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Oil Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NABORS

RigCLOUD Technician I - California

Bakersfield, CA

$20.50 - $28/hr

Experience with oilfield drilling or service rigs is an asset. * PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIORNMENT ... Frequent exposure to outdoor elements, drilling rig environments, and electronic devices. * Must be ...

PBF Energy

Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic

Martinez, CA · On-site

$57.54/hr

... oil refineries and related facilities. We have an opportunity at our Martinez Refinery in ... Possess or must obtain NCCCO RIG-I, TTR-I, and SGP within probationary period Preferred ...

New

VPE Thermal LLC

Welder - Second Shift

Sacramento, CA

$32 - $40/hr

... oil/gas, nuclear and renewable energy with state-of-the-art heat exchangers. In addition to ... Rig and manipulate parts for position welding. Required Experience: * Over five years' experience ...

Ensign Energy

USC - Truck Driver California

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $27.50/hr

Rig Managers; Yard Office personnel; Service Manager; and Shop Supervisor. External Relationships Third-party contractors. Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities * Safety and Compliance: Work in a ...

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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 Jul 24, 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.

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.

How much does working on an oil rig pay?

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 varying pay scales, with many workers receiving additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.

How much do you get paid on an oil rig?

Oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Offshore positions often offer higher pay due to the challenging environment and required certifications such as H2S and BOSIET. Salaries can also include bonuses and overtime pay.

How do I get a job in an oil rig?

To get a job on an oil rig, candidates typically need relevant technical skills, such as experience in welding, drilling, or safety procedures, and often require certifications like H2S or BOSIET. Applying through oil companies' recruitment programs or staffing agencies, gaining experience in the oil and gas industry, and being physically fit are also important steps. Many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to work long shifts in challenging environments.

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.

Is it hard to get hired at an oil rig?

Getting hired as an oil rig worker can be competitive and requires relevant skills, certifications, and physical fitness. Employers often look for experience in safety procedures, technical skills, and the ability to work long shifts in challenging environments.

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.”

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,576 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

USC - WE ARE HIRING! Drilling | California Region | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Moto...

ensignenergy

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$37.80/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

USC – WE ARE HIRING! Drilling | California Region | Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhand

Job Summary

The Drilling Team (USC) Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhand performs the duties of general manual labor on the rig and supports and assists other members of the drilling crew during all rig operations. 

  • Drilling – Floorhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $27.00 an hour
  • Drilling – Motorhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $28.08 an hour
  • Drilling – Derrickhand (USC) Bakersfield, California $31.86 an hour
  • Drilling – Assistant Driller (USC) Bakersfield, California $32.94 an hour
  • Drilling - Driller (USC) Bakersfield, California $37.80 an hour

 Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities

  • Works in a safe, healthy, and environmentally protective manner
  • Operates tongs, picks up/lays down pipe and latches tubing in elevators
  • Manages tools on the work floor
  • Operates the mud pump
  • Nipples up/down BOP
  • Tallys the stands (pipe)
  • Assists in daily maintenance and housekeeping
  • Reports and corrects any unsafe work practices and safety hazards
  • Participates in all safety programs, processes and requirements
  • Attends Operations Training up to two times per year and up to five days per training at designated locations
  • Performs other duties as directed by management

Technical Competencies

  • Understands and is capable of reading all safety / training requirements and materials
  • Develops an understanding of all major rig components and the necessary servicing

Behavioral Competencies

  • Works in a manner that insures personal safety and the safety of fellow crewmembers
  • Maintains a professional, effective, and polite relationship with other Ensign employees and suppliers
  • Strives continuously to develop a greater knowledge of the total operations, including the duties and responsibilities of each position
  • Works well as a team player and demonstrates willingness to share knowledge to advance knowledge and skills of others
  • Respects chain of command and follows thru on instructions

Education and Experience

  • Prior experience in oil field, heavy industry or construction is beneficial
  • High School diploma or GED is preferred

Qualifications

  • The employee must:
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Pass a post-offer physical examination, fitness testing, safety aptitude test, drug tests & background check
    • Provide proof of and maintain proper legal authorization to work in the United States
    • Arrange for reliable transportation to and from work and training locations
    • Speak and read English well enough  to understand verbal and written safety postings, alerts and announcements, communicate with co-workers and be able to participate in job safety analysis meetings

Other Accountabilities

  • Business Ethics – Understands fully Ensign’s ethics policy and its application in all business dealings including contractual agreements and contract negotiations
  • Business Policies - Understands and agrees to follow all of Ensign’s Policy and Directives and procedures as set forth in the Ensign Company Policy and Basic Directives Handbook for Employees
  • Certifications – Maintains technical and safety certifications required by company or government agencies; remains current on all OSHA, EUSD and other required training
  • Drug-free workplace - Conforms to a drug-free workplace, not be under the influence of mind-altering prescription or non-prescription drugs, including alcohol and other drugs of abuse.

Occupational Health and Safety – Understands fully the Ensign Health and Safety policy and self-responsibility for own health and safety at work; Demonstrates responsibility to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others through any act or omission

  • Uses the correct protective clothing and equipment as provided by Ensign and guards against misuse or damage to such equipment
  • Reports any hazardous situations arising in the workplace that cannot be self-corrected, or injury incurred during the course of work, no matter how minor
  • Avoids injury resulting from manual handling tasks, by use of risk assessment, correct mechanical handling equipment and correct manual handling techniques

 Ensign United States Drilling Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  Ensign provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.  Ensign takes affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and otherwise treat qualified individuals without discrimination as required by law.

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