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Core Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc

Core Drill Helper

Sterling, VA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

The Core Drill Helper will assist operators with equipment setup, jobsite preparation, cleanup, and general labor duties while maintaining a strong focus on safety and teamwork. Responsibilities ...

Timberline Drilling Inc.

Driller's Assistant

Juneau, AK · Remote

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

Timberline Drilling

Driller's Assistant

Juneau, AK

$90K/yr

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

Timberline Drilling

Driller's Assistant

Kellogg, ID

$90K/yr

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

Timberline Drilling Inc.

Driller's Assistant

Juneau, AK · On-site

$90K/yr

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

Timberline Drilling

Driller's Assistant

Elko, NV

$90K/yr

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

Congruex

Drill Operator

Davis Junction, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

As an Operator I, II, or III, you will ultimately be responsible for operating directional drilling ... Congruex's culture of safety and performance is built on the 4X Factor core values of Be Safe, Be ...

Timberline Drilling Inc.

Driller's Assistant

Kellogg, ID · On-site

$90K/yr

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

Congruex

Drill Operator

Elkhorn, WI · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

As an Operator I, II, or III, you will ultimately be responsible for operating directional drilling ... Congruex's culture of safety and performance is built on the 4X Factor core values of Be Safe, Be ...

Timberline Drilling Inc.

Driller's Assistant

Elko, NV · Remote

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

Timberline Drilling Inc.

Driller's Assistant

Elko, NV · On-site

$90K/yr

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

Timberline Drilling

Driller's Assistant

Virginia, MN · On-site

$90K/yr

Support core drill operators in setting up and operating drilling equipment to obtain core samples. * Equipment Handling: Move drills, supplies, and equipment as needed. * Set Up Drills: Build drill ...

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Core Drill Operator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$51

How much do core drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for core drill operator in the United States is $27.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by core drill operators on construction sites?

Core Drill Operators frequently encounter challenges such as working in tight or awkward spaces, managing heavy equipment, and ensuring accuracy while drilling through various materials like concrete or asphalt. They need to maintain strict safety protocols, especially when dealing with dust and debris or operating around other trades. Effective communication with project managers and site supervisors is crucial to coordinate drilling locations and schedules, helping to minimize disruptions and ensure precise results.

What is the difference between Core Drill Operator vs Diamond Drill Operator?

AspectCore Drill OperatorDiamond Drill Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, geological explorationMining, geological exploration, construction
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, environmental testingMining, mineral exploration, construction

Both Core Drill Operators and Diamond Drill Operators require similar certifications and work in construction and mining environments. The main difference lies in the drilling methods: core drills extract cylindrical samples, while diamond drills use industrial diamonds for cutting through hard materials. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and workers choose the right role for specific projects.

How to become a core drill operator?

To become a core drill operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or apprenticeships to learn how to operate drilling equipment safely. Certification in equipment operation and safety standards can improve job prospects, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding nature of the work environment.

What is a core drill operator?

Core Drill Operators are skilled workers who operate drilling machines to extract cylindrical samples (known as cores) from various materials such as concrete, rock, or soil. These samples are used for testing, analysis, or construction purposes. Core Drill Operators must understand blueprints, ensure safety procedures are followed, and maintain their equipment. Their work is essential in fields like construction, mining, and geological surveying.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a core drill operator?

Core Drill Operators require mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with core drilling equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or MSHA are typically necessary. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and precise extraction of core samples, which is critical for construction, mining, and geological projects.
More about Core Drill Operator jobs
What states have the most Core Drill Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Core Drill Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Core Drill Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Core Drill Operator jobs are:
Core Drill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Core Drill Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Core Drill Helper

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc

Sterling, VA • On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Core Drill Helper

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

At Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG), we are always seeking talented individuals to join our growing team. Our commitment to exceptional customer service and innovative solutions drives our success and fuels continuous expansion. We're excited to offer opportunities for motivated professionals who are ready to elevate their careers. When you join VMG, you become part of a close-knit, supportive team that values both its employees and clients. Here, your growth powers our success.

VMG is seeking a hardworking and dependable Core Drill Helper to support our field operations team on commercial construction projects. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in construction and specialized concrete drilling services. The Core Drill Helper will assist operators with equipment setup, jobsite preparation, cleanup, and general labor duties while maintaining a strong focus on safety and teamwork.

Responsibilities

  • Assist core drill operators with:
  • Setting up and breaking down core drilling equipment
  • Managing water supply systems, vacuum systems, and anchor setups
  • Slurry containment and cleanup
  • Load, unload, organize, and transport tools and materials
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
  • Assist with identifying rebar, utilities, and obstructions under supervision
  • Support daily jobsite operations and general labor tasks as assigned
  • Follow all company safety procedures and jobsite requirements
  • Work closely with crew members and take direction from field leadership

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED preferred
  • No prior experience required - training provided for entry-level candidates
  • Previous construction, concrete cutting, core drilling, or labor experience is a plus
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred

Skills & Abilities

  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor and lift 50–75 lbs repeatedly
  • Comfortable working outdoors and indoors on active construction sites
  • Ability to stand, kneel, bend, and work overhead for extended periods
  • Basic construction knowledge or willingness to learn
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Strong attention to safety and situational awareness
  • Team-oriented mindset with willingness to take direction
  • Basic math and measuring skills including tape measure usage and layout assistance

Why Join VMG?

  • Opportunity to learn a specialized trade
  • Hands-on training and career growth potential
  • Stable and growing commercial construction company
  • Team-oriented environment with strong field support
  • Competitive pay and benefits

Apply