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Hdd Laborer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quanta Services

HDD Operator - Hamtramck, MI

Hamtramck, MI

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

HDD Operators work with a field crew to safely install or replace underground utilities using ... Support crew with excavation, backfilling, site restoration, and general labor duties as needed

FiberTel, LLC

HDD Locator

Albuquerque, NM

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

... basic labor responsibilities * Maintain professionalism with the public, customers, and crew ... Prior HDD locator experience * Operate DCI or Underground Magnetics locate systems * Experience ...

Superior Pipeline Services

HDD Locator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

HDD Locator Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care ... Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climatic conditions.

PRIMORIS USA

PDS - HDD Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

We are looking to build crews where we need to add Laborers, Foreman, Fusers and Operators ... The HDD Operator's main responsibility is to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively for the ...

Primoris

PDS - HDD Operator

Ocala, FL

We are looking to build crews where we need to add Laborers, Foreman, Fusers and Operators ... The HDD Operator's main responsibility is to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively for the ...

Primoris

PDS - HDD Operator

Saint Petersburg, FL

We are looking to build crews where we need to add Laborers, Foreman, Fusers and Operators ... The HDD Operator's main responsibility is to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively for the ...

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How much do hdd laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for hdd laborer in the United States is $18.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) Laborer, you need a solid understanding of construction safety, basic mechanical aptitude, and physical stamina, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with HDD equipment, underground utility locating systems, and power tools is commonly required, and OSHA safety certifications are highly valued. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help HDD laborers excel in challenging work environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate completion of drilling projects while minimizing risks and equipment downtime.

What does a typical workday look like for an HDD Laborer, and how does the role interact with the rest of the drilling crew?

As an HDD Laborer, your day often begins with setting up the worksite, which includes unloading materials, preparing tools, and ensuring safety measures are in place. Throughout the day, you'll assist drill operators by handling drill rods, mixing drilling fluids, and monitoring the site for safety or environmental concerns. Collaboration is key—you'll communicate regularly with operators, locators, and other crew members to ensure the job progresses smoothly and efficiently. The work can be physically demanding and often outdoors, but it offers hands-on experience and opportunities to learn from skilled technicians, which can help you advance into operator or supervisory roles over time.

What are HDD Laborers?

HDD Laborers, or Horizontal Directional Drilling Laborers, are workers who assist in the installation of underground utilities using specialized drilling equipment. They support the drilling crew by preparing the job site, handling materials, locating existing utilities, and helping operate and maintain the drilling machinery. HDD laborers play a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient placement of pipes, cables, or conduits beneath roads, rivers, and other obstacles without the need for traditional trenching.

What is the difference between Hdd Laborer vs Excavator Operator?

AspectHdd LaborerExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety trainingHigh school diploma, specialized certification or licensing
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility installationsConstruction sites, heavy machinery operation
Job DutiesAssisting with underground utility installations, digging, site prepOperating excavators for digging, trenching, and material handling

The main difference between an Hdd Laborer and an Excavator Operator lies in their responsibilities and skill levels. Hdd Laborers assist with underground utility work and perform manual tasks, while Excavator Operators operate heavy machinery to perform excavation tasks. Both roles are essential in construction and utility projects, but they require different levels of training and certification.

More about Hdd Laborer jobs
What cities are hiring for Hdd Laborer jobs? Cities with the most Hdd Laborer job openings:
What states have the most Hdd Laborer jobs? States with the most job openings for Hdd Laborer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hdd Laborer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hdd Laborer jobs are:
Hdd Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hdd Laborer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,629 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
HDD Operator - Hamtramck, MI

HDD Operator - Hamtramck, MI

Quanta Services

Hamtramck, MI

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Quanta Services rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 77 rated construction

Job description

Are you passionate about creating sustainable and innovative infrastructure solutions? Do you want to be part of a dynamic team that's shaping the future of our communities? At InfraSource, we’re looking for forward-thinking problem solvers ready to make a real impact. Join us to collaborate with industry leaders, leverage cutting-edge technology, and drive projects that matter. Let’s build a brighter, more connected world together.


IFS InfraSource is seeking a skilled Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator to join our team! HDD Operators work with a field crew to safely install or replace underground utilities using directional drilling technology. This role requires operating specialized equipment, understanding subsurface conditions, and performing physically demanding work in an outdoor construction setting. HDD Operators play a key role in ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient trenchless installations.


  • Operate HDD drills, locating systems, vacuum excavators, and support equipment to install underground utilities
  • Read and interpret engineered drawings, bore plans, and locate information
  • Perform potholing and soft-digging techniques to identify existing utilities prior to drilling
  • Guide drill head using electronic locating equipment to maintain proper line, depth, and grade
  • Operate mixing systems, drill mud pumps, and maintain proper drilling fluid consistency
  • Complete bore logs, drilling records, and other project documentation as required
  • Perform safe equipment mobilization, setup, and teardown at job sites
  • Conduct routine inspections, maintenance, and cleaning of drilling equipment
  • Assist with pulling back conduit, product pipe, and verifying bore path integrity
  • Support crew with excavation, backfilling, site restoration, and general labor duties as needed
  • Exercise proper care, maintenance, and safe operation of all company equipment

  • Valid Class A CDL required
  • DOT Medical Card
  • Previous HDD drilling or locating experience preferred (Vermeer or Ditch Witch systems a plus)
  • Strong understanding of underground utility construction practices
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
  • Ability to stand or walk for long periods and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs., kneeling, climbing, crawling, and reaching
  • High School Diploma or equivalent

  • Paid on-the-job technical and professional training 
  • Opportunities for future growth
  • This is a union position with competitive wages, union representation, and access to unionadministered benefits

This position is subject to the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) drug & alcohol testing regulations as outlined in 49 CFR Part 382 and/or 49 CFR Part 199.

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.

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