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Drill Rig Operator Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Ecs Southeast

Driller

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Operating Geoprobe unit for the collection of soil and Cone Penetrometer (CPT) data * Locating ... Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair and maintenance issues to the ...

ECS Ltd

Driller

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Operating Geoprobe unit for the collection of soil and Cone Penetrometer (CPT) data * Locating ... Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair and maintenance issues to the ...

Ecs Southeast

Driller

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Operating Geoprobe unit for the collection of soil and Cone Penetrometer (CPT) data * Locating ... Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair and maintenance issues to the ...

ECS Ltd

Driller

Raleigh, NC

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Operating Geoprobe unit for the collection of soil and Cone Penetrometer (CPT) data * Locating ... Perform drill rig and support truck maintenance- Reporting all repair and maintenance issues to the ...

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All JobsDrill Rig Operator JobsDrill Rig Operator Jobs in North Carolina

Drill Rig Operator information

See North Carolina salary details

$12

$25

$46

How much do drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill rig operator in North Carolina is $25.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $28.17 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 the most commonly searched types of Drill Rig Operator jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Drill Rig Operator jobs in North Carolina are:

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

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

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

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

Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drill Rig Operator job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,635 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Vertical Drill Rig Operator

Appalachian Drilling Company LLC

China Grove, NC • On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Appalachian Drilling Company is seeking a highly skilled and safety-focused Drill Rig Operator to join our deep foundations team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating heavy rotary drilling rigs to excavate large diameter drilled shafts (caissons) for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.


Key Responsibilities

  • Rig Operation: Safely and efficiently operate large rotary drilling rigs to excavate large-diameter drilled shafts according to engineering blueprints and project specifications. From 2' to 10' diameters
  • Casing & Slurry: Manage the installation and extraction of temporary or permanent steel casings. Work effectively with wet-hole construction methods, including polymer slurry systems, when required.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections. Conduct routine preventative maintenance, grease moving parts, and promptly report any mechanical issues to the maintenance team.
  • Concrete Placement: Coordinate and assist with concrete pouring operations, including the setup of tremie pipes & pump lines.
  • Rebar & Anchor Bolt Setting: Assist in rigging and lowering heavy rebar cages. Accurately set, align, and secure anchor bolts and anchor templates to exact engineering tolerances prior to and during the concrete pour.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience: Minimum of [3–5] years of proven experience operating large foundation drilling rigs specifically for drilled shafts/caissons.
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of drilling techniques through various subsurface conditions (soil, cobble, hard rock, ground water).
  • Certifications: Current OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred. NCCCO Drill Rig Operator certification is a major plus.
  • Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license required. A Class A CDL is highly preferred for moving equipment and materials.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to read project plans, adapt to changing soil conditions, and troubleshoot minor equipment issues on the fly.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

  • Ability to work safely outdoors in all weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, etc.).
  • Physical stamina to climb on and off heavy machinery, lift up to [50 lbs], and stand or sit for extended periods.
  • Willingness to work long hours, overtime, and occasional weekends as project schedules demand.
  • Willingness to travel to various job sites within the Southeastern US

What We Offer

  • Competitive hourly wage
  • Daily Per Diem
  • Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision).
  • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
  • Opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement.