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Drill Rig Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations. * Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations. * Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region. * Oversee a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations. * Be proficient in ...

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region. * Oversee a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations. * Be proficient in ...

HDD Operator

Manassas, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Experience * 1-2 years of experience operating Ditch Witch AT40 drill rig * Experience with Ditch Witch, Vermeer, or similar directional drilling equipment preferred. Skills & Competencies * Strong ...

CDL Driver Boom Crane

Columbia, MD · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Certified Drill Rig Operator-NCCCO Boom Certification preferred - maintain active accredited certification for equipment type (e.g. NCCCO, NCCER, CIC) preferred. * Class A CDL License required.

Supervise field work performed by drilling/test pit crews and assist with rig access issues * Classify soil and assign laboratory testing * Mentor and support Staff Project Managers, Assistant Staff ...

Supervise field work performed by drilling/test pit crews and assist with rig access issues * Classify soil and assign laboratory testing * Mentor and support Staff Project Managers, Assistant Staff ...

Hydraulic Mechanic

Manassas, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

This includes drill rigs, trenching equipment, vac trucks, heavy equipment, and support vehicles ... rig inspections, and job readiness checks. Compliance & Documentation * Maintain accurate ...

Drill Rig information

See Washington salary details

$14

$31

$58

How much do drill rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill rig in Washington is $31.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $35.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a drill rig operator and how can they be managed effectively?

Drill rig operators often encounter challenges such as working in extreme weather conditions, managing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members and regular preventive maintenance are crucial to minimize downtime and operational hazards. Operators also need to stay updated on the latest industry practices and safety standards to ensure efficient and safe drilling operations.

What is a drill rig?

A drill rig is a machine used to create holes in the ground, typically for the purposes of extracting natural resources such as oil, gas, or minerals, or for construction and engineering projects. Drill rigs come in various sizes and types, ranging from small, portable rigs to large, complex structures used for deep drilling operations. They can be operated on land or offshore and are an essential part of the drilling industry. The main components of a drill rig include the derrick or mast, drill string, power systems, and circulation systems. Proper operation and maintenance of drill rigs are critical for safety and efficiency on drilling sites.

What is the difference between Drill Rig vs Drilling Operator?

AspectDrill RigDrilling Operator
Primary RoleEquipment used to perform drilling operationsOperates and maintains the drill rig during drilling
CredentialsTypically no specific certification; technical training requiredRequires certifications like Well Control or OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, oil & gas fields, mining locationsOn-site with drill rig, often in remote locations
Industry UsageUsed across oil & gas, mining, constructionCommonly employed in oil & gas, mineral exploration

The Drill Rig is the equipment used to perform drilling tasks, while the Drilling Operator is the skilled worker who operates and manages the drill rig during operations. Both roles are essential in drilling projects, with the rig serving as the tool and the operator as the skilled technician ensuring safe and efficient drilling.

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, understanding of drilling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional vocational training preferred. Familiarity with drilling machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or MSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and help prevent costly errors or accidents on site.
What are popular job titles related to Drill Rig jobs in Washington? For Drill Rig jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drill Rig jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Drill Rig jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Drill Rig job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,597 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

TERRACON

Woodbridge, VA

$22.75 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located.From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 1-year experience.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
  • Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. When applicable, such licensure is required.

Preferred Certification and Skills:

  • Experience in
    • In-Situ test methods
    • Instrumentation Installation
    • Barge Drilling
    • Angle Drilling
    • Environmental Drilling
  • Regional Drilling Licensure
  • Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license.
  • The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
    • Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil.
    • Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
    • Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform basic surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks
    • Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
    • Work to independently inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

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