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Onshore Oil Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Mechanic

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... of oil well rigs as needed  Work as directed by Crane Supervisor, Lead Operators, Rig ... onshore assets. Procurement of repair parts and expendables is an essential part of duties for this ...

Onshore Oil Rig information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do onshore oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for onshore oil rig in California is $22.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an onshore oil rig?

Onshore oil rigs are facilities located on land that are used to drill wells and extract crude oil and natural gas from underground reservoirs. These rigs play a crucial role in the energy industry by allowing companies to access hydrocarbons that are not located offshore (beneath the ocean floor). Onshore rigs can vary in size and complexity, ranging from small portable rigs to large, permanent drilling installations. The work on these rigs often involves operating heavy machinery, monitoring drilling operations, and ensuring safety and environmental standards are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an onshore oil rig worker?

To thrive as an Onshore Oil Rig Worker, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and industry-specific training. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety management systems (like HSE), and certifications such as H2S or Well Control are typically required. Physical stamina, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining operational efficiency and safety in the hazardous and fast-paced oilfield workplace.

What are some common challenges faced by workers on an onshore oil rig, and how can they be managed?

Onshore oil rig workers often encounter challenges such as long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Teamwork and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to manage these challenges effectively. Many rigs operate on a rotational schedule, which can impact work-life balance, but also offers extended time off between shifts. Open communication, ongoing safety training, and strong support from supervisors help ensure a safe and productive work environment.

What is the difference between Onshore Oil Rig vs Offshore Oil Rig?

AspectOnshore Oil RigOffshore Oil Rig
Work EnvironmentLand-based, accessible by roadSea-based, located offshore
Required CertificationsBasic safety and operational certificationsAdvanced safety, diving, and offshore certifications
Industry UsageCommon in land oil extractionUsed for offshore oil drilling
Job ResponsibilitiesDrilling, maintenance, safety on landDrilling, platform maintenance at sea

Onshore Oil Rigs are land-based facilities with similar operational roles as Offshore Oil Rigs, but differ mainly in location and environment. Onshore rigs are easier to access and require less specialized safety gear, while offshore rigs demand advanced certifications and safety measures due to their sea-based setting.

How much do onshore oil rig workers make?

Onshore oil rig workers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers and those in supervisory roles earning higher salaries. Wages can vary based on location, experience, and certifications such as H2S or safety training, and often include shift differentials due to the demanding work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Onshore Oil Rig jobs in California?

For Onshore Oil Rig jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Onshore Oil Rig jobs?

Cities in California with the most Onshore Oil Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Onshore Oil Rig job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,576 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Wellbay Operator

Amplify Energy Services LLC

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Amplify Energy is an independent oil company focused on low decline, assets with significant upside. The company intends to enhance current operations, reduce costs, grow production, and increase cash flow. Amplify operates in two core areas; 1) Beta (Pacific Outer Continental Shelf), and 2) Bairoil (Wyoming). Amplify Energy is seeking a team-oriented individual who will join the offshore Beta team.

Job Summary:

Monitors, operates, and adjusts the producing, injection, and disposal wells, gas system, production surge vessel, and shipping pumps on an offshore platform in a safe and environmentally sound manner, in compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations. Utilizes computer and manual monitoring of wells, well safety/shutdown hydraulic systems, flow lines, gas system, sewage system, and chemical injection systems, as well as the drilling rig motor pack, air compressors, and emergency generator. Completes all paperwork and testing required by the MMA (Department of the Interior) and the US Coast Guard (for fuel transfers). Maintains a daily log and takes daily readings on wells and other equipment as required. Understands and responds to all emergency situations in the Well Bay. Works at the direction of the Control Room Operator and the platform's Lead Wellbay Operator.

Essential Functions:

  • Monitor producing, injection, and disposal well operation systems, ensuring all systems function in compliance with established procedures and regulations, including those of the MMA (US Dept. of Interior), US DOT (pipeline to shore), and the US Coast Guard.
  • Identify and evaluate wells for malfunctions and take corrective action — adjustments, flushing, rate changes via well chokes, or writing work orders for repair. Notify the Production Supervisor of problems or immediately shut in a well when needed to prevent harm. Interface with and support the Rig Crew during well workover and drilling operations.
  • Perform daily systems inspections to ensure optimal well production, injection, and shipping/pipeline operations, including environmental inspections, fire and ventilation checks, and daily instrument readings on all operating and standby systems.
  • Monitor chemical injection rates and perform chemical pump repair; conduct daily pollution, potable water, and produced water/oil/grease testing; maintain deck drain and skim pile pump logs; run weekly firewater pump tests; perform daily sewage ClO2 residual testing and BS&W / vapor PSI / H2S content checks.
  • Operate and maintain condensate removal, and heat medium systems, oil/gas/water separation vessels, compressors, pumps, and diesel units; perform valve replacement, equipment isolation, Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO), and filter changes.
  • Perform batch treating and pigging operations on oil and gas pipelines; support well bay operations including wireline, acid injection, and chemical injection; operate chokes for optimum efficiency.
  • Complete monthly and weekly MMA-required system testing and all associated paperwork; support annual MMA platform process inspections and maintain compliance documentation.
  • Respond to alarms and site emergencies; help maintain accountability for personnel and actions during emergency situations; participate in safe work, hot work, and confined space entry permitting and JSAs as directed.
  • Maintain an accurate Operator's logbook, documenting all daily activities, readings, and events; compile data relating to operational activities and reports.
  • Complete all required training, including Computer-Based Training and field/emergency response training; must be able to walk to and enter the escape lifeboat in an emergency.
  • Maintain the safety of self and others by following all written and verbal instructions, promptly reporting or correcting hazards and unsafe conditions, questioning nonstandard operations, and giving feedback to site leads on safety issues. Understand and follow all regulatory agency rules pertaining to offshore platforms. Perform safety checks related to OSHA, USCG, MMA safety regulations as assigned.
  • Provide support to field offices on vendor status, work order, and information requests as needed.

This job descritipn is not intended to be an exhastive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The employee may be required to perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.

Knowledge, Skill and Experience:

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Experience:

Two (2) to five (5) years of offshore oil & gas production/wellbay operating experience (or equivalent onshore oil & gas production experience), including at least one year working directly in a Wellbay Operator, Operator 1, or comparable production-operator role. Prior offshore platform experience with Beta Offshore is a plus.

Skills Required:

  • Working knowledge of production and injection well components — well heads, Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs), hydraulic pumps — and producing-well testing techniques.
  • Proficient reading and interpreting Piping & Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs) and other petroleum-industry instrumentation.
  • Understands operations associated with an offshore platform, including well bay, gas system, production surge vessel, and shipping pump operations.
  • Working knowledge of the Federal Code of Regulations applicable to OCS operations (API RP 14-C, 30 CFR, 33 CFR, 40 CFR, DOT, APCD) and MMA/US Coast Guard reporting and testing requirements.
  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Access, as well as well-monitoring software (HMI/PLC); strong, accurate documentation practices for daily operations.
  • Skilled in Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) and hazardous-energy isolation practices, safe work / hot work / confined space entry permitting, and job safety analysis (JSA).

Certifications (required or obtainable within introductory period):

  • T-2 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Certified
  • API RP2D Qualified Rigger, or Rigger and Job Crane Certified
  • Wellbay Operator’s Test within 6 months of hire.
  • CPR / First Aid / AED Certified

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications:

  • Crane Operator Certification (e.g., NCCCO or equivalent) — a plus, not required. *We own/operate friction cranes, NOT hydraulic cranes.

Schedule & Compensation

Schedule: 14 days on / 14 days off (14/14), 12-hour shifts (including holidays as dictated by schedule), working in federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters. Transportation to and from the platform is mainly by boat, occasionally by helicopter. Travel to the dock is on the individual. The boat leaves from Long Beach, California.

Pay: $26.00 – $40.00 per hour, depending on experience.

This hourly range equates to approximately $81,000 – $124,000 in total direct annual compensation


We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.