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Core Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RA Holdings Group

Core Drill Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Operate industrial core drilling equipment like handheld, rig-mounted, and hydraulic diamond core rigs and drills to create precise circular openings on concrete as requested per project. * Utilize ...

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 · 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

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 ...

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 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 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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Congruex

Drill Operator

Janesville, 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 ...

Integrity Infrastructure

Drill Operator

Calhan, CO · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

The role of a Drill Operator and Locator includes operating directional drill rigs, locating ... Our approach is guided by our core values--our Ways of BEING--which shape everything we do. We ...

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 ...

Alford Drilling, LLC

Surface Core Driller

Tucson, AZ

$25 - $35/hr

We are looking for motivated, safety-focused candidates with experience operating RC and/or Core drilling equipment. This is a great opportunity for drillers looking for: * Competitive pay rates

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Core Drill Operator information

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How much do core drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 some 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 type of drilling pays the most?

In drilling jobs, core drill operators often earn higher wages compared to other types of drillers due to the specialized skills and equipment involved. Deep well drilling or offshore drilling positions tend to pay the most because of increased complexity, risk, and required certifications. Experience and working in remote or hazardous environments can also lead to higher pay for drill operators.

How to become a core Driller?

To become a core drill operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn drilling techniques and safety procedures. Some employers may require certification in OSHA safety standards or specialized equipment operation, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding nature of the work environment.

How much does a core Driller make?

A core drill operator typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in construction or mining environments may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

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.

What are Core Drill Operators?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Core Drill Operator, and why are they important?

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.

What is a core drill operator job description?

A core drill operator is responsible for operating specialized drilling equipment to extract cylindrical samples of rock or concrete for testing and analysis. They set up and maintain drilling machinery, follow safety protocols, and work in construction, geological, or engineering environments. Skills in equipment handling, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications are essential for this role.
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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Core Drill Operator

RA Holdings Group

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Essential Job Duties:

  • Operate industrial core drilling equipment like handheld, rig-mounted, and hydraulic diamond core rigs and drills to create precise circular openings on concrete as requested per project.
  • Utilize equipment for different applications from retrofitting existing concrete facilities with new utilities, installing anchors or bolts, infrastructure & civil specialized work, to structural and engineering applications.
  • Support specialized concrete projects including renovations, restoration, demolition, polishing, and replacement of seawalls, bridges, highways, tunnels, skyscrapers, business buildings, and more.
  • Utilize restoration techniques as needed through crack repair, patching, grinding, polishing, and epoxy.
  • Understand how to measure, mix, and apply concrete repair compounds, overlays, and bonding agents.
  • Support projects including commercial, military, government, and industrial projects.
  • Follow project plans and supervisor instructions to meet quality and timeline standards.
  • Maintain clean and organized job sites in compliance with safety regulations
  • Adhere to OSHA and site-specific safety requirements.


Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications:

  • Prior construction site experience with a focus on concrete work or related trades such as masonry.
  • Must be able to obtain DBIDS military badging which includes a background check.
  • Must have the REAL ID or ability to obtain one.
  • Clean driving record, or no-fault accidents, to qualify for our Company Auto Insurance.
  • Ability to drive to project sites within the cities in the 757 area.
  • Ability to pass a drug test.


Schedule:

  • Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm


Pay:

  • $22-$26hr+ depending on experience plus OT at 1.5x.


Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays Off
  • 401(k) with company match as applicable
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Company-provided equipment and tools
  • Stable, full-time work with consistent schedule