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Rig Hand Salary in California

How much does a Rig Hand make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rig Hand in California is $64,263 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a Rig Hand's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,863
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,874 to $71,382
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,058
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Rig Hand Salaries

A Rig Hand's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Rig Hand Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Rig Hand's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $57,156
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $63,740
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $79,180
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $92,375
  • Expert (over 8 years): $106,369
Levels Salary
Rig Opera... Level Rig Hand$57,156
Rig Hand Level Rig Hand$63,740
Rig Opera... Level Rig Hand$79,180
Rig Opera... Level Rig Hand$92,375
Rig Opera... Level Rig Hand$106,369
View as Graph

How Do Rig Hand Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Rig Hands. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $64,508.
  • California: $64,263.
  • Massachusetts: $63,407.

Top Paying Cities for Rig Hands

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $64,374
  • West Hollywood: $64,327
  • Dodgertown: $64,373

Rig Hand Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Rig Hand's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$57,874
Average $64,263/year
$71,382
$4,823
Average $5,355/month
$5,948
$1,113
Average $1,236/week
$1,373
$28
Average $31/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,382 $5,948 $1,373 $34
Average $64,263 $5,355 $1,236 $31
25th Percentile $57,874 $4,823 $1,113 $28

Find Your Next Rig Hand Job

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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