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Pipeline Work Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pipeline Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA ยท Hybrid

$92K - $171K/yr

High-impact infrastructure work: You'll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that ... This role combines advanced pipeline engineering with real-world construction insight, giving you ...

Pipeline Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท Hybrid

$106K - $198K/yr

High-impact infrastructure work: You'll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that ... This role combines advanced pipeline engineering with real-world construction insight, giving you ...

Pipeline Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA ยท Hybrid

$106K - $198K/yr

High-impact infrastructure work: You'll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that ... This role combines advanced pipeline engineering with real-world construction insight, giving you ...

Pipeline Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท Hybrid

$92K - $171K/yr

High-impact infrastructure work: You'll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that ... This role combines advanced pipeline engineering with real-world construction insight, giving you ...

High-impact infrastructure work: You'll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that ... Applied pipeline engineering skills : Ability to apply pipeline design, hydraulic analysis, and ...

Pipeline Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท Hybrid

$106K - $198K/yr

High-impact infrastructure work: You'll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that ... This role combines advanced pipeline engineering with real-world construction insight, giving you ...

Pipeline Project Engineer

Dublin, CA ยท On-site

$85 - $115/hr

This is a hybrid work schedule. Responsibilities * Prepare pipeline designs, including calculations, drawings, profiles, details, layouts, and studies from field inspections, preliminary sketches ...

Sr. Pipeline Stress Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... work. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Pipeline Stress Engineer to support the ... engineering, analysis, and design of aboveground natural gas and auxiliary piping systems. The ...

Sr. Pipeline Stress Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... work. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Pipeline Stress Engineer to support the ... engineering, analysis, and design of aboveground natural gas and auxiliary piping systems. The ...

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Pipeline Work information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$33

How much do pipeline work jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipeline work in California is $24.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pipeline work?

Pipeline work involves the construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair of pipelines that transport liquids and gases such as oil, natural gas, or water across long distances. Workers in this field may operate heavy machinery, weld pipe sections, monitor safety protocols, and ensure the integrity of the pipeline infrastructure. The job can be physically demanding and often requires working outdoors in various weather conditions. Pipeline workers play a crucial role in maintaining the energy and water supply networks essential to industries and communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in pipeline work, and why are they important?

To thrive in pipeline work, you need knowledge of construction techniques, safety procedures, and industry regulations, often acquired through technical training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with heavy machinery, welding equipment, and pipeline mapping systems, as well as certifications like OSHA or NCCER, is typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail help ensure safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualities are vital to maintaining safety standards, minimizing downtime, and delivering projects on schedule.

What are some common challenges faced by pipeline workers, and how do teams typically address them on the job?

Pipeline workers often encounter challenges such as working in remote or harsh environments, adhering to strict safety protocols, and managing physically demanding tasks. Teams typically address these by implementing rigorous safety training, promoting strong communication among crew members, and using specialized equipment to reduce manual strain. Collaboration with supervisors and engineers is also essential to quickly troubleshoot technical issues and ensure projects stay on schedule. Emphasizing teamwork and safety culture helps maintain productivity and worker well-being.

What is the difference between Pipeline Work vs Oilfield Equipment Operator?

AspectPipeline WorkOilfield Equipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentPipeline construction sites, maintenance areasOilfield sites, drilling rigs, equipment yards
Industry UsageOil & gas pipeline infrastructureOil & gas extraction operations
Job FocusInstalling, maintaining, repairing pipelinesOperating heavy equipment for drilling and extraction

Pipeline Work and Oilfield Equipment Operator roles share similar credentials and safety requirements, but differ in work environment and job focus. Pipeline workers primarily handle pipeline installation and maintenance, while equipment operators focus on operating machinery for oil extraction. Both roles are essential in the oil and gas industry and often searched together by job seekers.

How do you get into pipeline work?

To get into pipeline work, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training. Experience in construction or manual labor is valuable, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding nature of the job; apprenticeships or entry-level positions can provide on-the-job training.

What does a pipeline work do?

A pipeline worker installs, maintains, and repairs pipelines that transport oil, gas, or other liquids. They often work outdoors in challenging environments, using tools like welding equipment and following safety protocols. The job may require physical strength, knowledge of safety standards, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA training.

What are popular job titles related to Pipeline Work jobs in California?

For Pipeline Work jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pipeline Work job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,058 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Pipeline Engineer

kennedyjc

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข Hybrid

$92K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking an experienced and proactive Pipeline Engineer for our California office to support water and wastewater pipeline projects. This role will play a key part in the evaluation, design, and construction of complex conveyance facilities for water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure projects.

This role offers the opportunity to serve as a technical resource on meaningful pipeline projects while supporting clients and multidisciplinary project teams.

Youโ€™ll play a key role in advancing pipeline projects from planning through construction, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, supporting junior staff development, and contributing to strong client service.

What Youโ€™ll Do

As a Pipeline Engineer, youโ€™ll contribute across key focus areas, including pipeline design and analysis, construction support, asset management, technical problem-solving, and client service.

  • Support pipeline design and analysis: Perform hydraulic and pipe design calculations for small- to large-diameter water and wastewater pipelines.
  • Develop detailed project deliverables: Prepare designs, specifications, and drawings for complex pipeline projects, including alignment studies, hydraulic analyses, condition assessments, rehabilitation, new pipeline design, and in-service commissioning.
  • Apply industry standards: Use applicable industry standards, publications, codes, and regional regulatory requirements to guide pipeline design and installation.
  • Provide construction-phase engineering support: Review materials submittals, respond to requests for information, and assist owners in confirming compliance with contract documents.
  • Support asset management decisions: Evaluate existing pipeline systems, conduct condition assessments, and recommend rehabilitation or replacement approaches using various pipe materials and trenchless construction methods.
  • Collaborate, support, and engage: Serve as a technical resource on multidisciplinary project teams, support junior staff development, contribute to client service, write technical reports, maintain project documentation, and support quality control processes.
What Makes This Role Different
  • High-impact infrastructure work: Youโ€™ll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that support communities, improve reliability, and address complex infrastructure challenges.
  • Technical depth with practical application: This role combines advanced pipeline engineering with real-world construction insight, giving you the opportunity to see your recommendations carry through from design to implementation.
  • Team visibility and collaboration: Youโ€™ll have the opportunity to serve as a trusted technical resource for project teams, clients, and stakeholders while supporting knowledge-sharing across the team.
What You Bring
  • Applied pipeline engineering skills: Ability to apply pipeline design, hydraulic analysis, and construction support experience to practical project needs.
  • Clear technical communication: Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports, document project decisions, and explain engineering concepts clearly.
  • Collaborative project mindset: Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with project stakeholders, and contributing to successful project delivery.
  • Sound technical judgment: Ability to evaluate pipeline challenges, identify practical solutions, and support quality-focused deliverables.
  • Proactive work style: Organized, responsive, and eager to contribute to project teams while continuing to grow technical expertise.
Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelorโ€™s degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar engineering field; Masterโ€™s degree preferred.
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in pipeline engineering, including design, analysis, and construction support.
  • Areas of Knowledge: Strong knowledge of industry standards, codes, and regulations for water and wastewater infrastructure.
  • Certifications or licenses: Professional Engineer license in California required or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
  • Additional preferred qualifications: Experience with pipeline design software and hydraulic modeling tools preferred.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and achieve their full potential.

Salary range for this position is anticipated to be $92,000 to $171,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

#LI-Hybrid