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Drill Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MP Nexlevel

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Maple Lake, MN · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal/directional drill rigs, locating equipment and product support equipment. Perform semi-skilled activities ...

Team Fishel

Directional Drill Locator

Huntington, WV · On-site

$23.50 - $29.25/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 ...

MP

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Maple Lake, MN · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal/directional drill rigs, locating equipment and product support equipment. Perform semi-skilled activities ...

Team Fishel

Directional Drill Locator

Indianapolis, IN · 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 ...

GridSource

Bore Drill Locator

Micanopy, FL · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

GridSource is looking for a Directional Bore Locator to join our fast-paced growing team in the ... The Job consists of day-to-day drilling and pullback of various sized conduits or pipe for outside ...

Team Fishel

Directional Drill Locator

South Bend, IN · On-site

$23.75 - $29.50/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 ...

Team Fishel

Directional Drill Locator

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$24.25 - $30/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 ...

MP NEXLEVEL LLC

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Merced, CA

$25 - $40/hr

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal/directional drill rigs, locating equipment and product support equipment. Perform semi-skilled activities ...

MP

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal/directional drill rigs, locating equipment and product support equipment. Perform semi-skilled activities ...

Team Fishel

Directional Drill Locator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$28 - $34/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 ...

MP Nexlevel

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Merced, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal/directional drill rigs, locating equipment and product support equipment. Perform semi-skilled activities ...

MP NEXLEVEL LLC

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal/directional drill rigs, locating equipment and product support equipment. Perform semi-skilled activities ...

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All JobsDrill Locator Jobs

Drill Locator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$51

How much do drill locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 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.

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 underground utility locator a good job?

Underground utility locators, including drill locators, play a vital role in identifying underground infrastructure to prevent damage during construction. The job typically requires knowledge of mapping tools, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications, and offers steady employment with opportunities for advancement. It can be physically demanding and involves working outdoors in various weather conditions.
More about Drill Locator jobs

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.

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

MP Nexlevel

Maple Lake, MN • On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

MP Nexlevel rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Title:  Directional Bore Operator / Locator

Reports To:   Project Manager

Summary of Position:  

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal/directional drill rigs, locating equipment and product support equipment. Perform semi-skilled activities related to HDD locating must be familiar with industry standards, policies, guidelines, and procedures.

DB Operator Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operates Horizontal Directional Drill for installation of underground telecommunications cable conduit, including fiber optic cable
  • Performs all duties according to prescribed safety procedures and uses appropriate safety equipment
  • Setup and cleanup of work site including traffic and pedestrian control
  • Reads utility locates and ensures all applicable permits and locates are complete and onsite
  • Inspects the work that is in progress to ensure that the workmanship conforms to specifications
  • Level earth to final grade specifications
  • Performs proper maintenance by greasing, oiling, and making minor repairs on equipment
  • Leads teams in the field effectively and efficiently as needed and directed by supervisor

Locator Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Confirm bore path with install foreman and drill operator (including walking the bore path)
  • Perform job site analysis (JSA) including completion of paperwork
  • Ensure there are proper clearances to install the product per standards
  • Record the depth of the tool head as required

 

Essential Education and Qualifications:

  • Good verbal communication skills
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Valid DOT Health Card

Preferred Skills:

  • Class A Driver’s License (CDL)

Physical Demands:

  • Must be physically fit to endure the daily activity involved with the job
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds

Pay Scale - $24/hr to $30/hr

Benefits offered to eligible employees include medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance, along with Paid Time Off, paid Holidays, traditional and ROTH 401(k) options with company match, employee stock purchase plan, education assistance program, employee assistance program, training and development opportunities, Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program, and a Commercial Driver’s License obtainment program.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

All offers of employment are expressly contingent upon the satisfactory completion, in accordance with Company policy, of a pre-employment drug screening and may be subject to a background check.

What MP Nexlevel employees say

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About MP NEXLEVEL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MP is a nationally recognized full service utility contracting company that was founded in 1973. It started by offering excavation services locally in Minnesota. Today, MP offers turnkey services to a wide range of markets throughout the United States, with permanent offices in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, California, and Arizona. MP Nexlevel takes pride in delivering quality work on time and within budget. We strive to exceed our customer’s expectations with every project. No matter the continued growth of the company, MP values each and every one of its employees, giving the company more of a family feel, making us strong, viable, and successful.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Maple Lake, MN, US

Year founded

1973

Social media

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