1

Gold Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Gold Drilling information

See salary details

$13

$22

$40

How much do gold drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for gold drilling in the United States is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is gold drilling?

Gold drilling is the process of extracting core samples from the earth to identify and evaluate gold deposits. This method involves using specialized drilling equipment to reach mineralized zones underground, which helps geologists determine the quantity and quality of gold present. The information gathered from drilling is crucial for mining companies to assess the potential profitability of a site before investing in full-scale mining operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gold driller?

To thrive as a Gold Driller, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling techniques, and relevant certifications such as a heavy equipment operator’s license or safety training. Familiarity with drilling rigs, core sampling equipment, and GPS or geological mapping systems is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and accurate extraction of gold-bearing samples in challenging field environments.

What are some common challenges faced by gold drilling operators in the field, and how are they typically addressed?

Gold drilling operators often work in remote and rugged locations, which can present logistical and safety challenges. Equipment breakdowns, variable weather conditions, and difficult terrain are common obstacles. To address these, teams prioritize thorough pre-site planning, regular equipment maintenance, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Strong communication and collaboration with geologists, engineers, and onsite crews also help ensure issues are quickly resolved, keeping projects on track.

What is the difference between Gold Drilling vs Gold Mining Technician?

AspectGold DrillingGold Mining Technician
CredentialsDrilling certifications, safety trainingMining safety, equipment operation
Work EnvironmentRemote, outdoor, drilling sitesMining sites, underground or surface
Industry UsageExploration, resource assessmentExtraction, processing support

Gold Drilling involves the technical process of drilling to locate and evaluate gold deposits, requiring specialized drilling certifications. Gold Mining Technicians support the extraction process, operating equipment and maintaining safety at mining sites. While both roles work in the gold industry and share safety training, drilling focuses on exploration, whereas technicians assist in extraction operations.

Do gold drillers make money?

Gold drillers, or those involved in mineral exploration drilling, can earn varying salaries depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced drillers with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and bonuses. Overall, the profession can be financially rewarding for skilled workers in the industry.
Infographic showing various Gold Drilling job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,781 per year, or $22 per hour.

NGM - Drilling Supervisor

Carlin, NV • On-site

Barrick Gold Corporation
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Barrick Gold rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Nevada Gold Mines is seeking a motivated and safety-focused Drilling Supervisor to support exploration and drilling programs across site operations. This role is responsible for coordinating drilling activities and working closely with contractors, Mineral Resource Management (MRM), and Mine Operations teams to ensure drilling programs are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with operational plans.

The Drilling Supervisor plays a critical role in ensuring all drilling activities meet Nevada Gold Mines safety, environmental, and contractor management standards. This position provides technical support in the field, monitors drilling progress, and ensures equipment, personnel, and drill sites are prepared and operating within design and safety requirements.

At NGM, we are committed to a safe work environment sending every person home safe and healthy every day and leaving a sustainable legacy on our host communities. We offer a generous benefits package which includes a competitive medical, dental, and vision plan with national provider networks, a 401k retirement plan with employer contribution, paid time off, company-sponsored medical clinics, company match share purchase program, and much more!

Responsibilities

  • Ensure applicable permits are in place before work begins. 
  • Ensure drill site is constructed within design parameters and is ready for occupancy. 
  • Ensure drill rigs are set up properly. 
  • Provide daily, detailed activity report; convey accurate hole status, hole conditions, sample quality, and delays to drilling. 
  • Ensure all down-hole surveys are performed to client specifications and samples are brought to surface and conveyed to the logging facility in a timely manner. 
  • Communicate with Mineral Resource Management (MRM) and Mine Operations personnel and other stakeholders to ensure program execution. 
  • Audit / inspect equipment and drilling / laydown areas. 
  • Participate in contractor safety meetings. 
  • Conduct Visible Felt Leadership (VFL) interactions with drill contractors. 
  • Provide technical advice and support contractors in the field.
  • Regularly conduct safety interactions, handle emergency events/significant events, ensure all incidents are  reported, documented, and investigated, and implement preventative and corrective actions. 
  • Recommend to leadership improvements to working practices, techniques and standards.
    Lead effective pre-start meetings for the contract team. 
    Complete handovers with incoming and outgoing peers to support continuity of operations and safety. 
  • Follow the organization's HS&E policies, procedures, and mandatory instructions to identify and mitigate environmental risks and risks to the wellbeing of oneself and others in the workplace; instruct the team in safe working methods; identify instances of risky behaviors within the team and take appropriate action, escalating serious issues as appropriate. 
  • Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal     and informal training and coaching; Maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education and attending internal/external training.
  • Other responsibilities as needed.
     

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent combination of experience and education
  • Minimum Two (2) years of exploration drilling industry experience preferred. 
  • Technical knowledge of underground or surface RC / Core drilling operations required.
  • Strong commitment to achieving zero accidents and citations required. 
  • Good communication skills and problem-solving skills required.
  • Experience with computer productivity software (MS Office Suite) preferred.
  • Familiarity and understanding of exploration process preferred. 
  • Proven safety record required.
  • Ability to interact effectively with all levels of expertise required.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of this job required.

What We Can Offer You  

A comprehensive compensation package including a competitive medical, dental, and vision plan with national provider networks, a 401k retirement plan with employer contribution AND employer match, paid time off, company-sponsored medical clinics, company match share purchase program, and much more!

  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
  • Endless opportunities to grow and learn with industry colleagues.
  • Access to a variety of career opportunities across the organization.
  • Nevada Gold Mines is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Thank you for your application, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Our mission is to be the world's most valued gold and copper mining business. We are committed to partnering with our host countries and communities to transform their natural resources into tangible benefits and mutual prosperity.

Barrick is a leading global mining, exploration and development company.  With one of the largest portfolios of world-class and life-long gold and copper assets in the industry - including six of the world's Tier One gold mines - Barrick's operations an projects span 18 countries and five continents. Barrick is also the largest gold producer in the United States.  We create real, long-term value for all stakeholders through responsible mining, strong partnerships, and a disciplined approach to growth.  Barrick shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "B" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ABX".

Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) is a joint venture between Barrick (61.5%) and Newmont (38.5%) that combined our significant assets across Nevada in 2019 to create the single largest gold-producing complex in the world. NGM produces approximately 3.5 million ounces of gold a year. The massive mining operation comprises eight mines along with their associated infrastructure and processing facilities and hosts three of Barrick's Tier One assets: Carlin, Cortez, and Turquoise Ridge.  At NGM, our mission is to be the world's most valued gold mining business by finding, developing, and owning the best assets, with the best people, to deliver sustainable returns for our owners and partners.

What Barrick Gold employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom