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Oil Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ensignenergy

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 ...

VPE Thermal LLC

$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 ...

Weatherford

P&A Tech II

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

$25/hr

More senior roles may have leadership responsibilities at the rig site of other Field Operators ... Oil & Gas industry. High School Diploma PREFERRED Basic Computer Skills Knowledge, Skills ...

SIFCO Industries

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Oils, airborne particles, and industrial conditions * Occasional wet or humid conditions

Weatherford International

P&A Tech II

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

$25/hr

More senior roles may have leadership responsibilities at the rig site of other Field Operators ... the Oil & Gas industry. • High School Diploma PREFERRED • Basic Computer Skills Knowledge ...

SIFCO Industries

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA

$26 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Oils, airborne particles, and industrial conditions * Occasional wet or humid conditions

NRG Energy

Maintenance Mechanic

Nipton, CA

$81K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

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All JobsOil Rig JobsOil Rig Jobs in California

Oil Rig information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.

What is an oil rig worker?

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 August 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.

Surface Core Driller

Nasco Industrial Services & Supply

California City, CA • On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

NISS – Surface Core Driller

Location: Western USA
Position Type: Full-time, rotational (e.g. 14 days on / 7 days off or 20 days on / 10 days off or similar)
Reporting To: Toolpusher / Site Supervisor

About NISS

At NISS, we specialize in high-quality surface and helicopter supported core drilling for the mining, exploration, and geotechnical sectors. Safety, professionalism, and efficiency are at the heart of everything we do. We invest in our people, providing training, career paths, and competitive compensation.

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced Surface Core Drillers to join our field crew. The successful candidates will help operate core drilling rigs, supervise drilling assistants, maintain equipment, and ensure safe and efficient operations.

Drilling operations run 24/7 in many projects — shifts include both day and night work. You must be ready to work in remote or rugged locations and maintain a strong safety mindset.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operate and maintain core drilling rigs, downhole tooling, and associated support equipment
  • Lead and supervise drill assistants, train and mentor new crew members
  • Execute and document pre-shift inspections, toolbox talks, rig moves, and site set up
  • Handle drill rods, casing, core barrels, sample handling, and drill rig consumables
  • Monitor drilling parameters and make adjustments as needed to maintain production and safety
  • Maintain accurate field logs, sample records, production data, and daily reports
  • Perform equipment maintenance, basic repairs, and troubleshooting on the rig
  • Ensure housekeeping, site cleanliness, and compliance with safety protocols
  • Communicate transparently with Toolpusher, Supervisors, Project Managers and clients
  • Adhere to all company, client, and regulatory safety requirements
Qualifications & Requirements
  • Proven experience in surface core drilling or similar roles (geotechnical, exploration)
  • Ability to lead a small crew and supervise daily operations
  • Basic mechanical aptitude — understanding of diesel engines, hydraulics, drilling tools, etc.
  • Strong commitment to safety, with experience in safe work practices
  • Physical capability to lift up to 100+ lbs., work at heights, and perform strenuous tasks
  • Ability to work long hours (often 12-hour shifts), in remote or extreme weather conditions
  • Valid driver’s license, clean driving record
  • Pass pre-employment physical, drug & background screening
  • Willingness to adhere to rotational schedule (e.g. 14 on / 7 off or 20 on / 10 off)
  • Comfortable living on site and adapting to changing field conditions
  • Good communication skills and ability to work well in a team
Work Schedule & Conditions
  • Typical rotations: 14 days on / 7 days off (or per project schedule)
  • Other rotations: 20 days on / 10 days off or 28 days on / 14 days off
  • 12-hour shifts (day and night) — rigs operate 24/7
  • Remote, rugged locations with travel required
  • Camp-style living, with site accommodations and meals provided
  • Exposure to extreme weather, uneven terrain, and physically demanding tasks
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive hourly wage or salary (based on experience)
  • Overtime and shift premium pay
  • Travel per diem when required
  • Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, life, etc.)
  • Retirement plan / 401(k) or equivalent
  • Training and career development opportunities
  • Progressive advancement track (Driller → Lead Driller → Foreman / Toolpusher)

Apply