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Drill Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LSCG

Directional Drill Locator

Kent, WA · On-site

$34 - $42/hr

Directional Drill Locator At Full Circle Fiber, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about ...

Congruex

Drill Locator

Marquette, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Job Summary: As the Drill Locator, you will ultimately be responsible for safely locating underground bore paths, communicating accurate drill guidance, and supporting successful utility ...

Sunrise Telecom

HDD/ Drill Locator

Chandler, AZ · On-site

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

Sunrise Telecom

HDD/ Drill Locator

Villa Ridge, MO · On-site

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

Sunrise Telecom

HDD/ Drill Locator

Warrensburg, MO · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

Sunrise Telecom

HDD/ Drill Locator

Villa Ridge, MO · On-site

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

Congruex

Drill Locator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

As the Drill Locator, you will ultimately be responsible for safely locating underground bore paths, communicating accurate drill guidance, and supporting successful underground utility installations.

Sunrise Telecom

HDD/ Drill Locator

Villa Ridge, MO · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

Congruex

Drill Locator

Janesville, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

As the Drill Locator, you will ultimately be responsible for safely locating underground bore paths, communicating accurate drill guidance, and supporting successful underground utility installations.

Congruex

Drill Locator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

As the Drill Locator, you will ultimately be responsible for safely locating underground bore paths, communicating accurate drill guidance, and supporting successful underground utility installations.

Congruex

Drill Locator

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

As the Drill Locator, you will ultimately be responsible for safely locating underground bore paths, communicating accurate drill guidance, and supporting successful underground utility installations.

VERITA TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Directional Drill Locator

Becker, MN · On-site

$24.75 - $30.50/hr

The Directional Drill Locator is responsible for operating locating equipment to track and guide the drill head during horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations. This role ensures accurate ...

Team Fishel

Directional Drill Locator

Akron, OH · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

A Directional Drill Locator at Team Fishel will interpret the signals sent from underground transmitters about location, angle, temperature and other factors for the drill operator, who operates the ...

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Drill Locator information

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$13

$27

$51

How much do drill locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill locator 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 drill locators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Drill Locators often encounter challenges such as accurately identifying underground utilities, working in varying weather conditions, and maintaining clear communication with drilling crews. Misreading signals or missing a utility line can lead to costly damages or safety hazards. To address these issues, it's important to stay up-to-date with locator technology, adhere to safety protocols, and participate in regular training sessions. Building strong teamwork and communication skills with field crews also helps ensure smooth and safe operations.

What is the difference between Drill Locator vs Pipe Locator?

AspectDrill LocatorPipe Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, drilling projectsUnderground utility detection, construction sites
Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, miningUtilities, construction, infrastructure
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding drilling equipment, locating drill sitesLocating underground pipes, utilities

Drill Locators and Pipe Locators both work in construction and utility industries, often using similar equipment and safety certifications. However, Drill Locators focus on identifying drill sites and underground drilling locations, while Pipe Locators specialize in detecting underground pipes and utility lines. Both roles are essential for safe excavation and construction projects, but their specific tasks and environments differ.

How much do drill locators make?

Drill locators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced professionals with specialized skills or working in high-demand areas may earn higher wages.

Is a drill locator a good career?

A drill locator is a specialized role that involves detecting underground utilities using tools like ground-penetrating radar or electromagnetic devices. It offers steady employment in construction, utility, or surveying industries and often requires technical skills and safety training. The career can be stable with opportunities for advancement and specialization.

What is a drill locator?

Drill Locators are specialized professionals responsible for identifying and marking the precise locations where drilling should occur, often in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or utility installation projects. They use electronic locating equipment to track drill head locations underground, ensuring accuracy and safety during the drilling process. Drill Locators also help avoid existing utilities, minimize environmental impact, and communicate with drill operators to guide the equipment along the planned path. Their expertise is critical for preventing damage to underground infrastructure and for the successful completion of drilling projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drill locator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drill Locator, you need a solid understanding of underground utility detection, blueprint reading, and construction site safety, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with locating equipment such as electromagnetic or radio frequency pipe locators and GIS mapping systems is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for coordinating with drilling crews and ensuring precise work. These skills help prevent costly errors, maintain safety standards, and ensure project efficiency in utility and construction environments.
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What job categories do people searching Drill Locator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Drill Locator jobs are:

Drill Locator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drill Locator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Directional Drill Locator

LSCG

Kent, WA • On-site

$34 - $42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description:

Directional Drill Locator

At Full Circle Fiber, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about collaboration and honesty. At Full Circle Fiber, we bring more than steel toes and hard hats to the job site – we bring teamwork and integrity, and we do everything with a mindset of safety. Just as a well-placed network connects a community, a well-organized team powers all projects to success. Service excellence, pioneering experience, and a passion for what we do – that's Full Circle Fiber.

Full Circle Fiber is a dynamic organization of diverse, customer-focused people committed to our Core Values: Service Excellence, Accountability, Safety, Integrity, Fairness, and Mutual Respect. We are looking for motivated and professional individuals to grow with our team. Full Circle Fiber offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, matching 401K, and more.

Requirements of Employment for a Directional Drill Locator

  • Pass a background check and drug test.
  • Clean MVR (motor vehicle record).
  • 2 years' experience with Directional Drill & Underground Telecom Construction.
  • Class "A CDL License preferred.
  • Able to safely operate UG construction equipment
  • Knowledge of safety standards
  • Must know how to locate a sonnet.

Tasks Required of a Directional Drill Locator

  • Read specifications, such as blueprints, to determine construction requirements or to plan procedures.
  • Inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or ensure specifications are met.
  • Locate, measure, and mark site locations or placement of structures or equipment using measuring, marking equipment & locators.
  • Communicate with the Drill Operator to Ensure Safe Operation of The Drill with Continued updates on the Drill Location.
  • Analyze worker or production problems and recommend solutions, such as improving production methods or implementing motivational plans.
  • Train workers in construction methods, equipment operation, safety procedures, or company policies.
  • Record information such as personnel, production, or operational data on specified forms or reports.
  • Assist workers engaged in construction or extraction activities using hand tools or other equipment.
  • Arrange for repairs of equipment or machinery.

Knowledge Required of a Directional Drill Locator

  • Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools within Telecom Construction, including their designs, uses, repair, maintenance, and how to use and properly maintain locating devices.
  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Working Conditions - Field environment, working in inclement weather; Flexibility of schedule.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Requirements: