Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
Construction and Extraction
Positions and steadies truck-mounted rotary, churn, or pneumatic drills, then regulates air pressure, rotary speed, and downward force to match the rock or concrete. Adds rods and changes bits as the hole deepens, inserts casing, and flushes cuttings or blows dust out. The same rigs reach water or salt, take core samples for mineral or soil tests, or open holes for explosives in mining and construction. Depth and alignment are checked as work proceeds, and machines are lubricated, parts replaced, and bits rebuilt. Suits people who like adjusting drill settings and keeping equipment in working order.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$60'190
Median Wage Market Position
$60'190
What you might do
- Line up and stabilize the drill
- Adjust speed and pressure for the rock
- Add rods and swap bits as holes deepen
- Drive truck-mounted rigs into place
- Flush cuttings and dust from the hole
- Check hole depth and alignment
Skills that matter
- Drills aligned and held steady
- Air pressure and rotary speed adjusted
- Bits and rods added as holes deepen
- Boring depth and alignment verified
- Parts replaced and machinery lubricated
- Setup coordinated with the crew
AI & the future of this role
Drilling for water, minerals, or samples depends on field judgment about geology, rig setup, and safety. Sensors may improve targeting and logging, but portable equipment, variable sites, and in-person problem-solving are likely to keep demand for operators steady.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details