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Oil Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent ... oil refineries and related facilities. We have an opportunity at our Martinez Refinery in ...

Oilfield Cementing Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

... rigging-up appropriate data monitoring equipment. * Learns basic oil well operations including but not limited to pipe capacities and volume/height math, plug landing pressures, absolute volumes ...

Familiarity with presses, torches, pullers, lifting equipment, rigging, etc. * Strong diagnostic ... It is the policy of World Oil and its subsidiaries to provide equal opportunity for all applicants ...

Pump Mechanic

Compton, CA · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Familiarity with presses, torches, pullers, lifting equipment, rigging, etc. * Strong diagnostic ... It is the policy of World Oil and its subsidiaries to provide equal opportunity for all applicants ...

... rigging down well testing and flowback equipment. This includes handling separators, tanks, piping, and valves. You will monitor and record oil, gas, and water flow rates, pressure, temperature, and ...

Runner

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Introduction Bigge Crane and Rigging has been elevating America since 1916. With over 1,800 cranes ... Clean up any oil spills, drips, and any slipping hazards immediately on the complete premises Wash ...

Runner

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Introduction Bigge Crane and Rigging has been elevating America since 1916. With over 1,800 cranes ... Clean up any oil spills, drips, and any slipping hazards immediately on the complete premises Wash ...

Runner

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Introduction Bigge Crane and Rigging has been elevating America since 1916 . With over 1,800 cranes ... Clean up any oil spills, drips, and any slipping hazards immediately on the complete premises Wash ...

Runner

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Introduction Bigge Crane and Rigging has been elevating America since 1916 . With over 1,800 cranes ... Clean up any oil spills, drips, and any slipping hazards immediately on the complete premises Wash ...

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Oil Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do oil rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oil rigger?

Oil riggers are workers who operate and maintain the equipment used to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs, typically on offshore or onshore drilling rigs. They perform tasks such as setting up the drilling machinery, monitoring drilling operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Oil riggers often work in demanding environments, sometimes for extended periods away from home, and must be physically fit and safety-conscious. Their work is crucial to the energy industry, as they help bring oil and gas resources to the surface for processing and distribution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil rigger?

To thrive as an Oil Rigger, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling machinery, safety protocols, and certifications like H2S awareness or basic offshore safety induction (BOSIET) are typically required. Physical stamina, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial soft skills for this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safety, maintain operational efficiency, and handle the physical and technical challenges on oil rigs.

What is the difference between Oil Rigger vs Oil Driller?

AspectOil RiggerOil Driller
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore platforms, oil rigsOffshore platforms, oil rigs
Industry UsageCommonly used in offshore oil extractionOften used interchangeably, but can refer to the equipment or personnel

Oil Riggers and Oil Drillers both work in offshore environments and require similar safety certifications. While 'Oil Rigger' typically refers to personnel involved in setting up and maintaining drilling equipment, 'Oil Driller' often denotes the operator of the drilling machinery. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but understanding their specific roles helps clarify job responsibilities in the oil industry.

What are some common challenges faced by oil riggers, and how can they be managed?

Oil riggers often work in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous environments, with long shifts and extended periods away from home. Common challenges include adapting to harsh weather conditions, maintaining strict safety protocols, and managing fatigue from shift work. Successful oil riggers prioritize teamwork, stay vigilant about safety procedures, and take advantage of support resources provided by their employers, such as training and wellness programs. Building strong communication with crew members also helps to address challenges effectively and maintain a positive work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Oil Rigger jobs in California?

For Oil Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Rigger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Rigger jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Oil Rigger jobs?

Cities in California with the most Oil Rigger job openings:

Infographic showing various Oil Rigger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic

Pbf Energy

Martinez, CA

$57.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


PBF Energy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Crane Operator/Rigger MechanicPBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating, through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We have an opportunity at our Martinez Refinery in California and are seeking a talented Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic to join our team as a pivotal member that would play a key role here at PBF Energy.

The Crane Operator/Rigger selects and operates the appropriate crane or piece of heavy equipment, as well as rig and transport equipment for lifting. This position is for qualified large and small hydraulic NCCCO certified crane operators. The Crane Operator/Rigger supports MTAC (Maintenance, Turnaround, and Construction) activities across the entire refinery as directed by the Crane & Rigging Team Leader.

Job Responsibilities May Include:

  • Operate and maintain heavy equipment
    • Operate equipment for maintenance activities in a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound manner, by ensuring that all necessary procedures, practices, standards, and rules are followed.
    • Select appropriate crane or piece of heavy equipment for the maintenance activity
    • Inspect, clean, service, and maintain equipment
    • Complete assembly and disassembly which includes extending jibs or dead sections, changing blocks, changing cable, and changing multi and single part lines.
  • Rigging and Signaling
    • Select, inspect, and prepare slings, spreaders, shackles, and hooks for lifts.
    • Instruct and lead other employees in setting up rigging.
  • Transportation and Medium Equipment
    • Operate medium equipment including forklifts, semi-trucks, manlifts, backhoes, loaders, and bundle carrier.

Position Specific Requirements:

  • Work Schedule:
    • Participation in callout/standby coverage
    • Occasionally an altered work schedule over an extended period may be required (maintenance outages and turnarounds)
  • Physical Requirements:
    • Ability to lift 50 pounds
    • Ability to climb ladders
    • Ability to navigate stairs
  • Work in the Following Conditions:
    • At heights
    • Outside in inclement weather
    • Occasionally wearing a respirator, Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
  • Possess a valid Driver's License
  • Candidate must have an active TWIC card or be able to obtain a TWIC card. Information can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Five (5) years of experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator/Rigger or military equivalent
  • NCCCO TLL and TSS or the ability to obtain TSS within probationary period
  • Commercial Class A or B License
  • Possess or must obtain NCCCO RIG-I, TTR-I, and SGP within probationary period

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous refinery or chemical plant experience
  • Basic computer skills including working in windows-based computer systems
  • Ability to operate medium equipment such as forklifts and manlifts
  • Ability to operate earth moving equipment such as backhoes and loaders
  • ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED
  • FOR SERIOUS CONSIDERATION, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR SALARY REQUIREMENTS

Martinez Refining Company LLC, a PBF Energy Subsidiary, offers our employees highly competitive total compensation and benefits packages. Benefits include:

  • 401(k)plan with company match
  • Pension Plan
  • Medical, dental, vision plans and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life insurance, short- and long-term disability
  • Vacation, Paid Parental Leave, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Additional voluntary benefits are offered at group discounts

The Crane Operator/Rigging Mechanic position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers (USW) International Union AFL-CIO, CLC and the Martinez Refining Company LLC. The hourly pay rate for this position is $57.54, based on qualification requirements in the CBA.

We thank all respondents for their interest in PBF Holding Company LLC ("PBF Energy"), however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails to any employee of PBF Energy about this requisition. Placement agencies or recruiters need not respond. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee of PBF Energy via email, the Internet or in any method without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of PBF Energy. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral or through other means.

PBF Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision making, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, veteran and military status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.

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