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Oilfield Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AppleOne

Drilling Engineer - Oil/Gas

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$1M/yr

The ideal candidate will combine rigorous technical engineering with daily support for field operations, working closely with geologists, production teams, and rig crews while strictly navigating ...

VPE Thermal LLC

$24 - $28/hr

... oil/gas, nuclear and renewable energy with state-of-the-art heat exchangers. In addition to ... Interpret Engineering Drawings Measure and layout parts Forklift and rig parts into correct ...

Weatherford

P&A Tech II

Santa Paula, CA

$25/hr

More senior roles may have leadership responsibilities at the rig site of other Field Operators ... Oil & Gas industry. High School Diploma PREFERRED Basic Computer Skills Knowledge, Skills ...

SIFCO Industries

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Oils, airborne particles, and industrial conditions * Occasional wet or humid conditions

Weatherford International

P&A Tech II

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

$25/hr

More senior roles may have leadership responsibilities at the rig site of other Field Operators ... the Oil & Gas industry. • High School Diploma PREFERRED • Basic Computer Skills Knowledge ...

SIFCO Industries

Maintenance Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Safely rig and move heavy machinery or components using proper lifting and material handling ... Oils, airborne particles, and industrial conditions * Occasional wet or humid conditions

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All JobsOilfield Rig JobsOilfield Rig Jobs in California

Oilfield Rig information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$45

How much do oilfield rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for oilfield rig in California is $24.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.60 and $23.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Oilfield Rig vs Oilfield Derrickhand?

AspectOilfield RigOilfield Derrickhand
Primary RoleEquipment setup, operation, and maintenance of drilling rigsAssists in the operation and maintenance of the drilling derrick and hoisting equipment
Required CertificationsBasic safety training, possibly CDL or specialized rig certificationsSafety training, basic rig operation certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, often outdoors in remote areasOn-site in the derrick area, working at heights and with heavy machinery
Industry UsageCommonly referenced in drilling operations and rig setupSpecific to derrick operations and hoisting tasks within drilling crews

In summary, an Oilfield Rig refers to the entire drilling equipment setup and operation, while an Oilfield Derrickhand specializes in working within the derrick, assisting with hoisting and equipment handling. Both roles are essential in drilling operations and share similar safety and technical certifications.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Oilfield rig jobs, such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and derrick operators, can pay around $4,000 or more per week with experience and proper certifications. These roles often require physical stamina, technical skills, and safety training but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying positions are usually found in offshore or specialized drilling environments with overtime and hazard pay included.

What is the highest paid job on an oil rig?

The highest paid job on an oil rig is typically the drilling engineer or toolpusher, who oversee drilling operations and ensure safety and efficiency. These roles require extensive experience, technical skills, and often involve long shifts in challenging environments, with salaries often exceeding six figures annually.

What are oilfield rigs?

Oilfield rigs are large, complex machines used to drill wells into the earth to extract oil and natural gas. These rigs can be located on land or offshore and are equipped with specialized equipment for drilling, pumping, and managing well operations. Oilfield rigs play a critical role in the exploration and production phase of the oil and gas industry, providing the infrastructure needed to reach and produce hydrocarbons from deep underground. The crew working on these rigs includes drillers, roughnecks, engineers, and other specialists, all working together to ensure safe and efficient operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Oilfield Rig workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Oilfield Rig workers often encounter challenges such as extreme weather conditions, physically demanding tasks, and extended periods away from home. Effective management includes adhering strictly to safety protocols, participating in regular training programs, and maintaining strong communication with team members. Building physical endurance and resilience, as well as fostering a supportive team environment, are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring both personal safety and job satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oilfield Rig Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oilfield Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a solid understanding of safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized safety training. Experience with drilling equipment, hydraulic systems, and certifications such as H2S Alive or Well Control are commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding workers apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining safety standards, and minimizing risks in demanding and hazardous environments.

How much do oil rigs get paid?

Oilfield rig workers' pay varies based on experience, role, and location, but entry-level positions typically start around $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Experienced workers, such as drillers and supervisors, can earn over $100,000 per year, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay. Certifications and working in remote or challenging environments can also influence compensation.

How do you get hired on an oil rig?

To get hired as an oil rig worker, candidates typically need relevant experience or training in the oil and gas industry, such as certifications in safety and equipment operation. Employers often require physical fitness, the ability to work in challenging environments, and may prefer candidates with technical skills or prior offshore experience. Applying through staffing agencies or directly to oil companies and demonstrating a strong work ethic can improve chances of employment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Oilfield Rig jobs in California? The most popular types of Oilfield Rig jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Oilfield Rig jobs? Cities in California with the most Oilfield Rig job openings:
Oilfield Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oilfield Rig job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,096 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
H-60 Helicopter Engine Drivetrain Mechanic/Aviation Machinist Mate

H-60 Helicopter Engine Drivetrain Mechanic/Aviation Machinist Mate

Pae

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Location: Jubail Saudi Arabia

Will perform Field and Sustainment Level maintenance support/augmentation to include: Production control, Quality Control, Supply Management, maintenance, and repair of aircraft. Position requires a skilled Engine / Drivetrain Mechanic with the ability to perform Intermediate Maintenance Periodicity requirements on MH-60R helicopters. Organizational, Intermediate, and Depot level skills are desired to inspect, repair, and fabricate propulsion and drive chain components. Also requires inspection and repair of flight control components and systems.

Shall work in specialized shops associated with fixed base operations Field Level maintenance as well as perform troubleshooting, testing, maintenance repairs and Technical Directive compliance on the H-60 Airframe in Saudi Arabia.

Essential Responsibilities:

Current or previous experience performing complex helicopter mechanical work to include but not limited to:

Perform maintenance and repair of major assemblies, subassemblies and line replaceable unit's (LRUs) of the MH-60R power plant related systems (engines and auxiliary power units). Along with fuel cell maintenance, tail rotor breakdown and rigging, and tail drive shaft removal and shimming.

Has a in-depth knowledge of the IMDS/HUMS vibration diagnostic system. Can use IVHMU data and the HUMS ground station to make adjustments to bring in vibration diagnostics to the minimum standards.

Remove, disassemble, repair, rig, rework, reassemble, install, modify, adjust, test and preserve power plant systems, transmission systems, tail drive shaft assembly, rotor systems, fuel cells, flight controls, subsystems, and components according to directives, technical manuals, and safety procedures.

Perform inspection, troubleshooting, fault detection, fault isolation, and appropriate AVUM/AVIM corrective actions on the power plant related systems, transmission systems, tail drive shaft assembly, rotor system, fuel systems, and oil systems. Perform depot-level maintenance and repair when authorized.Perform power plant depot-level maintenance and repair when authorized.

Operate and maintain all applicable peculiar and common ground support equipment. Identify, use and maintain all common, special, and precision tools available for power plant maintenance and repair.

Responsible for completion and maintenance of applicable forms, records, and reports using appropriate references and other publications including the NAMP.

Provide On-the-Job-Training (OJT) for Saudi technicians and/or other personnel to include maintaining appropriate records on personnel such as Readiness Insight, ASMi, or an ASMi substitute.

Assist in shop safety as well as safety in the hangar and on the flight line.

Accept accountability of property for the Power Plant Shop.

Maintain cleanliness and general maintenance of the associated work area. Perform cleaning, preservation, and operational maintenance work on assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment.

Operate motor vehicles, machines, and other mechanical equipment in the performance of assigned duties.

Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

8 years current or previous experience performing complex helicopter mechanical work, and verifiable experience maintaining H-60 aircraft.

A valid A&P license , QAR, CDQAR, or TI qualification is required.

High School Diploma or equivalent

Clearance Requirement:

Must be able to obtain and maintain a NAC(T3) Background Investigation and drug test. Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. May be required to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform post offer, pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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