Exploration Core Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Meridian, ID · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Meridian, ID · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Meridian, ID · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Meridian, ID · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

... drilling operations for a mineral exploration project in Winnemucca, Nevada. In this role, you will ... Safely operate diamond core rigs and associated machinery (excavators, support equipment) to ...

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

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Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

Driller

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Earth Drilling / Harris Exploration is currently hiring experienced Drillers to join our growing ... Operate and oversee Sonic, RC, and/or Core drill rigs * Lead and work alongside drill crews safely ...

Driller

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Surface Core Driller

California City, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Toolpusher / Site Supervisor About NISS At NISS, we specialize in high-quality surface and helicopter supported core drilling for the mining, exploration, and geotechnical sectors. Safety ...

Surface Core Driller

California City, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Toolpusher / Site Supervisor About NISS At NISS, we specialize in high-quality surface and helicopter supported core drilling for the mining, exploration, and geotechnical sectors. Safety ...

Driller

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

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Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Quick apply

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

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Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Surface Core Driller

Kellogg, ID · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

Toolpusher / Site Supervisor About NISS At NISS, we specialize in high-quality surface and helicopter supported core drilling for the mining, exploration, and geotechnical sectors. Safety ...

Surface Core Driller

Kellogg, ID · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

Toolpusher / Site Supervisor About NISS At NISS, we specialize in high-quality surface and helicopter supported core drilling for the mining, exploration, and geotechnical sectors. Safety ...

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Surface Core Driller

Kellogg, ID · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

Toolpusher / Site Supervisor About NISS At NISS, we specialize in high-quality surface and helicopter supported core drilling for the mining, exploration, and geotechnical sectors. Safety ...

Surface Core Driller

Kellogg, ID · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

Toolpusher / Site Supervisor About NISS At NISS, we specialize in high-quality surface and helicopter supported core drilling for the mining, exploration, and geotechnical sectors. Safety ...

Driller

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Driller

Exploration Core Drilling Jobs

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Showing results 1-20

Exploration Core Drilling information

See salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do exploration core drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for exploration core drilling in the United States is $27.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exploration core drilling job?

Exploration core drilling jobs involve operating specialized drilling equipment to extract cylindrical samples, known as 'cores,' from beneath the earth’s surface. These cores provide valuable geological information about mineral, oil, gas, or groundwater deposits. Workers in this field are responsible for setting up drilling rigs, monitoring drilling operations, and ensuring that samples are collected safely and accurately. Core drilling is critical in the early stages of mining and resource exploration, helping companies determine the location, quality, and extent of underground resources.

What are the most common challenges faced by exploration core drillers in the field?

Exploration core drillers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable geological formations, harsh weather conditions, and remote or rugged locations. These factors can affect equipment performance and require quick problem-solving to keep drilling operations on schedule. Safety is a top priority, as working with heavy machinery and in isolated areas demands strict adherence to protocols. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, since drillers frequently collaborate with geologists, engineers, and support staff to collect accurate core samples and ensure project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exploration core driller?

To excel as an Exploration Core Driller, you need a solid understanding of drilling techniques, geology basics, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by relevant certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with drilling rigs, core sampling equipment, and safety management systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate extraction of core samples in often challenging and remote environments.

What is the difference between Exploration Core Drilling vs Geotechnical Drilling?

Aspect	Exploration Core Drilling	Geotechnical Drilling
Purpose	To collect rock and mineral samples for mineral exploration and resource assessment	To analyze soil and rock properties for construction, foundation, or environmental studies
Work Environment	Mining sites, exploration fields, remote locations	Construction sites, urban areas, environmental testing locations
Credentials	Similar certifications, including safety training and technical skills	Similar certifications, often with additional geotechnical-specific training

Exploration Core Drilling focuses on extracting rock samples for mineral exploration, often in remote locations, while Geotechnical Drilling is used to assess soil and rock properties for construction and engineering projects. Both roles require technical skills and safety certifications, but their applications and environments differ.

More about Exploration Core Drilling jobs

The 10 Top Types Of Exploration Core Drilling Jobs

What states have the most Exploration Core Drilling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Exploration Core Drilling jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Exploration Core Drilling jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Exploration Core Drilling jobs are:

Exploration Core Drilling jobs near you

Infographic showing various Exploration Core Drilling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,259 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Experienced Diamond Core Driller