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Oil Rig Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Rio Vista, CA · On-site

$21.63 - $32.38/hr

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Other duties and projects as assigned by management. Requirements * The ability to understand ...

NABORS

RigCLOUD Technician I - California

Bakersfield, CA

$20.50 - $28/hr

Experience with oilfield drilling or service rigs is an asset. * PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIORNMENT ... Manage and maintain inventory, company assets, and service documentation. * Monitor rig movement ...

NABORS

RIGCLOUD TECHNICIAN II

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Experience with oilfield drilling or service rigs is an asset. * PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIORNMENT ... Manage and maintain inventory, company assets, and service documentation. * Monitor rig movement ...

C&J Well Services, LLC

Mechanic

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Familiarity with automotive and rig equipment. * Basic skill in identifying minor repair ... Three to five years of previous oil field or construction industry mechanic experience. ESSENTIAL ...

C&J Well Services, LLC

Mechanic

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Familiarity with automotive and rig equipment. * Basic skill in identifying minor repair ... Three to five years of previous oil field or construction industry mechanic experience. ESSENTIAL ...

Weatherford

P&A Tech II

Santa Paula, CA

$25/hr

More senior roles may have leadership responsibilities at the rig site of other Field Operators ... Oil & Gas industry. High School Diploma PREFERRED Basic Computer Skills Knowledge, Skills ...

SIFCO Industries

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Oils, airborne particles, and industrial conditions * Occasional wet or humid conditions

Weatherford International

P&A Tech II

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

$25/hr

More senior roles may have leadership responsibilities at the rig site of other Field Operators ... the Oil & Gas industry. • High School Diploma PREFERRED • Basic Computer Skills Knowledge ...

SIFCO Industries

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA

$26 - $32/hr

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Oils, airborne particles, and industrial conditions * Occasional wet or humid conditions

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All JobsOil Rig JobsOil Rig Manager JobsOil Rig Manager Jobs in California

Oil Rig Manager information

See California salary details

$22.7K

$60.5K

$101.2K

How much do oil rig manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil rig manager in California is $60,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior oil rig managers, executive-level positions in the energy industry, and specialized engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and often involve managing large teams or complex operations in demanding environments.

How much do oil rig managers make?

Oil rig managers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, with experienced managers and those working in high-demand regions earning higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as housing, travel allowances, and overtime pay, reflecting the demanding nature of offshore work and required certifications like BOSIET or HUET.

What does an Oil Rig Manager do?

An Oil Rig Manager, also known as a rig superintendent or toolpusher, oversees the operations and crew on an oil drilling rig. They are responsible for ensuring that drilling activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations. Their duties include coordinating with engineers and geologists, managing equipment and supplies, supervising personnel, and handling emergencies. Oil Rig Managers also maintain detailed records and reports of drilling progress and safety incidents.

How do you become an oil rig manager?

To become an oil rig manager, candidates typically need extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, often starting as a roustabout, roughneck, or drill operator. They usually obtain relevant certifications such as BOSIET or HUET, and may pursue a degree in engineering or a related field. Progression through supervisory roles and strong leadership, safety, and technical skills are essential for advancement to management positions.

What is the highest paid job on an oil rig?

The highest paid job on an oil rig is typically the Drilling Engineer or Rig Manager, with senior positions earning over $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, technical skills, and often involve overseeing operations in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges Oil Rig Managers face in coordinating teams on offshore rigs?

Oil Rig Managers often encounter challenges such as managing diverse teams working long shifts in remote locations, ensuring clear communication across language and cultural barriers, and maintaining rigorous safety standards under pressure. They must also adapt to rapidly changing weather and operational conditions, which require quick decision-making and strong leadership. Building trust and morale within the team is essential to maintaining productivity and a safe working environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oil Rig Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Rig Manager, you need extensive experience in drilling operations, strong leadership abilities, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with drilling management software, safety compliance systems, and certifications such as IWCF or NEBOSH are commonly required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills help manage crews and respond to critical situations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations in a high-risk environment.
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 Manager jobs in California? For Oil Rig Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Oil Rig Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Oil Rig Manager job openings:
Oil Rig Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,548 per year, or $29.1 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 14 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).