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Drilling Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drillers Assistant

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

Geocentric Drilling, Inc. is a California-based drilling contractor providing reliable, safety-focused drilling services for geotechnical, environmental, and construction-related projects. We pride ...

Drillers Assistant

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

Geocentric Drilling, Inc. is a California-based drilling contractor providing reliable, safety-focused drilling services for geotechnical, environmental, and construction-related projects. We pride ...

DRILLING LABOR

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

America's Drilling Company is a full-service drilling contractor providing superior geotechnical services like rock core drilling, mud rotary, soil sampling, and monitoring well installation. Each ...

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Drilling Contractor information

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$20

$41

$69

How much do drilling contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 is a drilling contractor?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling contractor?

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 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.

How much do drilling contractors make?

Drilling contractors' salaries vary based on experience, location, and project complexity, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually. Experienced contractors with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially when working in remote or high-demand areas. Many also receive additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.
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:

Infographic showing various Drilling Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, and 92% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,248 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Job description

  • Valid Driver's License and*Clean Driving Record* Required*
  • America's Drilling Company* is looking for a hardworking and dependableDrilling Assistantto join our Madison team. America's Drilling Company is a full-service drilling contractor providing superior geotechnical services like rock core drilling, mud rotary, soil sampling, and monitoring well installation. Each project is carried out safely and according to schedule - using state of the art technology and highly trained personnel. Our dedication to safety and efficiency has earned us the status as the #1 drilling company in the Midwest!

The Drilling Assistant is vital crew member who assists with soil sampling, handling augers, and maintaining drilling equipment, while getting hands-on experience using advanced drilling techniques.

Avalid driver's license with a clean driving recordare basic requirements for this position;* CDL is a plus!*Those with serious and/or numerous traffic violations need not apply.

  • Responsibilities*
  • Maintain and clean drilling equipment and tools.
  • Ensure proper handling and storage of equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Assist with drilling operations, including the handling of drill pipes and other materials.
  • Monitor drilling performance and help troubleshoot equipment issues.
  • Assist in managing safety measures and ensure a safe working environment for all crew members.
  • Help with the setup and breakdown of rigs as needed.
  • Adhere to company policies, environmental procedures, and industry standards.