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Hdd Driller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drill Tech, LLC

HDD Driller (Chester, MD)

Chester, MD · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Headquartered in Chester, Maryland, Drill-Tech performs HDD and underground utility work throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.This is a hands-on field position responsible for safely operating ...

Drill Tech, LLC

HDD Driller (Richmond, VA)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Headquartered in Chester, Maryland, Drill-Tech performs HDD and underground utility work throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.This is a hands-on field position responsible for safely operating ...

Network Connex

Driller/Locator

Hayden, ID · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

The HDD Driller / Locator is responsible for accurately locating and guiding the drill head during horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations for underground fiber and utility installations.

Mears Group, Inc.

HDD Drill Operators

Joplin, MO · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

As a Driller, you will be responsible for operating the drilling equipment used in horizontal ... HDD Operators ensure that drilling operations are conducted safely, accurately, and in compliance ...

Atlas Group Llc

HDD Operator

Buckhannon, WV · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator Job Type: Full-Time Competitive Pay + Bonus Program + Full Benefits We are seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator to join ...

Atlas Group Llc

HDD Operator

Buckhannon, WV · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator Job Type: Full-Time Competitive Pay + Bonus Program + Full Benefits We are seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator to join ...

Mears Construction

HDD Drill Operators

Henderson, CO · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

As a Driller, you will be responsible for operating the drilling equipment used in horizontal ... HDD Operators ensure that drilling operations are conducted safely, accurately, and in compliance ...

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Hdd Driller information

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How much do hdd driller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for hdd driller 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 are some common challenges HDD drillers face on the job, and how can they prepare for them?

HDD Drillers often encounter challenges such as unexpected underground obstacles, varying soil conditions, and maintaining drill path accuracy. Preparation involves conducting thorough site surveys, reviewing utility maps, and using advanced locating technologies. Effective communication with the rest of the drilling crew and project managers is also essential for quickly addressing issues as they arise. Staying current on equipment maintenance and safety protocols helps ensure smoother operations and minimizes downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HDD driller, and why are they important?

To thrive as an HDD Driller, you need expertise in horizontal directional drilling techniques, understanding of underground utilities, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with on-the-job training. Familiarity with drilling rigs, locating systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operations and help prevent costly errors or utility damages in complex drilling environments.

What is an HDD driller?

An HDD Driller, or Horizontal Directional Driller, is a skilled operator responsible for using specialized drilling equipment to install underground utilities without the need for traditional trenching. They guide and control the drill to create precise underground pathways for pipes, cables, or conduits beneath obstacles like roads, rivers, or buildings. This role requires technical expertise, attention to safety, and a strong understanding of soil conditions and drilling techniques. HDD Drillers are commonly employed in the construction, telecommunications, and energy industries.

What is the difference between Hdd Driller vs Geotechnical Driller?

AspectHdd DrillerGeotechnical Driller
CredentialsOSHA certifications, CDL often requiredOSHA certifications, specialized geotechnical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, urban areas, utility installationsLaboratories, construction sites, soil testing locations
Industry UsageUtility, telecommunications, pipeline installationGeotechnical investigations, foundation testing

Hdd Drillers and Geotechnical Drillers both operate in construction and testing environments, often requiring similar safety certifications. However, Hdd Drillers focus on horizontal directional drilling for utilities, while Geotechnical Drillers specialize in soil sampling and testing for foundation assessments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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Hdd Driller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hdd Driller job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,259 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

HDD Driller (Chester, MD)

Drill Tech, LLC

Chester, MD • On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Headquarters: Chester, MDTravel: Project-based travel as neededJob Type: Full-TimeOverviewDrill-Tech is seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Driller to operate HDD equipment on underground utility projects in Chester, MD.Headquartered in Chester, Maryland, Drill-Tech performs HDD and underground utility work throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.This is a hands-on field position responsible for safely operating horizontal directional drilling equipment, completing bores according to project plans, and working closely with locators, foremen, equipment operators, and laborers. Previous HDD drilling experience is required. Candidates must have experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar directional drilling equipment.ResponsibilitiesOperate horizontal directional drilling equipment safely and efficientlyComplete pilot bores, reaming, pullback, and pipe installationWork closely with locators to maintain the planned bore pathRead and understand project plans, utility maps, bore profiles, and utility markingsSelect appropriate drill heads, tooling, reamers, and drilling methodsMonitor drilling pressures, fluid returns, ground conditions, and equipment performanceAdjust drilling methods based on changing soil and ground conditionsPerform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenanceTroubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and drilling-related issuesAssist with equipment setup, breakdown, and jobsite organizationCommunicate production progress and jobsite concerns to the foremanFollow all company safety policies and proceduresWork closely with laborers, equipment operators, locators, and other crew membersQualificationsMinimum of 3 years of proven experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipmentMinimum of 7 years of experience working as part of an HDD crewExperience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipmentExperience completing pilot bores, reaming, pullback, and pipe installationAbility to read and understand prints, bore plans, and utility markingsKnowledge of drill tooling, reamers, drilling fluids, and changing ground conditionsAbility to safely maintain and troubleshoot HDD equipmentValid driver's licenseAbility to perform physically demanding work outdoorsStrong communication skills and commitment to safe operationsPreferred QualificationsExperience operating Vermeer 23x30, 24x40, or similar HDD rigsExperience operating larger HDD rigs, including 100,000-pound, 300,000-pound, or 500,000-pound class equipmentExperience completing large-diameter, long-distance, or rock boresExperience with mud mixing, pumping, and recycling systemsExperience operating excavators, backhoes, skid steers, or loadersOSHA 10 or OSHA 30 CertificationClass A CDLBenefitsHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceOpportunities for advancement within a growing HDD contractor