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Drill Rig Operator Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Klaasmeyer Construction Company, Inc

HDD Locator

Conway, AR · On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Operating electronic bore tracking systems to monitor drill head position, depth, pitch, and roll ... Regular exposure to HDD rig operations, underground utilities, traffic, and construction site ...

Klaasmeyer Construction Company Inc

HDD Locator

Conway, AR

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Operating electronic bore tracking systems to monitor drill head position, depth, pitch, and roll ... Regular exposure to HDD rig operations, underground utilities, traffic, and construction site ...

Klaasmeyer Construction Company, Inc.

HDD Locator

Conway, AR · On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Operating electronic bore tracking systems to monitor drill head position, depth, pitch, and roll ... Regular exposure to HDD rig operations, underground utilities, traffic, and construction site ...

Xccelerated

Bore Operator- Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in bore rig operations, able to create pre-bore profiles ... Operate horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment to complete bore operations per project ...

Xccelerated

Bore Operator- Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

$25 - $30/hr

The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in bore rig operations, able to create pre-bore profiles ... Operate horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment to complete bore operations per project ...

All JobsDrill Rig Operator JobsDrill Rig Operator Jobs in Arkansas

Drill Rig Operator information

See Arkansas salary details

$10

$23

$42

How much do drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill rig operator in Arkansas is $23.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drill rig operator?

A Drill Rig Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining drilling equipment to bore holes for various purposes, such as mining, construction, or oil and gas extraction. They set up, position, and control drilling rigs, monitor operations, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Operators must have technical knowledge of machinery, the ability to read blueprints, and an understanding of soil and rock formations. The role often requires physical endurance and adherence to strict safety regulations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drill rig operator?

As a Drill Rig Operator, your daily responsibilities typically include setting up, operating, and maintaining drilling rigs, monitoring equipment performance, and adhering to strict safety protocols. You'll often work closely with a team of drillers, assistants, and engineers, collaborating to ensure precise drilling according to project specifications. Regular tasks may also involve equipment inspections, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and recording drilling data. The role requires adaptability, as you may work in varying weather conditions and different locations, depending on the project.

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

To thrive as a Drill Rig Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a solid understanding of drilling processes, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety regulations such as OSHA, and certifications like a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies enable safe, efficient drilling operations and effective teamwork in demanding outdoor environments.

How do I become a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn operating procedures and safety protocols. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with machinery, tools, and safety standards is essential.

What do you need to be a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in operating drilling equipment. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the industry and location, and physical stamina and safety awareness are important for working in demanding environments.

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

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

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

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

Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drill Rig Operator job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,892 per year, or $23 per hour.

Bore Rig Operator

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.
Utilities • 1 - 5K employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a drill rig for longer than six months, operating excavating equipment, drilling various types of soil - including rock, handling various types of pipe and PVC, and maintaining customer standards for installation no matter the circumstances. The Bore Rig Operator will also be expected to hand dig in various situations - including across located utilities, in highly congested areas, or in areas where equipment cannot access. They will also need to have knowledge of using a Vactron, and mixing bore mud products, or be willing to learn.

Qualifications

  • Experience with directional bore rigs and locating
  • Ability to effectively lead a crew
  • Willing to travel when necessary
  • Must have, or be eligible to obtain, a Class A CDL

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers' confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team includes:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program 
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Servant Leadership Training
  • Uniforms and PPE provided

What Davis H. Elliot employees say

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