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Hdd Laborer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quanta Services

HDD Operator - Hamtramck, MI

Hamtramck, MI · On-site

$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

Peak Utility Services Group

HDD Locator

Abilene, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/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.

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.

FiberTel, LLC

HDD Locator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$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 ...

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

Abilene, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/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.

Peak Utility Services Group

HDD Locator

Abilene, TX

$15.50 - $19.25/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.

Peak Utility Services Group

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.

Peak Utility Services Group

HDD Locator

Fort Worth, TX

$15.25 - $19.25/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.

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All JobsHdd Laborer Jobs

Hdd Laborer information

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$11

$18

$24

How much do hdd laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Hdd Laborer jobs
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Hdd Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hdd Laborer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,629 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator

Arrow Construction

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator

Job Summary:

The HDD Locator is responsible for tracking and guiding the drill head during horizontal directional drilling operations to ensure accurate bore paths and prevent damage to underground utilities. This role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Track drill head position (depth, pitch, and direction) using locating equipment.
  • Communicate real-time instructions to the HDD operator.
  • Interpret bore plans, utility locates, and site drawings.
  • Verify underground utility markings and assist with potholing as needed.
  • Monitor drilling conditions and identify potential conflicts or deviations.
  • Maintain accurate drilling logs and records.
  • Perform daily inspection and calibration of locating equipment.
  • Assist with job site setup, teardown, and restoration.
  • Enforce safety protocols and excavation standards.
  • Support crew with spotting, traffic control, and labor as required.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years experience as HDD locator or in underground utilities.
  • Knowledge of locating systems and underground safety procedures.
  • Ability to read prints and bore profiles.
  • Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred).
  • Ability to pass drug screen and background check.

Skills & Competencies:
  • Clear verbal communication with drill operator.
  • Mechanical and technical aptitude.
  • Ability to maintain focus under pressure.
  • Strong situational awareness.
  • Basic math and measurement skills.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to walk uneven terrain and work in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to stand, kneel, stoop, and bend frequently.
  • Visual ability to interpret depth and location readings.

Compensation & Benefits:
  • Competitive pay based on experience.
  • Health, dental, vision insurance.
  • 401(k) or retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on protected characteristics under federal and state law.
Please apply online @arrowcon.com or in person between 8:00 AM - 5 PM @ 1850 Diesel Dr, Sacramento, CA 95838 https://www.arrowcon.com/employment. (Employment Application is online)