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Foundation Drill Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Los Angeles

Drill Rig Operator

Manhattan, NY

$76.98K - $112.52K/yr

Drill Rig Operator - Exempt (GSD) Applicants may include a resume in addition to the required City employment application. To identify the most qualified individuals, the selection process may ...

City of Los Angeles

Drill Rig Operator

New York, NY · On-site

$76.98K - $112.52K/yr

Drill Rig Operator - Exempt (GSD) Applicants may include a resume in addition to the required City employment application. To identify the most qualified individuals, the selection process may ...

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How much do foundation drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for foundation 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 a Foundation Drill Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundation Drill Rig Operator, you need hands-on experience with heavy equipment, knowledge of soil and drilling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drill rig controls, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or NCCCO are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help operators manage site challenges and communicate effectively with crew members. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations that are critical for successful foundation construction.

What are some common challenges faced by Foundation Drill Rig Operators on construction sites?

Foundation Drill Rig Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or uneven spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Adaptability is crucial, as unexpected obstacles like underground utilities or adverse weather can impact drilling progress. Operators regularly collaborate with site supervisors, engineers, and other trades to ensure that drilling meets project specifications and timelines while maintaining a safe work environment.

What are Foundation Drill Rig Operators?

Foundation Drill Rig Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy drilling equipment to create holes or shafts in the ground for building foundations, such as those used in bridges, skyscrapers, and other large structures. Their work involves reading blueprints, setting up and maintaining drilling rigs, monitoring drill operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed on construction sites. These operators play a crucial role in the early stages of construction projects, as the stability and safety of the entire structure often depend on the quality of the drilled foundations.

What is the difference between Foundation Drill Rig Operator vs Pile Driver?

AspectFoundation Drill Rig OperatorPile Driver
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation licensesOSHA safety training, equipment operation licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, drilling locationsConstruction sites, pile driving areas
Job DutiesOperate drilling machinery for foundation installationDrive piles into the ground to support structures

Both roles require safety certifications and involve working on construction sites. The Foundation Drill Rig Operator specializes in operating drilling equipment for foundation work, while the Pile Driver focuses on driving piles into the ground. Although their tasks differ, they share similar skills and work environments, often overlapping in construction projects.

More about Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs? Cities with the most Foundation Drill Rig Operator job openings:
What states have the most Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs are:
Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Drill Rig Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Full Time, and 98% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
DRILL RIG OPERATOR (MVO)

DRILL RIG OPERATOR (MVO)

US Department of the Army

Baltimore, MD

$36.49/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will NOT be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants should review the "How to Apply" section of this flyer for more information on how to be considered. This flyer will be used as positions become available. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications: Ability to do the work of a Drill Rig Operator (MVO) without more than normal supervision. Abilities include (1) Selecting and installing appropriate equipment, devices, and tools required to carry out work assignments (e.g., pumps, derricks, mechanical riggings, downhole hammers); (2) Applying knowledge of most types of conventional core boring drill rigs and auxiliary equipment and knowledge of the drill-ability of hard rock and sediments to perform the full range of standard foundation core drilling and noncore boring operations; and (3) Directing a crew of one or two lower grade workers in the gathering and transporting of equipment, parts, and supplies to drill sites; in the construction of temporary roads; in leveling drill sites; and rigging up and aligning equipment and tools. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Require standing for prolonged periods, walking, pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting. Require physical exertion to operate drill rig controls, levers, pedals, etc., and involves a high degree of reflex action in responding to rapid drilling changes. Move objects weighing 100 lbs., and occasionally up to 200 lbs. Lifting is heavy and stressful. May be assisted by others, as needed, when moving heavy objects and equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work outside in all types of weather, frequently in wet, muddy, very cold or hot, and dirty conditions, exposed to poison growth, reptiles, and insects and under noisy conditions. May perform drilling operations over water. The employee may be exposed to a variety of health and safety hazards requiring the use of protective equipment and clothing such as respirators, safety glasses, shoes, hats, body suits and harnesses. The employee may carry/wear equipment (i.e., air tanks, drill samples, etc.) up to 50 lbs. in weight.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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