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Oil Rig Work Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$24 - $28/hr

Forklift and rig parts into correct orientation for Plasma Cut * Ability to work long hours on feet ... oil/gas, nuclear and renewable energy with state-of-the-art heat exchangers. In addition to ...

Sailboat Rigger

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

You'll need to be deeply familiar with how boats work and what it takes to repair them in order to ... De-rig and rig masts * Install and test mast electrical components * Carry out various repair and ...

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Maintain accurate work order documentation and communicate equipment status clearly to supervisors ...

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Maintain accurate work order documentation and communicate equipment status clearly to supervisors ...

Maintenance Technician

Mountain Pass, CA · On-site

$35.70 - $47.18/hr

Work incident and injury free. * Repair rotating equipment, including pumps, agitators, crushers ... Must be able to demonstrate the ability to properly rig a 1,000 lb. unbalanced load in a short ...

Showing results 41-60

Oil Rig Work information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do oil rig work jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig work in California is $22.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is oil rig work?

Oil rig work refers to a variety of jobs performed on offshore or onshore drilling platforms, where oil and gas are extracted from beneath the earth's surface. Workers on oil rigs may handle equipment, assist with drilling operations, perform maintenance, or ensure safety protocols are followed. The work is often physically demanding and can involve long shifts in challenging environments, but it offers competitive pay and opportunities for advancement. Safety training and certifications are typically required, and workers may spend extended periods away from home.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in oil rig work, and why are they important?

To thrive in Oil Rig Work, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a basic understanding of safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety certifications such as H2S or Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and operating control systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills due to the challenging and collaborative environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies in demanding offshore conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by workers on an oil rig, and how are they addressed?

Oil rig workers often encounter challenges such as long shifts, physical demanding tasks, and extended periods away from home. Safety is a top priority, and rigorous protocols and training are in place to minimize risks associated with hazardous conditions. Teams typically work in rotating shifts to ensure proper rest periods and support, and strong camaraderie is fostered to help crew members cope with the isolation and unique work environment. Employers also provide comprehensive safety gear, regular drills, and mental health resources to support workers’ well-being.

What is the difference between Oil Rig Work vs Oil Platform Technician?

AspectOil Rig WorkOil Platform Technician
CertificationsBasic safety training, H2S, BOSIETSimilar safety certifications, plus technical skills
Work EnvironmentOffshore rigs, harsh conditions, remote locationsOil platforms, on-site maintenance and operations
Job FocusGeneral rig operations, drilling supportEquipment maintenance, troubleshooting, technical repairs
Employer & IndustryOil & gas companies, offshore drillingOil & gas companies, offshore facilities

Oil Rig Work involves general support roles on offshore drilling rigs, focusing on operations and safety. Oil Platform Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing equipment on oil platforms. Both roles require safety certifications and involve offshore work, but technicians have a more technical focus on equipment maintenance.

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Oil rig workers' salaries vary based on experience, role, and location, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually. Entry-level positions like roustabouts may start around $40,000, while specialized roles such as drillers or engineers can earn over $100,000 per year, often with additional shift differentials and overtime pay.

How much does someone get paid to work on an oil rig?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Positions such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and engineers often come with different pay scales, and many workers receive additional compensation for working long shifts and in remote environments.

Is it hard to get hired at an oil rig?

Getting hired for oil rig work can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, physical fitness, and safety certifications such as H2S or BOSIET. Employers look for candidates with technical skills, the ability to work in challenging environments, and a willingness to work long shifts offshore.

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

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

Infographic showing various Oil Rig Work job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,576 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

2026-2027 Wells Engineering Intern

Chevron

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$9.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Chevron rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 223 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Who We Are. Chevron is one of the world's leading energy companies-but what really sets us apart is how we're rethinking energy for the future. From producing oil and gas to developing lowercarbon technologies, Chevron engineers work across the full energy system to power everyday life more safely, efficiently, and responsibly. Learn more about What We Do and The Chevron Way.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Chevron operates around the globe and across the entire energy value chain. Learn more on our website Chevron.com.

What You'll Actually Do

Chevron is hiring at various operating locations across the U.S, including:

  • Bakersfield, California
  • Covington, Louisiana
  • Houston, Texas
  • Midland, Texas
  • Greeley, Colorado

Wells Engineering Intern- Wells engineering internships consist of actual projects worked on in the office with drilling or completions engineers and other functional groups that contribute value to Chevron. Program could also include time on a drilling or workover rig or in the Decision Support Center. Optimization studies, project look-back reviews, tool case studies, well design reviews, safety and environmental performance studies, and contractor analyses are some of the types of internship projects that the intern would contribute to. The intern will also be exposed to Chevron's safety and technology culture,

will build relationships, and gain exposure to career opportunities at Chevron. Each geographical area has its advantages and challenges, with some area wells costing an estimated $250,000 each to drill and complete and some costing as much as an estimated $150,000,000 to drill and complete. All offer unique opportunities to learn about the oil and gas industry and how Chevron applies the 'Chevron Way'.

What's Next After the Internship

Topperforming interns may be invited back-or offered a fulltime role after graduation.

New grads who join Chevron fulltime enter the Horizons Program, a structured earlycareer experience that includes:

  • Formal training + onthejob learning
  • Mentorship from experienced professionals
  • Multiple job assignments and possible location rotations

You can build a career as a technical expert, people leader, or both.

What You Must Have

The following are required qualifications:

  • Students pursuing a Bachelors, Masters or Ph.D. degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
  • Strong academic performance in core programs, communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills
  • Position may require driving on a routine basis.
  • Ability to demonstrate The Chevron Way.

Why Intern at Chevron?

  • You work on real projects, not side tasks
  • You use modern tools and cloud platforms
  • You learn how software scales in a global enterprise
  • You build skills that translate anywhere
  • You're supported by experienced engineers and mentors

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated monthly (hourly) range for this position is $33.65 hourly - $9,750 monthly. The selected candidate's monthly or hourly compensation will be determined based on their selected role, degree level and academic year.

As an intern, you will receive the following benefits:

  • Furnished housing.
  • Participation in Employee Savings Investment Plan with immediate vesting in both employee and company contributions.
  • Chevron matching contributions:
  • 4% company match for a 1% employee contribution.
  • 8% company match for a 2% employee contribution.
  • Work schedules:
  • Flexible work schedules (5/40, 9/80, or 4/10), as determined by the work group and confirmed with the hiring manager.
  • Paid holidays depending on your work schedule.
  • Full year of service credit for each internship completion (must be re-employed within 365 days)

If later converted to a fulltime new graduate position, Chevron offers competitive pay and benefits to eligible employees, including healthcare, time off, retirement plans, and development opportunities. Learn more at http://hr2.chevron.com/

Relocation Options:

Relocation may be considered

International Considerations:

Chevron regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time-limited Visa status for this position

These positions may involve TP&E technologies that are subject to U.S. export controls and trade sanctions. These export control laws apply to individuals who are (a) not U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, temporary resident aliens, applicants for temporary resident status, refugees, or asylees; and who are also (b) current citizens or permanent residents of a country that is subject to comprehensive trade sanctions under U.S. export control law,http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx. As such, we regret that we would be unable to provide a meaningful internship experience at TP&E for you because under government regulations, TP&E would not be able to allow access to such technologies absent an authorization from the U.S. government. For this reason, TP&E is not considering applicants who are current citizens and/or permanent residents of countries subject to comprehensive U.S. trade sanctions.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and unofficial transcript(s) online.

Stay connected with us:

Learn more at our website

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Follow us on LinkedIn

U.S. Regulatory notice:

Chevron is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please email us at emplymnt@chevron.com.

Chevron participates in E-Verify in certain locations as required by law.


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About Chevron

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We are focused on lowering the carbon intensity in our operations and seeking to grow lower carbon businesses along with our traditional business lines. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

Industry

Oil and coal products manufacturing, civic and social organizations and oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

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