firmsOil companies, service providers
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Oil Rig Inspectors focus on inspecting equipment, safety compliance, and ensuring regulatory standards on offshore rigs. Oil & Gas Technicians perform technical tasks like maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational support. While both roles work in the oil industry and may share certifications, their primary responsibilities differ, with inspectors emphasizing safety and compliance, and technicians focusing on operational tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by oil rig inspectors during offshore inspections?

Oil Rig Inspectors often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, remote locations, and the need to adhere to strict safety and regulatory protocols. The role requires adaptability, as inspections may involve unconventional hours and extended periods away from shore. Effective communication and collaboration with diverse teams, including engineers and rig operators, are essential to ensure compliance and address issues promptly. Inspectors must also stay current with evolving industry standards and technology to perform thorough assessments.

How to become an oil rig inspector?

To become an oil rig inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in oil and gas operations or engineering. Certifications such as API Inspector Certification or safety training like OSHA are often required, and strong knowledge of industry standards and safety protocols is essential. Inspectors usually work in challenging environments and may need to pass physical exams and background checks.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Oil Rig Inspector job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,159 per year, or $27 per hour.

Foss Lightering Engineer - Long Beach, California

Foss Maritime

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$710.85/day

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Foss Maritime
Foss Maritime is one of the most recognized and respected maritime brands in the U.S., combining a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach to industry innovation. While deeply rooted in tradition, Foss is evolving at a fast pace, continuously setting new standards for operational excellence and sustainability.
With operations spanning all U.S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore wind projects. Our primary operations are on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.
As part of the Saltchuk family of companies, Foss is a values-driven organization that takes pride in its exceptional team, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer success. With a culture built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, Foss Maritime remains a trusted leader in the maritime industry.
About the Role
As a Lightering Engineer, you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and reliable maritime services. You'll work alongside a dedicated team that values professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What You'll Do
Essential Functions & Duties - Shoreside
  • Equipment readiness: Maintain, inspect, and support the upkeep of customer-owned lightering gear to ensure readiness for safe and efficient operations.
  • Equipment and vehicle operation: Operate forklifts, cranes, company trucks, and other assigned equipment in support of shoreside maintenance, staging, and logistics activities.
  • Inventory and materials control: Track customer-owned inventory, lightering gear, stores, and spare parts for vessels participating in PAL operations.
  • Warehouse and yard support: Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and efficient use of the warehouse and maintenance yard.
  • Logistics and vessel support: Assist with delivery of stores, spare parts, and customer-owned materials to support vessels and ongoing lightering operations.

Essential Functions & Duties - Offshore
  • Operational readiness: Under the direction of Customer Lightering Masters, support the lightering team in preparing for safe, compliant, and efficient ship-to-ship transfer operations.
  • Lightering gear and hose handling: Rig, secure, and handle lightering gear and cargo transfer hoses during offshore lightering operations.
  • Mooring and vessel coordination: Assist with mooring and unmooring operations while maintaining effective communication with vessel and support vessel crews.
  • Emergency response readiness: Serve as part of the oil spill response team aboard the lightering support vessel and participate in response activities as directed.
  • Safety and marine compliance: Follow established safety, environmental, and marine operational procedures throughout offshore operations.

What We're Looking For
  • Maritime knowledge: General knowledge of seamanship, vessel deck operations, and safe marine work practices.
  • Training and certification readiness: Ability to attend, understand, and successfully complete training and certification courses required to meet regulatory standards and support safe, environmentally responsible operations.
  • Equipment and vehicle operation: Ability to operate forklifts of various sizes, company vehicles, including a 12-foot stake bed truck, and qualify for future certification on company-owned cranes.
  • Physical capability: Must be in good physical condition and able to access offices, shops, vessels, and ships at sea, including boarding vessels and lifting moderately heavy materials.
  • Schedule flexibility: Ability to work overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and varied schedules as operational needs require.

What We Offer
  • Pay for this position will be $41.62/ hour (shoreside) and $710.85 (offshore day rate)
  • Benefits
  • Opportunities for advancement in a legacy-rich company
  • Training and development programs
  • A culture rooted in safety, respect, and teamwork

How to Apply
Ready to set sail with Foss? Submit your application via our careers page. If you need any assistance please reach out to fossjobs@foss.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Drug Free Workplace
Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.