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Oil Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; makeup tows with wire rigging; operate ... MMC QMED Oiler * STCW RFPEW * Passport PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS: * Able Seaman Endorsement ...

Facility Maintenance Repair I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Experience utilizing chain falls, rigging, and equipment strapping. * Knowledge of plumbing systems ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and have the largest re-refinery ...

New

Aircraft Mechanic I Airframe

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

... rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools ... oil leaks, inspects turbine engines and components for cracks, corrosion, foreign object damage ...

Directs other crew members in rigging up guy-lines, various equipment, and tools; lifts, removes ... Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience. Knowledge ...

Directs other crew members in rigging up guy-lines, various equipment, and tools; lifts, removes ... Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience. Knowledge ...

Facility Maintenance Repair I

San Jose, CA

$21.75 - $30/hr

Experience utilizing chain falls, rigging, and equipment strapping. * Knowledge of plumbing systems ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and have the largest re-refinery ...

New

Facility Maintenance Repair I

San Jose, CA

$21.75 - $30/hr

Experience utilizing chain falls, rigging, and equipment strapping. * Knowledge of plumbing systems ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and have the largest re-refinery ...

New

... rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools ... oil leaks, inspects turbine engines and components for cracks, corrosion, foreign object damage ...

OSV 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 * STCW RFPEW * Passport PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS: * Able Seaman Endorsement ...

Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; makeup tows with wire rigging; operate ... MMC QMED Oiler * STCW RFPEW * Passport PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS: * Able Seaman Endorsement ...

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$650 - $750/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 ...

Tugboat 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 ...

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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 Jun 14, 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 are oil riggers?

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Oil riggers working in the oil and gas industry can sometimes earn around $2,000 per day, especially with experience, specialized skills, and in high-demand locations. These roles often require certifications, physical endurance, and working in challenging environments, with pay rates varying based on project complexity and location.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oil Rigger, and why are they important?

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.

Do roughnecks make 180k a year?

Oil rig roughnecks typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers or those in high-paying regions potentially earning over $100,000. Earning $180,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires advanced skills, supervisory roles, or working in specialized environments with significant overtime or bonuses.

How much can you make oil rigging?

Oil riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working offshore earning higher wages. Compensation depends on factors such as experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the rig 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
OSV Engineer

$650 - $700/day

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

***DDE Preferred***


Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.



THIS ROLE:

The Assistant and Chief Engineer will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.

WHO YOU ARE:


Mental Aptitudes

  • Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to handle stressful situations with focus, including safe and effective decision-making under potentially dangerous conditions.
  • Continuously demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and ownership by being proactive in all situations/tasks
  • Understanding the importance of being a mentor, the ability to invest in the development and success of others
  • Superior communication skills, ability to speak to your audience whether it be the office or instructing/training multi-levels of crew, etc.
  • Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills, ability to not only plan and execute voyage, but also have a complete understanding of the vessel (mechanical and movement)

Physical Aptitudes

  • Agility to traverse uneven ground and walk, gangways at various heights
  • Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
  • Ability to lift 100 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
  • Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; makeup tows with wire rigging; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
  • Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
  • Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
  • Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel
  • Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness
  • Must be able to swim


QMED Oiler - $450/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • MMC QMED Oiler
  • STCW RFPEW
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able Seaman Endorsement

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled in all Deckhand position duties
  • Assistant Engineer
  • Basic knowledge in engineering, troubleshooting, and repairs
  • Cleaning and maintaining an engine room to the Curtin Standard

COMPLIANCE:

  • Proficient in operation of VMS
  • Understanding of applicable regulations
  • Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
  • Thorough recordkeeping and reporting to Chief Engineer



Assistant Engineer - $450 - $650/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • 3rd Assistant Engineer
  • STCW OICEW
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able Seaman Endorsement

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled in all Deckhand position duties
  • Assistant or sole Engineer
  • Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems
  • Winch operation
  • Cleaning and maintaining an engine room to the Curtin Standard
  • "Figuring it out." Assistant Engineer's should be able to get on any boat, without prior knowledge or instruction and figuring out how to engineer it.
  • Thorough understanding and troubleshooting/repair abilities in all vessel systems
  • Critical path and proactive planning to maximize efficiency in operations of the engineering of the vessel including maintaining a constant state of readiness.
  • Z - Drive Experience

COMPLIANCE:

  • Full utilization and operation of VMS
  • Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
  • Thorough recordkeeping and reporting to Port Engineer
  • Thorough understanding of Sub-L, Sub-I, ABS, and USCG requirements


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Lead by example, don't just say how it should be done. Do it!
  • Strong management skills as it relates to fellow crew, vendors, and shipyards
  • Provide critical and constructive feedback to other crew and on equipment, jobs, etc.



Engineer - $650-700 / day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • DDE 4000
  • STCW Chief Engineer Ltd 4000 HP (III/3)
  • STCW OICEW
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • DDE Unlimited
  • Able Seaman Endorsement


VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing drydocking's and repairs
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOP's and other training content
  • Maintain a constant training ground onboard the vessel for Assistant Engineers and Deckhands


Chief Engineer - $700 - $875/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Chief OSV or Chief Limited Oceans
  • STCW Chief Engineer 4000 (III/2)
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able Seaman Endorsement

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing drydocking's and repairs
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOP's and other training content
  • Maintain a constant training ground onboard the vessel for Assistant Engineers and Deckhands