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Oil Rig Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Welding and fabrication experience. * Ability to work independently and identify root causes of ...

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Welding and fabrication experience. * Ability to work independently and identify root causes of ...

Performs arc welding, gas welding, cutting and brazing. * Uses a variety of tools to perform duties ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures.

Maintenance Technician

Mountain Pass, CA · On-site

$35.70 - $47.18/hr

This includes installing/repairing mechanical piping, rotating equipment, fabricating and welding ... Must be able to demonstrate the ability to properly rig a 1,000 lb. unbalanced load in a short ...

Oil Rig Welding information

See California salary details

$5

$45

$82

How much do oil rig welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig welding in California is $45.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $47.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is oil rig welding?

Oil rig welding is a specialized field of welding that involves constructing, repairing, and maintaining the metal structures and pipelines found on offshore or land-based oil rigs. Welders in this industry work in challenging environments, often at heights or underwater, and must adhere to strict safety and quality standards. Their work ensures the structural integrity and safe operation of oil extraction and processing facilities.

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

To thrive as an Oil Rig Welder, you need expertise in various welding techniques, a strong understanding of safety protocols, and relevant welding certifications such as AWS or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized welding equipment, underwater welding gear, and safety monitoring systems is typically required. Physical stamina, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this demanding environment. These abilities are essential to ensure high-quality welds, maintain safety standards, and support the continuous operation of oil rig facilities.

What are some typical challenges faced by oil rig welders, and how can they prepare for them?

Oil rig welders often work in harsh and unpredictable environments, including exposure to extreme weather, confined spaces, and the constant movement of the rig. They may face challenges such as maintaining weld quality under difficult conditions, adhering to strict safety protocols, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams on tight schedules. Preparing for these challenges involves obtaining specialized certifications, building physical endurance, and staying updated on the latest safety procedures. Strong communication skills and adaptability are also essential, as oil rig welders often coordinate closely with engineers and other crew members to ensure project success.

What is the difference between Oil Rig Welding vs Offshore Pipe Welder?

AspectOil Rig WeldingOffshore Pipe Welder
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)Welding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)
Work EnvironmentOil rigs, platforms, marine settingsOffshore oil and gas pipelines, platforms
Industry UsageOil and gas extraction, offshore drillingPipeline construction, maintenance in offshore environments
Job FocusWelding structural components on rigsWelding pipelines and pipe systems offshore

Both Oil Rig Welders and Offshore Pipe Welders require similar certifications and work in offshore environments. However, Oil Rig Welders focus on structural welding on rigs, while Offshore Pipe Welders specialize in pipeline welding. Both roles are essential in offshore oil and gas operations and often overlap in skills and certifications.

How do you get into oil rig welding?

To become an oil rig welder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in welding. Certification in welding techniques such as AWS or ASME is often required, along with experience in underwater or offshore environments, and the ability to work in challenging conditions and long shifts.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Oil Rig Welding jobs?

Cities in California with the most Oil Rig Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Rig Welding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,615 per year, or $46 per hour.

CNC Lathe Machinists- 1 Shift and 2 Shift

Allied Mechanical

Ontario, CA

$25 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

ABOUT ALLIED MECHANICAL
Since 1951, Allied Mechanical (www.alliedmech.com) has been providing excellence in machining services to a broad range of business platforms including aerospace, space, energy, nuclear, military, oil refinery, turbine compressor, semiconductor and data storage.  We specialize in machining large castings and other metal/alloy parts.  Allied's greatest asset is its unique ability to offer customers turn-key, fully integrated machining, welding and assembly solutions through a world class team.
Allied Mechanical offers a competitive salary with a full range of benefits such as:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance (as well as other auxiliary benefits i.e. life insurance, pet insurance, LTD)
  • 401(k) with profit sharing company contributions
  • 2 weeks paid time off in the first year, increasing to 3 weeks in the 2nd year and 4 weeks on the 4th year
  • 9 paid holidays

EXPECTED HIRING RANGE (base pay): $25.00 - $40.00
JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the set up and operation of large complex multi-axis numerically controlled vertical and horizontal lathes.  Examples of tasks involve shaping, finishing, boring and edging large metallic work pieces which require the ability to do set ups, hold tight tolerances and edit programs. This position is subject to ITAR requirements which require incumbents to be a U.S. Person ( per 8 U.S.C. 1324(a)(3))

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with Fanuc controllers required
  • Set up and operate CNC mills/lathes on both proven and moderately complex parts
  • Successfully run the same part across multiple machine platforms.
  • Perform all machine adjustments needed to meet run times and part specs
  • Recommend tooling improvements or substitutions.
  • Provide feedback to programming and engineering on program performance
  • Troubleshoot machining issues and assist with root-cause analysis.
  • Independently rig/flip similar part types using safe practices.
  • Operate overhead crane confidently; use part flipper when necessary.
  • Move materials and tooling using forklift (if certified).
  • Verify specifications and dimensions using advanced inspection techniques.
  • Complete all required quality documents and traceability records.
  • Support inspection team by understanding pass/fail criteria.
  • Train lower-level machinists on machines, processes, and safe work practices.
  • Must be able to work overtime regularly and weekends as needed.

SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE
  • 3-5 years of experience operating/ setting up Lathe or Mill machines in an aerospace or machine shop environment.
  • Proficient in blueprint reading and measurement skills (calipers, micrometers).
  • Ability to perform moderately complex setups using past experience.
  • Competent with offsets, speed/feed adjustments, and optimizing run times.
  • Growing ability to rig/flip unique parts using various techniques (basket, chocker, bridle, vertical, U)
  • Proficient use of precision measuring tools; understands inspection flow.
  • Ability to satisfactorily run 4-5 different machine types. Can run same part on multiple machines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:
  • Ability to walk or move to regularly move about inside the office or onto the facility.
  • Ability to see or detect, identify, recognize or Assess surroundings while in the office or facility areas
  • Ability to bend, turn and stoop continuously  
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time up to the bulk of the shift
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to go up/ down staircases and platforms
  • Strong manual dexterity to use tools, reach into equipment and perform mechanical task.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will spend approximately 0% (excluding breaks and meal periods) of time in an office environment and 100% of the time in the facility. When working in the facility it requires the use of personal protective equipment including (but not limited to) safety slip/ oil resistant shoes, safety glasses, safety gloves as well as other PPE dependent on the work being performed.
 Allied Mechanical is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
We encourage women, vets and those with disabilities to apply.
If you need reasonable accommodations in order to apply or need to discuss the physical/mental requirements of this job, contact us at 909-947-2723.
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES IN IMAGE FORMATS (JPEG, PNG, Screenshots)!