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Oilfield Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Mechanic

Nipton, CA ยท On-site

$81K - $147K/yr

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Nipton, CA ยท On-site

$81K - $147K/yr

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

Maintenance Mechanic

CA ยท On-site

$81K - $147K/yr

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

Crane Operator - All Levels

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... 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

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... 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

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

Crane Operator - All Levels

Del Mar, CA ยท On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... 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

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... 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

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... 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

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

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Showing results 1-20

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:
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.
Maintenance Mechanic

Maintenance Mechanic

NRG Energy

Nipton, CA โ€ข On-site

$81K - $147K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

As an NRG employee, we encourage you to take charge of your career and development journey. We invite you to explore exciting opportunities across our businesses. You'll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to our ongoing success-take the lead in shaping your career development, goals and future!


Summary:

Maintain and repair various power plant mechanical equipment and their associated auxiliary components.

This position is at our Ivanpah Generating Station facility in Nipton, CA approximately 30 - 40-minute drive from Las Vegas Strip.

Essential Duties/ Responsibilities:

  • Install, maintain, test, inspect and repair generating station equipment such as, boilers, turbines, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, vessels and a variety of utility vehicles.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical failures and provide recommendations and findings to supervisor.
  • Perform preventative and corrective maintenance plans on mechanical equipment.
  • Replace packing in pumps and valves, bearings, shaft seals, sleeves, seats and other miscellaneous parts used in plant equipment.
  • Remove and replace insulation materials on pumps, heaters, tanks, turbines, lines, valves, etc.
  • Clean pipes and perform other plumbing and pipe fitting tasks.
  • Set up rigging for installing/removing equipment.
  • Specify and/or order proper materials for job completion.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and identify parts and spares requirements.
  • Ability to use such hand tools as torque / manual wrenches, screwdrivers, sledgehammers, micrometers, calipers, torque wrenches, and other precision devices.
  • Complete required records and document work performed.
  • Recognize safety hazards and follow safety guidelines.
  • Knowledgeable of environmental rules and regulations and effectively apply them to all work situations.
  • Assist in providing skill enhancement training to other personnel.
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with management and other personnel

Preferred Skills:

  • Ability to perform basic mathematics to calculate measurements and computations needed for repair and maintenance of power plant equipment.
  • Knowledge of rotating equipment and knowledge of general maintenance activities and procedures including ultrasonic greasing, performance of oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc.
  • Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g. forklift, man-lift, crane, etc.) and maintain operating licenses and certifications.
  • Ability to operate machine shop equipment such as drill presses, lathes and boring mills.
  • Ability to lift, carry and position such items as large chain falls, slugging wrenches and various equipment (can weigh up to 50 lbs.)
  • Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and parts in awkward positions, swing various weights of sledgehammers, stoop and bend to reach valves, pull on chainfalls and comealongs.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Verifiable training in the proper use of laser alignment equipment, HyTorc (or similar) equipment, and standard Millwright training is a bonus.
  • Training and expertise in the use of portable vibration monitoring equipment is a plus.
  • Completion of Journeyman-level Millwright or Mechanic training program preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Five (5) years of industrial mechanical maintenance experience in the repair, inspection, and/or maintenance of related power plant or machine shop equipment including inspection and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, fabricating and diagnostics.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Outdoor environment at generating plant work locations includes:

  • Work in and around rotating equipment, high voltage electrical equipment, high noise areas and elevations up to 450 feet.
  • Work in all temperatures and climatic conditions. Some temperatures can be extreme.
  • Performance of duties requires response to calls 24 hours/day, seven days/week and working irregular shifts.
  • Daily work expectation requires ability to perform tasks by walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, shoveling, climbing, and in positions above and below head, and extended from body to complete repairs.

Plant Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

  • Must be able to pass a company physical exam.
  • Requires operation of a motor vehicle; valid driver's license is required.
  • Power plant environment. Work environment includes working out of doors, working at heights, high/low ambient temperatures and high humidity areas at generating unit work locations. Work in all temperatures and climate conditions. Some temperatures can be extreme.

The base salary range for this position is: $81,760-$147,120* *The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

EEO is the Law Poster (The poster can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf)

Official description on file with Talent.


NRG logo

About NRG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At NRG, we're bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Industry

Oil and coal products manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US