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Drill Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

CDL Electric

Boring Operator

Kansas City, KS

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 ...

CDL Electric

Boring Operator

Wichita, KS

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 ...

Amerine Utilities Construction, Inc

Be Seen First

Equipment Operator

Great Bend, KS · 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 ...

Blue Streak LLC 1

Pole Operator

Kansas City, KS · 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 ...

Blue Streak LLC 1

Pole Operator

Salina, KS

$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 ...

Blue Streak LLC 1

Pole Operator

Salina, KS · 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 ...

Blue Streak LLC 1

Pole Operator

Topeka, KS

$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 ...

Blue Streak LLC 1

Pole Operator

Topeka, KS · 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 ...

Blue Streak LLC 1

Pole Operator

Kansas City, KS

$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 ...

Deep Fission, Inc

Director of Drilling

Parsons, KS · On-site

... operating as a public company while maintaining our startup agility and innovation focus. With ... Job Summary Deep Fission is seeking a Director of Drilling to own the well construction program ...

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Drill Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$11

$24

$45

How much do drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 Kansas?

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

What job categories do people searching Drill Operator jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Drill Operator jobs in Kansas are:

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:

Drill Operator jobs near you
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.

Directional Drill Operator (CDL Preferred)

Centuri Construction Group

Topeka, KS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

Connecting People to Possibility
As a publicly traded company (NYSE: CTRI) with $3 billion in revenue, Centuri leads the way in utility and energy infrastructure across North America. What sets us apart is our local agility, resources to scale, and comprehensive solutions for a dynamic energy market.

Whether in the field or providing essential behind the scenes support, Centuri offers professional growth opportunities where you can thrive and make a difference. Join a culture where safety, sustainability, and teamwork come first, with training and benefits that truly care for your well-being.

As an experienced Equipment Operator, after paid training, you will put your skills to work - safety operating equipment to move earth, tools and materials to and from job sites. Reporting to a seasoned Foreman, you will join a crew to get the job done right. We believe in the power of teamwork, and all crew members are expected to assist with general labor as needed.

What You'll Do
  • Safely operate heavy equipment such as: skid steers, backhoe, trencher, paver, dozer, milling saw, road grater, hydro-excavator, track hoe and more
  • Load and unload equipment and materials
  • Maintain daily pre-shift vehicle and equipment inspections
  • Perform regular maintenance and cleaning on assigned vehicles and equipment
  • Maintain all industry-required Operator Qualifications
  • Perform other tasks as requested by leadership 
What You'll Have
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Valid Driver's License
  • 1+ year experience safely operating equipment in close proximity to workers and underground utilities
What You'll Get
  • Join the Largest Natural Gas Distribution Contractor in the United States
  • Weekly Payroll
  • Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety 
  • Employee Assistance program benefit
  • Health Insurance Plan benefit
  • Retirement Plan benefit
Work Environment
  • Work sites are outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions
  • All worksite safety instructions are written and spoken in English; must be fluent in English
  • Work includes prolonged and repeated: lifting (including overhead, up to 50lbs); standing; climbing; kneeling; reaching and feeling; crouching and crawling
  • Work is performed within the "red zone" of heavy equipment
  • Working safely requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination and the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
Legal Stuff
  • Pass pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug screens
  • Provide valid US work authorization documents for E-Verify
  • Satisfactory results of pre-employment background check results
  • Valid driver's license with clean driving record
  • Pre-employment medical fit-for-duty test; hold/obtain DOT medical card
  • Join and maintain Union membership
Our Commitment to Opportunity

This job description is subject to change at any time. It reflects management's assignment of essential functions, and does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Centuri and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.  Centuri will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a test or job interview) if so requested.

Centuri is a Department of Transportation regulated employer. Certain safety-sensitive positions are covered under the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations, 49 CFR Part 40. It is important to note that marijuana remains a drug listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to drug testing under the company's Drug Free Workplace Policy to use or test positive for marijuana.

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