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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 ...

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 ...

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I

Garden Grove, CA

$25.50 - $32.50/hr

... welding, cutting and brazing. • Uses a variety of tools to perform duties including but not ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures ...

... welding, cutting and brazing. • Uses a variety of tools to perform duties including but not ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures ...

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.

Oil Rig Welding information

See California salary details

$5

$45

$82

How much do oil rig welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 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.

How do I 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 from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) and experience with underwater or pipeline welding are often required, along with physical fitness and safety training for working in offshore environments.

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 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 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.

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.
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Infographic showing various Oil Rig Welding job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,615 per year, or $46 per hour.

General Technican - Plasma Cobalt Machine

VPE Thermal LLC

Sacramento, CA

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

General Technician for Plasma Cobot Machine

Our current team at VPE Thermal is offering an opportunity for a general technician with a strong practical mechanical background. As an addition to the team, you will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field with decades of experience and draw on your own background to contribute to projects that result in heat exchangers that power the world.

Pay Range: $24-28/hour, depending on experience

A Plasma Cobot Technician teaches the robotic arm its movement sequence and locations by positioning the robotic arm in the desired location and angle in relation to the part to produce the desired part according to specifications. This is accomplished by understanding the drawings/specifications and application of stretch-out patterns to locate the cut path for plasma cutting.

Job Description:

  • Understand the relationship between the development or stretch-out (2D) to the material to be cut (3-D).
  • Position the stretch-out on to the materials to be cut.
  • Identify and teach the robotic arm locations along the cut line with the appropriate angle of cut.
  • Verify cut parameters (dry run); speed, cut height, angle, direction, kerf size.
  • Perform and monitor torch during the cutting process
  • Verify cut is to specifications
  • Monitor Cobot consumables and change out as needed
  • Load and unload cutting table
  • Interpret Engineering Drawings
  • Forklift and rig parts into correct orientation for Plasma Cut
  • Ability to work long hours on feet wearing breathing respirators and earing protection while machine is running.
  • Ability to move and position heavy parts.
  • Help in other departments as needed.


Required Experience:

  • More than two years of experience working in a fast-paced industrial setting
  • More than two years operating heavy machinery/equipment and forklift
  • Ability to interpret work instructions and engineering drawings
  • Ability to interface with other technicians (welders, machinists), engineers, or subcontractors
  • Knowledge of or exposure to manufacturing processes including cutting, milling, forming, and welding of metals
  • Ability to measure and layout in inches and millimeters

Desired Experience:

  • Basic drafting ability to produce drawings for supplier communications
  • Ability or perform structural mild steel MIG welding
  • Prior work experience in ISO/AS9100 environment

Education and/or Experience

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or 2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred degree is in mechanics, electronics, or manufacturing.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

VPE Thermal is a world-renowned leader in compact heat exchanger design and manufacturing. Our company serves a wide range of industries with commercial products including power generation, chemical processing, oil/gas, nuclear and renewable energy with state-of-the-art heat exchangers. In addition to commercial products, we maintain a strong culture of internal R&D with exciting projects using cutting edge manufacturing technology and design/analysis tools to invent the heat exchangers of tomorrow.


Employment Type: Full Time
Salary: $24 - $28 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No