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Oil Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Technician

Mountain Pass, CA · 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 ...

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 (Avionics)

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

... 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 ...

... in oilfield services, mechanical maintenance, or artificial lift systems preferred * Strong ... Experience with crane rigging and safe lifting practices preferred * Strong attention to detail ...

Maintenance Mechanic

San Diego, CA

$26.50 - $34/hr

... oil & gas, or similar industrial environments. Preferred Qualifications * Experience with Goulds, Durco, Moyno, or similar industrial pumps. * Experience operating overhead cranes and rigging ...

... in oilfield services, mechanical maintenance, or artificial lift systems preferred * Strong ... Experience with crane rigging and safe lifting practices preferred * Strong attention to detail ...

Aircraft Mechanic I (Airframes)

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

... 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 · On-site

$27.25 - $36/hr

... 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 · On-site

$27.25 - $36/hr

... 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 Worker

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $31.50/hr

... oil lines, This worker may supervise the jacking and towing of aircraft, makes adjustments and ... Inspect, repair, replace, and rebuild aircraft components/sub components to include rigging of ...

Dredge Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; makeup tows with wire rigging; operate ... MMC QMED/Oiler * Able Seaman Endorsement * STCW Basic Training VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Assistant or ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Martinez, CA · On-site

$29.25 - $37.25/hr

... oil refining industries with an unwavering commitment to customer support. We provide extensive ... Skill in rigging and hoisting. Education/Experience Requirements * Minimum requirement: High School ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Maintenance Technician

MP Materials Corp.

Mountain Pass, CA • On-site

$35.70 - $47.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Repair and maintain industrial equipment such as pumps, agitators, crushers, mills, and turbines.

  • Troubleshoot mechanical equipment and piping systems to identify and determine the root cause of failures.

  • Operate cranes, boom trucks, and man lifts as needed for equipment installation and maintenance.


MP Materials rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 41 rated mining


Job description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control. 

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining all industrial equipment at the mine and plant site. This includes installing/repairing mechanical piping, rotating equipment, fabricating and welding. The Mechanic must be able to demonstrate proficiency in pump rebuilding, equipment alignment, and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Work incident and injury free.
  • Repair rotating equipment, including pumps, agitators, crushers, mills, and turbines.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical equipment and piping systems and determine the root cause of equipment failures.
  • Operate cranes, boom trucks and man lifts.
  • Rebuild pumps back to manufacturing tolerances.
  • Climb ladders, work at heights and in confined spaces.
  • May work alone or with others.
  • Shift work.
  • Complete any other tasks as needed or as directed by management.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Five (5) years minimum industrial experience as a Journeyman Millwright or related role.
  • Extended experience in precision alignment with lasers and dial indicators.
  • Blueprint reading.
  • Rebuilding of various process pumps required.
  • Experience with process piping and hydraulic systems.
  • Alignment tracking of conveyor belts.
  • Proof of passing the NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanics Written and competence tests and/or provide proof of completing a certified 4-year apprentice millwright/plant mechanic program preferred.
  • HS/GED required.
  • Graduate from an applicable certified apprentice program or company approved mechanical training program.
  • NCCCO crane operation certified preferred.
  • Boiler operating certification preferred.
  • Valid Driver’s License to drive company vehicles on and off property.

Desired Qualities:

  • Must understand the operating characteristics of each type of pump and pipe.
  • Must be able to fabricate piping systems of each classification of pipe.
  • Must be able to fabricate complex piping configuration using threaded CS pipe.
  • Must understand the standard process for alignment for common equipment, pumps, fans agitators along with tolerances.
  • Must be able to align a pump/motor using laser alignment devices and machine.
  • Must be able to align pump/motor assembly using dial indicators.
  • Must be able to properly tension belt drive systems.
  • Must be able to demonstrate the rigging basics including the use of hand signal and calculation of rigging size.
  • Must be able to demonstrate the ability to properly rig a 1,000 lb. unbalanced load in a short rigging configuration pass and maintain riggings certification.
  • Must have basic knowledge of, and the ability to troubleshoot, maintenance issues of each major component of equipment (conveyors, elevators, dust collectors, fans and crushers.)
  • Must have basic knowledge of the characteristics of roller, ball and antifriction bearings.
  • Must know the proper installation technique for each of the types of bearings.
  • Must have knowledge of basic equipment lubrications theory and fundamentals.
  • Must be able to use ultrasonic lubrication for rotating equipment.
  • Must know the proper technique of sampling gearboxes and pressurized oil systems.
  • Must have a working knowledge of RCFA and the ability to troubleshoot electro/hydraulic/pneumatic system using the RCFA process.
  • Must know the proper use of mechanic hand tools.
  • Must follow all company policies and safety rules.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.

Safety Provision - Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and the company. Employees must have a willingness to promote safety among the workforce, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.

(PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is required when performing work in a mine, manufacturing, outdoor, or plant environment. Required PPE may include, but is not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions - Our facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working in an outdoor setting (heat and cold, wind). Work is at an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands - Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; speaking clearly; hearing-speech range; hearing – all ranges; seeing, reading and comprehensions; seeing – distant/near; depth perception; color vision. While performing the job responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employees must pass a full-face respiratory fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.


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