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Drill Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Drill Tech Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with ...

Drill Tech Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with ...

The Drill Operator/Locator position is responsible for assisting the foreman in all aspects of the job for timely completion to include tracking, boring, trenching, pull fiber, install ground boxes ...

The Drill Operator/Locator position is responsible for assisting the foreman in all aspects of the job for timely completion to include tracking, boring, trenching, pull fiber, install ground boxes ...

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Equipment Operator

Great Bend, KS ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

This position works closely with field crews, foremen, locators, and drill operators to safely and efficiently complete fiber optic and utility installations while maintaining high-quality ...

Pole Operator

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

C onduct drilling operations, including setting up and operating drilling equipment. * D ig trenches and holes as needed for construction projects. * D rive commercial vehicles, including tractor ...

Pole Operator

Kansas City, KS ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... Conduct drilling operations, including setting up and operating drilling equipment. - Dig trenches and holes as needed for construction projects. - Drive commercial vehicles, including tractor ...

Pole Operator

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... Conduct drilling operations, including setting up and operating drilling equipment. - Dig trenches and holes as needed for construction projects. - Drive commercial vehicles, including tractor ...

Pole Operator

Topeka, KS ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... Conduct drilling operations, including setting up and operating drilling equipment. - Dig trenches and holes as needed for construction projects. - Drive commercial vehicles, including tractor ...

Pole Operator

Topeka, KS ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

C onduct drilling operations, including setting up and operating drilling equipment. * D ig trenches and holes as needed for construction projects. * D rive commercial vehicles, including tractor ...

C onduct drilling operations, including setting up and operating drilling equipment. * D ig trenches and holes as needed for construction projects. * D rive commercial vehicles, including tractor ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drill Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$11

$24

$45

How much do drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill operator in Kansas is $24.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drill operator?

Drill Operators are skilled workers who operate drilling machinery used to bore holes in the earth for purposes such as exploration, construction, mining, or extraction of natural resources. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and safely operating drilling rigs, monitoring equipment, and ensuring the drilling process runs smoothly. Drill Operators often work in challenging environments and must adhere to strict safety protocols. Their role may also include performing routine maintenance on equipment and troubleshooting issues that arise during drilling operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drill operator?

To thrive as a Drill Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, experience with drilling equipment, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling rigs, safety protocols, and certifications such as OSHA or MSHA are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations in potentially hazardous environments.

What are some common challenges faced by drill operators in the field, and how can they be managed?

Drill Operators often encounter challenges such as working in difficult weather conditions, maintaining equipment reliability, and adhering to strict safety protocols. These can be managed by consistently following maintenance schedules, staying up to date with safety training, and communicating effectively with team members to address issues promptly. A proactive approach to equipment checks and a strong safety mindset help ensure both productivity and well-being on the job site.

What is the difference between Drill Operator vs Drilling Rig Worker?

AspectDrill OperatorDrilling Rig Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, possibly certification in drilling operationsHigh school diploma, safety training, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOperate drilling machinery on construction sites, oil fields, or mining locationsAssist with rig setup, maintenance, and support tasks on drilling sites
Industry UsageCommonly employed in oil & gas, construction, mining industriesTypically found in oil & gas, mining, and construction sectors

While both roles work on drilling sites, the Drill Operator primarily operates and controls drilling equipment, whereas the Drilling Rig Worker supports the operation through maintenance and assistance tasks. The Drill Operator usually has more specialized training and responsibility for the drilling process.

How to become a drill operator?

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

Is drilling a good career?

Drill operators play a key role in industries such as construction, mining, and oil and gas extraction, often working with heavy equipment and requiring safety training and certifications. The career can offer stable employment and competitive wages, but it may involve physically demanding work, irregular hours, and exposure to hazardous conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Drill Operator jobs in KS?

For Drill Operator jobs in KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drill Operator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,653 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Layne Drill Tech

Granite Industrial

Hays, KS โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Drill Tech

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...

Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

The Drill Tech assists the Driller in conducting drilling operations and performing routine mechanical tasks at drill sites.

Essential Job Accountabilities

  • Ensure adherence to all safety and quality procedures to maintain a safe and efficient work environment
  • Lift and move drill pipe and materials weighing up to 50 lbs., and assist with lifting components up to 100 lbs. to support operational needs
  • Collaborate with the drilling crew and work independently to accomplish tasks and achieve project goals
  • Operate and maintain service trucks, backhoes, forklifts, generators, engines, pumps, and other drilling site equipment to ensure reliable and efficient operation, including lubrication and cleaning
  • Transport drilling rigs and equipment between sites and set up job sites to facilitate smooth logistics and operations
  • Complete daily paperwork accurately to maintain time and material records and ensure proper documentation
  • Collect and accurately label drill cutting or water samples for analysis to ensure precise and reliable data collection
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall team objectives and project success

Education

  • High school diploma or GED

Work Experience

  • Construction site experience or similar outdoor industry experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Good organizational skills
  • Able to work in small teams successfully
  • Mechanical aptitude a plus
  • Must be dependable and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to safely lift up to 50lbs occasionally
  • Must be able to stand on feet for 10โ€“12-hour shifts

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a small hand tools. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 100 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional Requirements/Skills

  • Comply, understand, and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment for yourself and the crew you are working with.
  • Ability and willingness to abide by company code of conduct daily
  • Must be able to travel and be away from home for up to 2 weeks at a time
  • Must have clean driving record and a valid driver's license
  • CDL license โ€“ Class A or B, is a plus but not required

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.