Earth drillers, except oil and gas
SOC Code: 47-5023Also known as:
Auger Operator, Blast Driller, Blast Hole Driller, Boring Machine Operator, Churn Drill Operator
Median Annual Salary
$59,600
+2.9% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
18K
Current Jobs
What Earth drillers, except oil and gas Do
Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap subsurface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.
💰 Salary
$59,600
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.9%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
18,300
Projected Employment (2034)
18,800
Related Careers
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
$65,010 •
+0.2% growth
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
Continuous mining machine operators
$63,380 •
+0.6% growth
Helpers--extraction workers
$48,400 •
-1.7% growth
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$46,630 •
-19.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
- Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
- Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.
- Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
- Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.
- Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
- Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.
- Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.
- Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.
- Document geological formations encountered during work.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Earth drillers, except oil and gas
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a earth drillers, except oil and gas:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Earth drillers, except oil and gas
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become earth drillers, except oil and gas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do earth drillers, except oil and gas make?
The median annual salary for earth drillers, except oil and gas is $59,600.
What education do earth drillers, except oil and gas need?
Most earth drillers, except oil and gas positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming earth drillers, except oil and gas a good career choice?
Earth drillers, except oil and gas is projected to see +2.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for earth drillers, except oil and gas?
Top colleges for aspiring earth drillers, except oil and gas include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to earth drillers, except oil and gas?
Earth drillers, except oil and gas may also be known as: Auger Operator, Blast Driller, Blast Hole Driller, Boring Machine Operator, Churn Drill Operator, Churn Driller, Construction Driller, Construction Well Drill Operator, Core Driller, Debris Monitor, Deep Well Contractor, Diamond Driller, Directional Drill Operator, Directional Driller, Drill Hand, Drill Operator, Drill Rig Operator, Drill Runner, Drill Technician, Driller.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.