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Oil Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

Spring Valley, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

Chula Vista, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Apprentice Operator I

Bloomington, CA ยท On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Rigging * Railroad * Crane Operations * Welding * Diesel Mechanics * Oil & Gas * Utilities * Military * Agriculture * Work Schedule This position supports emergency railroad operations, which means ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

Apprentice Operator I

Bloomington, CA ยท On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Rigging * Railroad * Crane Operations * Welding * Diesel Mechanics * Oil & Gas * Utilities * Military * Agriculture * Work Schedule This position supports emergency railroad operations, which means ...

Crane Operator (All Levels)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

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 ...

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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.

How much money does an oil rigger make?

Oil riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore earning higher wages. Compensation often includes overtime pay, hazard pay, and benefits due to the demanding environment and specialized skills required.

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 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 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 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 (All Levels)-San Diego, California

NASSCO

Bonita, CA โ€ข On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Posting End Date: Until Filled
Shift: ALL
Security Clearance: No Clearance Required
Who We Are
General Dynamics NASSCO is one of three shipyards in the Marine Systems group of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD). General Dynamics NASSCO traces its beginnings to the industrial heart of San Diego, along the working waterfront of beautiful and historic San Diego Bay. The company has been designing and building ships in San Diego's industrial corridor since 1960 and is the largest full service shipyard on the West Coast of the United States
Job Summary
Operates a variety of diesel electric cranes, including portal, tower, mobile, mobile (auxiliary), overhead (cab), overhead (floor), to lift and move heavy objects and machinery. Responds to ground signals to rotate boom, alter angle of boom, reposition crane and raise and lowers load. Inspects crane for defective parts and performs routine maintenance and inspection procedures. Performs other related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.
Qualifications Standards
Must have knowledge of mechanical and crane operation principles. NCCCO License to operate Mobile Hydraulic Crane (All Terrain) preferred. Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred. Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number, compartment location, etc.) Must be able to coordinate hand, foot and eye movement. Basic knowledge and comprehension of weights and conversion (lbs, tons, kilograms) needed. Knowledge and comprehension of universal hand-signals for rigging and crane operations necessary with the ability to clearly communicate via hand-held radio. Must have the ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and be available to work any shift. Must comprehend written and verbal instructions, hear warning signals and read and comprehend safety instructions, regulations and warnings.
Essential Job Tasks
  1. Operate diesel electric cranes, including portal, tower, mobile, mobile (auxiliary), overhead (cab), overhead (floor) cranes; rotate and alter boom angles in response to radio or hand signals to raise, lower and transfer loads.
  2. Set up machinery and equipment, including boom lengths and crib outriggers.
  3. Rig machinery and material in and out of ships.
  4. Provide data into log books relating to lifts.
  5. Read load charts and understand different types of load materials and landing areas.
  6. Inspect cranes for proper operation.
  7. Conduct pre and post-job inspections independently and/or with supervision.
  8. Perform minor crane maintenance, clean windows, and make basic repairs.
  9. Train and mentor others in essential rigging job functions and safe crane operations.
  10. Other job duties as assigned relevant to the trade.

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 Involvement
Repetitive or prolonged sitting, climbing, balancing, and lifting. Lifting body weight, sitting, reaching, handling, pushing/pulling, standing, walking, leaning and seeing (to maintain visual contact with load), eye/hand/foot coordination. Hearing warning signals, reading and comprehending safety instructions and planning sequence. Works in all areas of the shipyard and on board ships. Hearing warning signals and reading and comprehending safety instructions. Must be able to maintain general safety awareness and avoid hazards commonly present in employee's work area.
Marginal Job Tasks
Housekeeping in all work areas, including sweeping. May be required to attend safety, quality and/or process improvement meetings.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to wind, rain, ambient temperatures such as extreme heat and cold, wet and humid conditions, dust, and toxic/caustic chemicals. Works at heights of up to 120' on piers or barges. Exposed to high levels of constant noise.
PAY SCALE $33.15 - $36.50
This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the hourly range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services.
General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
Call (619) 544-8511 or email nasscohr@nassco.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.
NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer