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Contract Directional Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Congruex

Directional Drill Foreman

Columbus, OH · On-site

$23.50 - $29/hr

Operate drilling equipment and various other construction equipment used on the jobsite to complete ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will ...

Congruex

Directional Drill Foreman

Clarksburg, WV · On-site

$23.75 - $29.50/hr

Operate drilling equipment and various other construction equipment used on the jobsite to complete ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will ...

Congruex

Directional Drill Locator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$24 - $29.50/hr

... drilling, and construction operations. You will utilize specialized locating equipment, mapping ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will ...

Sable Offshore

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX

... directional drilling strategies * Prepare and manage well cost estimates, AFEs, and detailed risk ... Lead vendor selection processes, including technical evaluations, bid reviews, and contract ...

Sable Offshore

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... directional drilling strategies * Prepare and manage well cost estimates, AFEs, and detailed risk ... Lead vendor selection processes, including technical evaluations, bid reviews, and contract ...

Utilities One

Drilling Crew Foreman

Portland, OR · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Portland, OR Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Utilities One

Drilling Crew Foreman

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Vancouver, WA Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Utilities One

Drilling Crew Foreman

Denver, CO · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Denver, CO Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Utilities One

Drilling Crew Foreman

Seattle, WA · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Seattle, WA Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Utilities One

Drilling Crew Foreman

Aurora, CO · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Aurora, CO Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Utilities One

Drilling Crew Foreman

Salem, OR · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Salem, OR Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

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All JobsContract Directional Drilling Jobs

Contract Directional Drilling information

See salary details

$13

$26

$34

How much do contract directional drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract directional drilling in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract directional drilling roles?

Contract directional drilling professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing site conditions, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring precise borehole placement to avoid existing underground infrastructure. Since the work is typically project-based, you may work with different teams and clients, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, staying current with the latest technology and safety standards is crucial for success and minimizing downtime or costly errors.

What is contract directional drilling?

Contract directional drilling refers to the practice where companies hire specialized drilling contractors to drill wells that are not straight down but follow a planned path underground. This method is often used in the oil and gas industry to reach reservoirs that are difficult to access with vertical wells, avoid obstacles, or increase extraction efficiency. Contractors provide the equipment, expertise, and personnel needed to perform this complex drilling, ensuring precision and safety while meeting the client’s project requirements.

What is the difference between Contract Directional Drilling vs Directional Drilling Technician?

AspectContract Directional DrillingDirectional Drilling Technician
CredentialsCertifications in directional drilling, safety trainingSame certifications, specialized in equipment operation
Work EnvironmentProject-based, on-site at drilling locationsOn-site, operating and maintaining drilling tools
Employer & IndustryContractors, oil & gas, utilitiesOil & gas companies, service providers
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Contract Directional Drilling involves managing drilling projects on a contractual basis, often overseeing multiple crews and ensuring project goals are met. Directional Drilling Technicians focus on operating and maintaining drilling equipment on-site. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same industry environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Directional Drilling professional, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Directional Drilling professional, you need a solid background in drilling engineering, geology, and experience with well planning, typically supported by relevant technical degrees or certifications. Familiarity with drilling software (such as Landmark or WellPlan), measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools, and industry safety standards is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise wellbore placement, operational efficiency, and safety on complex drilling projects.
More about Contract Directional Drilling jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Directional Drilling jobs? Cities with the most Contract Directional Drilling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Directional Drilling jobs? The most popular types of Directional Drilling jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Directional Drilling jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Directional Drilling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Directional Drilling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Directional Drilling jobs are:
Contract Directional Drilling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Directional Drilling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Steerhand / Locator

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Steerhand / Locator

McCall-Thomas Engineering

Orangeburg, SC • On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Salary:

McCall Thomas Engineering Company, Inc. is seeking a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Locator to work with our construction crews to install underground telecommunications, power, water, sewer, and gas infrastructure. This will be a 1099 contract position with an opportunity to convert to full-time regular status with full benefits after 6 months. Travel will be required for this position- primarily in GA, NC and SC. (Current project work is in Southeast GA.)


About McCall-Thomas Engineering

McCall-Thomas Engineering is a trusted leader in the Electrical and Telecommunications industry, committed to delivering innovative and reliable solutions. With expertise in Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electric Utility Services, and Field Operations, we provide comprehensive turn-key projects tailored to meet our clients' needs.McCall-Thomas Engineering we have been providing quality engineering and technical services since 1945.

A McCall-Thomas HDD Steerhand / Locator is responsible for tracking and guiding underground directional drilling operations for utility construction projects. This position works closely with the Drill Operator and crew members to safely install underground telecommunications, power, water, sewer, and gas infrastructure while maintaining production, accuracy, and safety standards.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Operate HDD locating equipment and monitor drill head location, depth, and alignment.
  • Communicate continuously with the Drill Operator during bore operations.
  • Read and interpret utility locates, construction prints, and bore plans.
  • Ensure bores are completed according to project specifications and tolerances.
  • Identify and avoid existing underground utilities.
  • Assist with drill setup, teardown, and daily equipment inspections.
  • Maintain accurate bore logs and job documentation as required.
  • Perform potholing and verification of underground utilities.
  • Assist with mud mixing, tooling changes, and jobsite preparation.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
  • Follow all OSHA, company, and customer safety requirements.
  • Assist labor crews with general construction duties when needed.
  • Travel and overtime may be required depending on workload and project schedules.


Qualifications

  • HS diploma
  • Valid drivers license with clean driving record
  • Eligibility to work in the US without sponsorship
  • Previous HDD locating or utility construction experience preferred.
  • Ability to operate locating systems such as DigiTrak, Subsite, or similar equipment.
  • Understanding of underground utility construction practices.
  • Ability to read construction drawings and utility maps.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability preferred.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Must pass background check, MVR review, and drug screening if required.


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift up to 75 lbs.
  • Ability to work in outdoor environments including heat, cold, mud, and uneven terrain.
  • Ability to work long hours, weekends, and emergency callouts when necessary.


Preferred Certifications

  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Flagging
  • CDL License
  • Utility locating certifications or HDD manufacturer training


Work Environment

  • Outdoor construction environment
  • Exposure to heavy equipment and underground utilities
  • Fast-paced utility construction projects with production deadlines


Reporting Structure

Reports To: HDD Foreman / Drill Operator / Construction Supervisor


What We Offer:

Benefits are not available to 1099 contract employees, but if converting to a regular full-time employee status after 6 months, benefits will be offered.