2

Entry Level Drilling Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Drilling information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$19

$39

$67

How much do entry level drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level drilling in Baton Rouge, LA is $39.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.03 and $42.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level drilling?

An Entry Level Drilling job involves assisting with oil and gas drilling operations under the supervision of experienced crew members. Responsibilities typically include handling tools, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed on-site. This role requires physical endurance, teamwork, and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments. No prior experience is usually needed, but on-the-job training is provided. It can be a great starting point for a career in the drilling industry with opportunities for advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in entry level drilling?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drilling professional, you need a strong work ethic, physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety protocols, and, in some cases, certifications like H2S Alive or OSHA are typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you adapt quickly and contribute to efficient operations. These skills ensure safe, reliable performance in demanding environments and lay the groundwork for advancement as you gain experience.

What types of career advancement opportunities are available for someone starting in entry level drilling?

Entry Level Drilling roles offer a clear path for career advancement for motivated individuals. As you gain hands-on experience and demonstrate reliability, you can progress to roles such as Driller, Derrickhand, or even supervisory positions. Many drilling companies also offer ongoing training, certifications, and opportunities to specialize in areas like safety or equipment maintenance. Advancement often depends on your willingness to learn, attention to safety, and ability to work well within a team environment.

How do you get into entry level drilling?

To get into entry level drilling, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may undergo on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Relevant skills include physical fitness, ability to work in challenging environments, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA safety training or basic rigging. Prior experience in manual labor or construction can also be beneficial.

How to become an entry level driller with no experience?

To become an entry-level driller, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should be willing to undergo on-the-job training. Prior experience in manual labor or construction can be helpful, and obtaining safety certifications such as OSHA training is often required. Physical fitness and the ability to work in outdoor environments are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Drilling jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drilling jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drilling jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Entry Level Drilling jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Entry Level Drilling job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Drilling job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, 70% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,819 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Driller Assistant - Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site


Tetra Tech
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 450 rated engineering

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Good training


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description
Like working outdoors? Want an entry level position with FULL BENEFITS that could lead to a career in test drilling?
Ardaman & Associates, Inc. is one of the largest geotechnical, materials testing, and environmental engineering consulting firms in the Southeastern U.S. Ardaman has the following opportunity available:
DRILLER ASSISTANT
Our Baton Rouge office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee. A driller trainee will assist the crew chief in solid auger and rotary drilling techniques. The trainee will help move, set up and operate drill rigs and related equipment to drill test holes for geotechnical engineering studies. Site investigation/geotechnical drilling is done to determine the soil characteristics on sites to be developed as building, roadways and bridges. Work is outdoors. The work is generally physically demanding. However, safety is in our work is an uncompromised value and we are proud of our safety record.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist in drilling operations.
  • Expedite field supplies.
  • Perform duties at multiple job sites.
  • Perform yard duties at direction of supervisor.
  • Assist in measuring test boring locations
  • Load and unload trucks.
  • Smoothly and quickly connect and disconnect the lower parts of the drill pipe when it is being lowered into and raised from the hole.
  • Catch samples of drilled cuttings to be analyzed.
  • Clean and maintain equipment.
  • Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up.
  • Dig and clean mud pits and drains.
  • Assist with well development and pumping tests.
  • Operate equipment such as pumps for air, water and mud, and equipment and tools used to correct problems in drilled holes caused by mechanical breakdowns or by harmful natural conditions.
  • Carry out minor maintenance and repairs, including lubrication and cleaning.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience preferred, but will train
  • Mechanical skills preferred
  • Class A or Class B CDL license a plus
  • Must be able to obtain DOT Medical Examiners Certificate or have current certificate prior to employment
  • Available to work overtime, out of town, and weekends as required to meet client schedules
  • Ability to lift drill steel and materials weighing up to 80 lbs.
  • Must pass company background checks including drug screen
  • Must have acceptable driving record within company standards
  • Local candidates preferred; no relocation assistance.

We offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, and much more.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ardaman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, who is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans. Ardaman is a Drug Free Workplace.
We invite applications from all interested parties. No agencies.
Learn about Ardaman and explore our open positions at www.ardaman.com
Qualifications
.

Tetra Tech logo

About Tetra Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion-dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 450 locations around the world. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees-21,000 associates working together to provide smart, scalable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.

Industry

Civil engineering construction and environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pasadena, CA, US


What Tetra Tech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom