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Drill Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Martin Marietta is seeking a Drill Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual is responsible for safely and efficiently ...

Drill Operator

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$29.41 - $33.50/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking a Drill Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual is responsible for safely and efficiently ...

Drill Operator

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$29.41 - $33.50/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking a Drill Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual is responsible for safely and efficiently ...

Directional Drill Operator Location: Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic Company Overview We are a leading utility construction company specializing in transmission, distribution, substation, and renewable ...

Directional Drill Operator Location: Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic Company Overview We are a leading utility construction company specializing in transmission, distribution, substation, and renewable ...

Directional Drill Operator Location: Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic Company Overview We are a leading utility construction company specializing in transmission, distribution, substation, and renewable ...

Drill Operator

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$29.41 - $33.50/hr

The Drill operator will perform maintenance on all relevant equipment, to include the drill and pumps, maintain a safe working area, troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic issues, and assist in ...

Job Summary The Gas Directional Drill Operator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill or locating utilities for a gas drill crew to install and service mainline conduit via HDD ...

Job Summary The Gas Directional Drill Operator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill or locating utilities for a gas drill crew to install and service mainline conduit via HDD ...

Job Summary The Gas Directional Drill Operator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill or locating utilities for a gas drill crew to install and service mainline conduit via HDD ...

Job Summary The Gas Directional Drill Operator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill or locating utilities for a gas drill crew to install and service mainline conduit via HDD ...

Job Summary The Gas Directional Drill Operator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill or locating utilities for a gas drill crew to install and service mainline conduit via HDD ...

Job Summary The Gas Directional Drill Operator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill or locating utilities for a gas drill crew to install and service mainline conduit via HDD ...

Job Summary The Gas Directional Drill Operator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill or locating utilities for a gas drill crew to install and service mainline conduit via HDD ...

Job Summary The Gas Directional Drill Operator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill or locating utilities for a gas drill crew to install and service mainline conduit via HDD ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drill Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$27

$51

How much do drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill operator in Virginia is $27.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $30.72 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 VA?

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

Infographic showing various Drill Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,420 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Drill Operator

Martin Marietta

Midlothian, VA

$29.41 - $33.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

394th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

What to expect:

Martin Marietta is seeking a Drill Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a track mounted Kelly Bar rotary drill using water medium for flush and preparing areas for shots. The Drill operator will perform maintenance on all relevant equipment, to include the drill and pumps, maintain a safe working area, troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic issues, and assist in loading and stemming of blast patterns.

Virginia Drill Crew

Virginia - East Area

Hours: 6:30AM - 5:30PM, weekends as necessary

 

A typical day for a(n) Drill Operator may include:

  • Operating a drill and associated equipment within the company guidelines and safety standards

  • Completing day to day activities of drill operations including daily/monthly machine inspections, greasing, drill logs, and replacing bits as needed

  • Performing maintenance on drill and pump system

  • Aiding in loading and stemming of blast patterns

  • Participating in safety inspections, plant safety program, and follows company and MSHA safety rules and regulations

  • Operating other equipment such as loaders and haul trucks in a safe manner as needed.

  • Aiding in the training of co-workers as needed

  • Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor

You may be a good fit if you:

  • Possess a High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience to perform the responsibilities associated with this position
  • Have experience in hydraulic and electrical systems (preferred)

  • Have experience with Kelly Bar driven drills (preferred)

  • Have experience with electric powered drill (preferred)

  • Have ATF Clearance (a plus)

We are excited to share the base range for this position is $29.41 - $33.50, exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base hourly compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The posted range for this role represents the total reasonable pay range and does not solely represent a hiring range. Therefore, hiring at the top or maximum of the range should not be expected as it would not allow for salary growth opportunities in the role, would diminish promotion value, and may not align with internal equity. In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full time employees (more information on benefits listed below).At Martin Marietta, we offer a variety of benefits, depending on union classification which could include medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.


What Martin Marietta Materials employees say

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994