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Entry Level Drill Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

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Entry Level Drill Rig Operator information

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$27

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How much do entry level drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level drill rig operator in the United States is $27.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Drill Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drill Rig Operator, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety protocols, and certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, operational efficiency, and successful project outcomes in demanding work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level drill rig operators, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level drill rig operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, understanding safety protocols, and learning to operate complex machinery. New operators can overcome these challenges by actively participating in safety trainings, asking experienced team members for guidance, and consistently following standard operating procedures. Building strong communication skills and maintaining a willingness to learn are also important for success and advancement in this role.

What are Entry Level Drill Rig Operators?

Entry Level Drill Rig Operators are workers who assist with operating and maintaining drilling rigs, typically under the supervision of more experienced operators. Their main responsibilities include setting up equipment, monitoring drilling operations, ensuring safety protocols, and performing basic maintenance tasks. This role is often considered a starting position in the drilling industry, providing hands-on training and experience for those interested in pursuing a career in drilling operations. No advanced experience is usually required, but a willingness to work in physically demanding environments is important.

What is the difference between Entry Level Drill Rig Operator vs Drilling Technician?

AspectEntry Level Drill Rig OperatorDrilling Technician
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic rig operation certificationsOSHA safety training, basic certifications, sometimes specialized in equipment
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, outdoors, physically demandingOn-site at drilling sites, may involve maintenance and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, mining, construction industriesOil & gas, mining, construction industries

Both roles involve working on drilling sites with similar safety and operational certifications. The main difference is that Entry Level Drill Rig Operators focus primarily on operating drilling equipment, while Drilling Technicians often handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

More about Entry Level Drill Rig Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Drill Rig Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Drill Rig Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drill Rig Operator jobs? The most popular types of Drill Rig Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Drill Rig Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Drill Rig Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drill Rig Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drill Rig Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Drill Rig Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Drill Rig Operator

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 79 rated construction


Job description

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects throughout the Southwest. Successful candidates must pass an ATF background check and be willing to travel. This is a safety sensitive position.

Company Overview

FNF Construction, Inc., a MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure (CE&I) company, has delivered high-quality construction services since 1984. Specializing in heavy highway construction and general engineering, we operate primarily throughout the Southwest as a general contractor, subcontractor, and producer of aggregate and asphaltic concrete. Our collaborative, partnership-driven approach has built long-standing relationships with both public and private clients across projects of varying size and complexity.

• Operate heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on drilling equipment.
• Monitor drilling parameters, adjust operations as needed, and record accurate data for reporting.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards at all times.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate operations.

• Minimum 3 years experience operating drill rigs.
• Experience operating Sandvik 700-800 top hammer drill rigs.
• Must be able to work out of town/state.
• Able to pass an ATF background check.
• Able to operate company pickup.
• Able to lift 50+ pounds for length of work shift.
• Operators are expected to operate and maintain the drill rig.
• Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills.
• Drill rig operator will operate drill rigs and required to assist blast crew with loading blast holes.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years experience operating drill rigs.
• Experience operating Sandvik 700-800 top hammer drill rigs.
• Must be able to work out of town/state.
• Able to pass an ATF background check.
• Able to operate company pickup.
• Able to lift 50+ pounds for length of work shift.
• Operators are expected to operate and maintain the drill rig.
• Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills.
• Drill rig operator will operate drill rigs and required to assist blast crew with loading blast holes.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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