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Oil Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Bore Rig Operator

Acampo, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

A bore rig operator's duties include safely operating and maintaining drilling equipment to create deep, narrow holes for various purposes, including utility installation, water wells, and resource ...

DCOR, LLC - BW.

Crane Mechanic

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... of oil well rigs as needed  Work as directed by Crane Supervisor, Lead Operators, Rig Supervisors, Lead Crane Mechanic, and Maintenance Foreman  Maintain maintenance and repair records and ...

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Rio Vista, CA

$21.63 - $32.38/hr

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Oilfield Truck Driving experience a plus. * Forklift certified preferred. * Haz Mat CDL endorsement ...

Noble Drilling Services Inc.

Work under the direction of the Crane Operator as necessary to support on-going rig operations. Assist in handling freight to or from helicopters and boats. Implement and uphold safety and ...

V2X

Aircraft Mechanic II (V-22)

San Diego, CA

$30.50 - $40/hr

Contractor personnel shall rig, adjust, and perform preflight tests on various flight systems ... Fabricates fuel, oil, and vacuum hose lines, makes modifications of aircraft fuel equipment as ...

V2X

Aircraft Mechanic II (H-53)

San Diego, CA

$30.50 - $40/hr

Contractor personnel shall rig, adjust, and perform preflight tests on various flight systems ... Fabricates fuel, oil, and vacuum hose lines, makes modifications of aircraft fuel equipment as ...

V2X

Aircraft Mechanic II (V-22)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

Contractor personnel shall rig, adjust, and perform preflight tests on various flight systems ... Fabricates fuel, oil, and vacuum hose lines, makes modifications of aircraft fuel equipment as ...

V2X

Aircraft Mechanic II (H-53)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

Contractor personnel shall rig, adjust, and perform preflight tests on various flight systems ... Fabricates fuel, oil, and vacuum hose lines, makes modifications of aircraft fuel equipment as ...

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Oil Rig information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig 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 are some common challenges faced by workers on an oil rig, and how are they addressed?

Working on an oil rig presents unique challenges such as long shifts, remote locations, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Team members often work in rotating shifts (e.g., two weeks on, two weeks off), which can impact work-life balance. Safety is a top priority, with regular drills and strict protocols to minimize risks from heavy machinery and hazardous materials. Strong teamwork and communication are essential, as crews must collaborate closely to ensure operations run smoothly and safely. Most companies provide thorough training, support services, and modern amenities to help staff manage these challenges.

What are oil rig workers?

Oil rig workers are professionals who operate and maintain the equipment used to drill for oil and gas beneath the earth's surface, often on offshore platforms or onshore drilling sites. Their responsibilities include monitoring drilling operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing routine maintenance on machinery. Oil rig work can be physically demanding and requires long shifts, sometimes in remote or challenging environments. Many positions on an oil rig, such as roughneck, driller, or derrickhand, each have specific duties that contribute to the overall drilling process.

How much do oil rig workers make?

Oil rig workers' salaries vary based on experience, role, and location, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually. Skilled positions such as drillers and engineers tend to have higher pay, and many workers receive additional compensation for working long shifts and in remote environments.

What is the difference between Oil Rig vs Oil Platform Worker?

AspectOil RigOil Platform Worker
CredentialsCertifications in safety, welding, and technical skillsSafety training, technical certifications often required
Work EnvironmentOffshore, mobile, often in harsh weatherOffshore platform, fixed or semi-permanent structures
Employer & Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in industry, referring to offshore drilling unitsRefers to personnel working on oil platforms

Both 'Oil Rig' and 'Oil Platform Worker' relate to offshore oil extraction. An oil rig is the structure used for drilling, while an oil platform worker is the personnel operating on these structures. Understanding the distinction helps in job searches and industry comprehension.

Do roughnecks make 180k a year?

Roughnecks on oil rigs typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers in high-paying regions sometimes reaching around $150,000. Earning $180,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-cost or offshore environments with additional hazard pay or overtime.

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

To thrive as an Oil Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with specialized safety certifications like H2S and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) often required. Familiarity with drill machinery, rig safety systems, and tools such as rotary drills and hoisting equipment is essential. Teamwork, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help individuals stand out in this demanding and hazardous environment. These abilities ensure operational efficiency, personal safety, and effective collaboration under challenging offshore conditions.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An oil rig worker, such as a roustabout or roughneck, can earn $10,000 or more per month with experience and specialized skills. These roles often require physical fitness, safety certifications, and on-site training, but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying positions are usually found in offshore drilling or deepwater operations.

What Are Jobs on an Oil Rig?

Oil rig jobs include semi-skilled workers who operate on the rig deck, specialists who work on machinery for drilling, and drillers and assistants who handle the controls of the drill in a control room. On offshore rigs, crews may include medics, mechanics, welders, and cooks. Management-level staff on oil and gas industry rigs include tool pushers, who work in the rig office, and offshore installation managers, whose duties involve overseeing the entire rig operation. Geologists who work on an oil rig collect samples during operations, otherwise known as “mud logging.”

How much do you get paid on oil rigs?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Positions such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and drillers have different pay scales, with specialized roles often earning higher wages. Many workers also receive additional compensation for overtime, hazards, and rotation schedules.
More about Oil Rig jobs
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 jobs in California? For Oil Rig jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oil Rig jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Rig jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Oil Rig jobs? Cities in California with the most Oil Rig job openings:
Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,576 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Bore Rig Operator

Maxsim Traffic Logistics

Acampo, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

A bore rig operator's duties include

safely operating and maintaining drilling equipment to create deep, narrow holes for various purposes, including utility installation, water wells, and resource extraction. They work as part of a crew and must follow detailed project plans and strict safety protocols.

Pre-drilling duties

  • Site preparation: Before drilling, the operator is responsible for positioning the rig and associated equipment, such as mud pumps and generators, at the correct location. In directional drilling, they must first verify the bore path and mark all existing underground utilities to avoid accidental damage.
  • Inspections and checks: The operator conducts pre-operation inspections to ensure all equipment is in working order. This includes verifying that all safety systems and support equipment are functioning properly.
  • Fluid mixing: Depending on the type of drilling, the operator may need to mix drilling fluids or "mud" by adding clay and chemicals to water to achieve the right consistency.

Operation duties

  • Equipment operation: The operator skillfully uses levers and controls to manage the drill's speed, pressure, and direction. They monitor gauges to ensure the machine operates within safe and optimal parameters.
  • Collaboration: They work with a crew and may direct their activities, such as connecting drill pipes and assembling rig components.
  • Sampling and analysis: In water well or geotechnical drilling, the operator may collect and log core samples to determine the nature of the rock and soil strata being drilled.
  • Problem-solving: The operator must troubleshoot issues during drilling, including addressing geological obstacles and retrieving lost or broken bits and pipes.
  • Directional steering: For directional boring projects, the operator uses specialized equipment to precisely guide the drill head along the planned underground path.

Post-drilling and maintenance duties

  • Data recording: The operator is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the drilling process, including footage drilled, materials used, and geological data.
  • Equipment maintenance: Regular and preventative maintenance is a key duty. This includes cleaning, greasing, and repairing equipment to ensure it performs correctly.
  • Well completion: For water wells, the operator installs the well casing, necessary hardware, and the pump to prepare the well for use.
  • Site cleanup: After the job is complete, the operator and crew clean and restore the site, which may include plugging observation wells.