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Contract Directional Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Vancouver, WA Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$300 - $350/day

Contract Location: United States - Portland, OR Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $300 - $350 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Seattle, WA Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Portland, OR Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Denver, CO Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$300 - $350/day

Contract Location: United States - Seattle, WA Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $300 - $350 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Sorensen Companies (SCI)

Bore Locator

Las Vegas, NV

$21.54 - $26.92/hr

Experience supporting directional drilling and underground construction projects Skills and ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will ...

Hire Virtue

HDD Operator

Indian Trail, NC

... operating directional drilling equipment and supporting crew activities to ensure projects are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with contract and regulatory requirements. Key ...

Congruex

Drill Operator

Marquette, MI · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

As the Operator I, II, III , you will ultimately be responsible for operating directional drilling ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will ...

SabCon Underground

Directional Drill Foreman

Dover, FL · On-site

The Directional Drill Foreman is responsible for overseeing individual projects to assure the safe installation that is in compliance with the scope as established by the contract documents. This ...

Airswift

Wellsite Geologist

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

... and the directional drilling and MWD personnel. The role centers on executing the well in ... The contract wellsite geologist must supply their own suitable workstation for well operations ...

Independence Contract Drilling

Driller

Odessa, TX · On-site

$40/hr

Monitor the drilling operation and provide supervision and guidance to rig crews as needed. * Operate the rig equipment as designed. * Follow the direction of the Rig Manager and Client ...

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Contract Directional Drilling information

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How much do contract directional drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Drill Operator

Utilities One

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Drill Operator
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Contract
Location: United States - Vancouver, WA
Reporting To: Denis Mezer
Compensation: $2,000 - $4,000 / week
Description
Utilities One is seeking an experienced Drill Operator to join our team in the Pacific Northwest Region. This role is ideal for candidates with strong experience in Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and underground utility installation, who are ready to work in a fast-paced environment and contribute to high-quality infrastructure projects across the Pacific Northwest.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform preparatory work before drilling operations;
  • Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;
  • Install underground utilities, including boring, trenching, and related tasks;
  • Operate and locate utilities using an appropriate locating system;
  • Remove and transfer poles, set and install new underground cables;
  • Ensure proper clearances and compliance with installation standards;
  • Maintain the safety of the public and protect underground utility facilities;
  • Analyze job sites and complete required paperwork and documentation;
  • Investigate company service complaints and perform necessary repairs;
  • Travel to job sites as needed and perform assigned tasks with high quality and professionalism;
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support successful project completion.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • At least 3 years of HDD/Drilling experience;
  • Valid Class A CDL required;
  • Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications;
  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, walk, and ride in vehicles for extended periods;
  • Willingness to work in all-weather environments and travel as needed.

Benefits
  • Competitive compensation;
  • Weekly payments (every Friday);
  • All equipment and tools provided;
  • Career advancement opportunities;
  • Weekly pay range varies depending on productivity (paid per foot).

Apply