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Oil Rig Work 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 ... Maintain accurate work order documentation and communicate equipment status clearly to supervisors ...

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 ...

You'll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

Maintenance Mechanic

CA · On-site

$81K - $147K/yr

You'll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

Always performs work with the utmost safety in mind; wears appropriate PPE for the job and follows ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures.

You'll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

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 ...

Crane Operator

San Diego, CA

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... Work Aids Basic hand and power tools, rigging tools, gloves, lubricating greases, oil, and cleaning ...

Crane Operator

San Diego, CA

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... Work Aids Basic hand and power tools, rigging tools, gloves, lubricating greases, oil, and cleaning ...

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Oil Rig Work information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do oil rig work jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 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 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.

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 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

In oil rig work, highly specialized roles such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, and certain offshore supervisors can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require advanced technical skills, safety training, and long shifts in challenging environments.

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.

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 overtime pay and hazard bonuses.

How much does it pay 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 have different pay scales, with many workers earning higher wages due to the demanding environment and shift schedules. Certifications like H2S and safety training can also impact earning potential.

How do I get to work on an oil rig?

To work on an oil rig, candidates typically need relevant technical skills, safety certifications such as BOSIET or HUET, and experience in the oil and gas industry. Job seekers often apply through offshore staffing agencies or directly to oil companies, and must pass medical exams and safety training before deployment to the rig site.
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Work jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Work jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Oil Rig Work jobs? Cities in California with the most Oil Rig Work job openings:
Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Technician

SIFCO Industries

Orange, CA • On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY
The Maintenance Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, installing, and maintaining production machinery and facility equipment in an aluminum forging manufacturing environment. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on industrial maintenance experience. Electrical troubleshooting experience is highly desirable.
Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required to support production needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Including but not limited to:)
  • Read and interpret mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, and technical diagrams.
  • Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain forging presses, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, piping systems, and facility equipment.
  • Dismantle, align, repair, and reassemble machinery requiring close tolerances (± .005 inch).
  • Replace worn or defective components including bearings, seals, valves, pumps, motors, and related parts.
  • Install, modify, and maintain piping systems for air, gas, water, and hydraulics.
  • Perform welding and fabrication for minor and major equipment repairs.
  • Operate maintenance shop equipment such as threaders, drill presses, saws, grinders, and measuring instruments.
  • Perform basic low-voltage electrical troubleshooting associated with mechanical repairs.
    (High-voltage certification or electrical experience is a plus.)
  • Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling techniques.
  • Lubricate, clean, and test equipment to verify proper performance.
  • Strictly enforce and follow Lockout/Tagout procedures during all maintenance activities.
  • Review preventive maintenance schedules and complete assigned PM tasks accurately and on time.
  • Maintain accurate work order documentation and communicate equipment status clearly to supervisors and production personnel.
  • Support company safety programs, quality standards, and 6S initiatives.
  • Contribute to a positive and professional work environment.
  • Clean, transfer materials, label items in concert with EHS needs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support production and company goals.
  • Qualifications
  • To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
    Education and Experience
  • 3-5 years of hands-on industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
  • Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
  • Welding and fabrication experience.
  • Ability to work independently and identify root causes of equipment failures.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and basic electrical schematics.
  • Preferred (Not Required)
  • Electrical troubleshooting experience (120V-480V systems).
  • High-voltage electrical certification.
  • Experience in heavy industrial or forging environments.
  • Spanish language skills are highly desirable.
  • Additional Skills
  • Ability to write clear reports and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
  • Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts including fractions, ratios, and tolerances.
  • Ability to interpret written, oral, and diagram-based instructions.
  • Employees are encouraged to provide their own basic hand tools. Specialty tools are provided by the company.
    Physical Demands
    The physical demands listed below are representative of those required to successfully perform this job.
    The employee must be able to:
  • Stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Frequently climb, balance, bend, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
  • Work at heights and in confined spaces as required.
  • Lift and move materials up to 50 pounds.
  • Perform physically demanding tasks in a hot, noisy industrial environment.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe footwear.
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
    Work Environment
    This position works in an aluminum forging manufacturing facility and is frequently exposed to:
  • Moving mechanical parts
  • Vibration
  • High noise levels (hearing protection required)
  • Heat from forging operations
  • Oils, airborne particles, and industrial conditions
  • Occasional wet or humid conditions
  • Electrical systems and associated hazards
  • Regular presence on the production floor is required.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Possess a strong sense of safety culture and safety compliance
  • Ability to write reports and effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers, and other personnel.
  • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Bi-lingual in English and Spanish in speaking, reading, and writing, is highly desirable.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Must have 3 to 5 years hands-on experience such as welding, grinding, building construction, electrical, hydraulics and troubleshooting machinery.
  • High School Diploma/GED

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities require by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibrations. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high precarious places and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
We believe a workforce with diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences helps us reach our goals and realize our full potential. We may have different ways of approaching problems, but we solve them together with a focus on our Core Values of Integrity, Responsiveness, Respect and Passion.
SIFCO has a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, supplemental insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a generous match.
If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability, please email Applications@sifco.com.