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Drilling Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Drilling Contractor information

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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.

Underground Diamond Drillers

Swick Mining Services USA Inc

Juneau, AK โ€ข On-site

$122K - $145K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Strong earning potential. Paid travel. 20/10 rotation. Long-term career opportunity.

Swick Mining Services is seeking experienced Underground Diamond Drillers to join our growing North American operations. This is an opportunity to earn strong annual income, work with industry-leading underground drilling equipment, and build a long-term career with one of the world’s largest underground diamond drilling contractors.

With operations across Australia, North America and Europe, Swick is recognized for safe performance, technical innovation, high-quality drilling delivery and a team culture where people are supported, recognized and given opportunities to grow.


What You’ll Get

  • Earn from $120,000+ annually, with higher earning potential based on your experience, plus meter bonus incentives.
  • Daily per diem paid on top of wages.
  • $10,000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates.
  • 20 days on / 10 days off rotation, giving you consistent time at work and time at home.
  • 100% company-paid travel to and from site.
  • Company-provided accommodation while on rotation.
  • Permanent full-time employment with a stable global drilling contractor.
  • 401(k) matching
  • Paid Time Off 
  • Health, vision, dental and life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program support.
  • Clear career progression pathways, with ongoing training and development.
  • Strong safety-first culture and a supportive team environment.


Work with Industry-Leading Equipment

Swick designs and builds its own mobile underground diamond drill rigs in-house. Our rigs are developed specifically to improve safety, mobility, productivity and performance underground, giving our crews access to equipment built for the work they do every day.


About the Role

As a Swick Underground Diamond Driller, you will play a key role in safely delivering high-quality drilling services for our clients across North America. You will operate underground diamond drill rigs, lead and support Driller Helpers, maintain strong productivity and core recovery, and uphold Swick’s safety and operational standards on every shift.


Physical Requirements 
This position requires working in underground mining environments and performing physically demanding tasks throughout a 20/10 rotation. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:
  • Frequent squatting, kneeling, bending and twisting.
  • Maintaining balance while working on uneven underground surfaces.
  • Frequent climbing of stairs, ladders and access ways.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling drill tooling, supplies and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Positioning and handling materials and equipment at heights up to 48 inches.
  • Standing, walking and performing physical labor for extended periods during 12-hour shifts.
  • Working in confined underground areas and varying environmental conditions.
  • Wearing required personal protective equipment and working safely in underground mining environments.


Key Responsibilities

  • Operate underground diamond drilling rigs safely, efficiently and to client specifications.
  • Deliver drilling programs while maintaining high standards of safety, productivity and core recovery.
  • Complete daily inspections, basic preventative maintenance and equipment checks.
  • Accurately complete drilling logs, production reports and required site documentation.
  • Lead, mentor and support Driller Helpers to work safely and develop their skills.
  • Follow all company, client and regulatory safety policies, procedures and standards.
  • Contribute to a positive site culture based on teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.


What We’re Looking For

  • Minimum 12 months’ experience as an Underground Diamond Core Driller.
  • Strong understanding of underground drilling methods, safe work practices and production expectations.
  • Legal eligibility to work in the United States and/or Canada.
  • Ability to work in remote underground mining environments on a 20/10 rotation.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment medical and drug and alcohol screen.
  • Valid driver’s licence.
  • MSHA certification preferred or ability to obtain required site certifications.
  • Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, reliability and high-quality work.


Why Swick?

At Swick, you are joining more than a drilling company. You are joining a global team that values safety, performance, innovation and people. We invest in our crews, recognise hard work and provide genuine opportunities for experienced drillers to develop their careers across a growing international business.


If you are an experienced Underground Diamond Driller looking for strong earning potential, a consistent roster, paid travel and a long-term career with a global drilling contractor, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your drilling career with Swick Mining Services.

Drill Deeper. Go Further. Build Your Future with Swick.