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Oil Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator - All Levels

San Diego, CA

$36.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Materials, Tools, Equipment, Work Aids Basic hand and power tools, rigging tools, gloves, lubricating greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

Maintenance Technician

Mountain Pass, CA ยท On-site

$35.70 - $47.18/hr

Must be able to demonstrate the rigging basics including the use of hand signal and calculation of ... Must know the proper technique of sampling gearboxes and pressurized oil systems. * Must have a ...

Runner

San Leandro, CA

$18 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

$18 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

We have an immediate need for a Pump Mechanical for one of our Oil and Gas clients. Great direct ... rigging, etc. Strong diagnostics abilities and mechanical aptitude Ability to read and decipher ...

Aircraft Mechanic I (Airframes)

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools ... pumps, oil pumps, and engine mounted gearboxes, and compressor bleed valves using hand tools ...

Aircraft Mechanic I (Avionics)

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools ... pumps, oil pumps, and engine mounted gearboxes, and compressor bleed valves using hand tools ...

Aircraft Mechanic I (Airframes)

Lemoore, CA

$27.25 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools ... pumps, oil pumps, and engine mounted gearboxes, and compressor bleed valves using hand tools ...

Aircraft Mechanic I (Power Plant)

Lemoore, CA

$27.25 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools ... pumps, oil pumps, and engine mounted gearboxes, and compressor bleed valves using hand tools ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Vessel Crew Member - No Experience Required!

Metson Group

Ventura, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

You’ll Love Working with us:

Metson Marine Services, Inc. (MMSI) is a leading maritime services company with over 40 years of experience providing ocean transportation, vessel operations, and marine environmental support services. Serving both commercial and government clients, MMSI operates a diverse fleet supporting a wide range of missions, including crew transportation, offshore support, oil spill response, marine surveying, and specialized maritime operations. Since 1997, MMSI has also managed and maintained government-owned vessels and small craft, delivering reliable maritime solutions in support of critical mission requirements.


Core Values:

As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, MMSI is dedicated to:

  • Protecting shipboard and shore side personnel
  • Protecting our vessels and facilities
  • Protecting the environment
  • Meeting or exceeding customer requirements

Geographic locations in which MMSI currently operates include the U.S East, Gulf & West Coasts, and Alaska. The Corporate Office is in Southern California (Ventura) and its Regional Boat Maintenance Center a technically advanced facility in Woodbine Georgia.

How you would make an impact/key responsibilities:


We are seeking an Ordinary Seaman (OS) / Vessel Crew Member to join the Self Defense Test Ship team and support safe, efficient vessel operations and deck maintenance.

In this hands-on role, you will help maintain the ship’s deck and superstructure through cleaning, painting, and general upkeep, while also handling rigging, deck equipment, and cargo operations. You’ll assist with launching and recovering boats and may operate winches and other support equipment as needed.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, physical work in a maritime environment and wants to be part of a critical operational team.

Physical Demands

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. or more on a regular basis
  • Ability to work on decks, rigging, boats, and confined spaces in all weather conditions
  • Ability to climb ladders, stand, bend, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods
  • Ability to work safely around machinery, moving equipment, and cargo-handling gear

Work Environment

  • Primarily shipboard and deck areas exposed to varying weather conditions
  • Work may involve wet, slippery, confined, or high-noise environments and moving equipment

Additional Information

  • Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of background screening, credential verification, and drug testing requirements.
  • If hired, employees are required to enter into an arbitration agreement as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law.



Standard work hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, schedules may vary depending on vessel operations and offshore assignments.