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Core Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surface Core Driller

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$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

Drill Operator

Janesville, WI ยท 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 ...

Drill Operator

Grand Rapids, MI ยท 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 ...

Drill Operator

Minneapolis, MN ยท 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 ...

Drill Operator

Cameron, WI ยท 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 ...

Drill Operator

Beaver Dam, WI ยท 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 ...

Drill Operator

Kalamazoo, MI ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

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

Drill Operator

Marquette, MI ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

As the Operator I, II, 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 ...

Directional Drill Operator

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

As the Directional Drill Operator, your customers are Congruex construction teams and ... core values of Be Safe, Be Accountable, Be Respectful, and Earn Trust . These values guide how we ...

Directional Drill Operator

El Paso, TX ยท On-site

$26 - $34/hr

Directional Drill Operator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know ... LSCG is a dynamic organization of diverse, customer-focused people committed to our Core Values:

Directional Drill Operator

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$27 - $40/hr

Job Summary As the Directional Drill Operator, you will ultimately be responsible for operating ... core values of Be Safe, Be Accountable, Be Respectful, and Earn Trust . These values guide how we ...

Description Directional Drill Operator At Full Circle Fiber, we take a people-first approach to ... our Core Values: Service Excellence, Accountability, Safety, Integrity, Fairness, and Mutual ...

Showing results 21-40

Core Drill Operator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$51

How much do core drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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:
Infographic showing various Core Drill Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Surface Core Driller

Alford Drilling, LLC

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Alford Drilling, LLC is currently hiring experienced Drillers to join our growing team working across the United States. 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
  • Consistent overtime hours
  • Long-term opportunities
  • Strong team environment
  • Immediate start available

Responsibilities

  • Operate and oversee Core drill rigs
  • Lead and work alongside drill crews safely and efficiently
  • Complete drilling logs and daily field reporting
  • Perform basic equipment inspections and troubleshooting
  • Follow all safety policies and procedures
  • Travel and work across multiple U.S. states

Requirements

  • Minimum 3+ years drilling experience
  • Experience with RC, and/or Core drilling equipment
  • Valid driverโ€™s license
  • Ability to travel throughout the U.S.
  • Ability to work rotational shifts, days/nights, and overtime

What We Offer

  • Competitive wages
  • Competitive Bonus Program
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Per Diem
  • Advancement opportunities

Apply today to join a growing drilling team with strong earning potential and consistent work opportunities.