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How much do drilling contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling contractor in the United States is $41.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drilling Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Contractor, you need in-depth knowledge of drilling operations, engineering principles, and safety regulations, often supported by a degree in engineering or relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with drilling rigs, specialized software for planning and monitoring, and industry-standard safety systems is crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with clients and subcontractors. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling projects while maintaining compliance and client satisfaction.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Drilling Contractor when managing multiple projects concurrently?

Drilling Contractors often oversee several drilling operations at once, which can present challenges such as coordinating logistics, ensuring safety compliance, and managing communication across diverse teams. Balancing project timelines, equipment availability, and client expectations requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Effective delegation, clear reporting structures, and proactive problem-solving are essential for maintaining productivity and minimizing downtime across all projects.

What are drilling contractors?

Drilling contractors are companies or individuals hired to manage and operate drilling rigs that create wells for extracting oil, gas, water, or other subsurface resources. They provide the equipment, crew, and expertise required to drill safely and efficiently, often working under contract for oil and gas operators or mining companies. Drilling contractors are responsible for maintaining safety standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing the technical aspects of drilling operations. Their work is crucial in the exploration and production phases of natural resource development.

What is the difference between Drilling Contractor vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectDrilling ContractorDrilling Supervisor
CredentialsExperience in drilling operations, relevant certificationsExperience in drilling, supervisory certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling sites, managing contractorsOn-site overseeing drilling activities
Employer & Industry UsageContracted by oil & gas companies, construction firmsEmployed by drilling companies, oil & gas industry

The main difference is that a Drilling Contractor manages the overall drilling project and contracts, while a Drilling Supervisor oversees daily operations on-site. The contractor handles logistics and contracts, whereas the supervisor ensures safety and efficiency during drilling activities.

More about Drilling Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Drilling Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Drilling Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Drilling Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Drilling Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Contractor jobs are:
Drilling Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Contractor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 21% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 61% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 39% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,248 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Exploration Drilling Services Supervisor

OceanaGold

Kershaw, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Company Description
OceanaGold is a growing mid-tier gold and copper producer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). With four operating mines-Haile in the USA, Didipio in the Philippines, and Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand-we are committed to safe, responsible mining that generates strong returns and supports sustainable development.
Our purpose is mining gold for a better future. The gold, copper, and silver we produce power renewable energy, life-saving medical devices, and the technology that connects communities. Beyond this, our operations drive economic growth and improve health and education outcomes in the regions we serve, supporting over 3,700 direct jobs globally.
Guided by our values-Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork-we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, and invest in, creating lasting value for all our stakeholders.
Haile Gold Mine located in South Carolina is the largest gold mine on the East Coast of America. Our employees are at the heart of all we do. With 84% of our employees living in the surrounding community, they are neighbors and friends as well. Join our team, where your expertise can make a true impact!
Job Description
Reporting to the Drilling Superintendent, the Drilling Services Supervisor will be responsible for leading and managing drill sites for Exploration group needs. You'll lead and work with the Drilling Contractor and Geological-Technical team to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations and support functions are accomplished.
Schedule is 8 shifts on and 6 off rotating days and nights, 12-hour shifts overseeing drilling operations. The principal objective of this role is to supervise, coach, lead, motivate, and mentor drilling contractors, geology technicians, and operate variety of equipment in accordance with OGC and Government procedures and policies.
Salary is based on experience and knowledge of the trade. Increase in compensation is based on self-motivation and performance through a yearly evaluations and industry standards.
  • Practice and lead good housekeeping and safe work
  • Conform to Safety and Environmental policies
  • Follow procedures and SOP's while leading team to do the same
  • Conduct and lead daily equipment inspections reporting defects in a timely manner
  • Be a visible safety leader and drive efficiency
  • Provide coaching to team members and contractors
  • Support Superintendent in monitoring drilling activities and inventories.
  • Lead and guide safety meetings and pre shift meetings
  • Conduct site inspections to ensure all policies and procedures are followed by the drill contractors
  • Provide and approve daily site and shift reports
  • Ability to coach/persuade on how to recognize and correct issues encountered while drilling through collaboration with the drilling contractor
  • Ability to coach/persuade on how to drill in a controlled drilling method to reduce bore hole deviation
  • Ability to organize the moving of equipment to and from drill sites
  • Ability to coach on the collection of drill core for sampling- ensuring samples are taken correctly and properly to avoid contamination
  • Ability to coach with mixing and pumping drilling additives through collaboration with the drilling contractor
  • Coach proper abandonment procedures through proper approvals of abandonment documents and collaboration with drilling contractors
  • Work with maintenance team to maximize the safe, efficient operation of equipment
  • Operate Ford 250 pickup truck
  • Operate, train and lead the operation of support equipment for department needs
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives
  • Oversee core sampling (Core cutting, shipping, pulp organizations, quality control checks, etc)
  • Manage all drill site permitting and construction (Working with Environmental, Safety, Engineering, and Survey groups)
  • Collaboration with all groups and contractors on site as needed.
  • Manage all drill site maintenance and reclamation
  • Perform and lead other duties as needed for the Exploration Group
  • Current equipment includes but not limited to F150's, F250's, Dodge 5500 gas, Dodge 5500 diesel, Propane forklift, Case diesel forklift, Bobcat skid steer, CAT D5K dozer, Freightliner/Ford/Sterling commercial trucks (Dump and water trucks), and equipment trailers.

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of working being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skill required of personnel so classified.
Qualifications
  • Experience overseeing an outside vendor
  • Experience in a drilling and mining environment
  • Knowledge of mechanics and maintenance
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Current Driver license (Commercial Driver License is a benefit)
  • Knowledge of basic erosion control
  • Knowledge of equipment operations
  • Willingness to accept and implement coaching and feedback
  • Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Good computer skills for reporting, approvals, and communications.
  • Ability to work safely independently or as a team.

Additional Information
WHAT'S ON OFFER:
  • Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, vision and dental insurance, 401K, and more
  • Great residential location close to Charlotte SC, and is located between the mountains and sea.
  • Long service recognition
  • Living Our Values recognition program
  • In-office snack shop
  • Monthly paid training available and professional development
  • Supportive work environment with a focus on safety and teamwork
  • Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome - they are essential to our success. Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at careers@oceanagold.com
PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

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