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Hdd Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Peak Utility Services Group

Hydrovac Operator

Spring, TX

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

Hydrovac Operator Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care ... Potholing Existing Underground Utilities for HDD Work * Pole Holes, Anchors, and Trench Work for ...

Superior Pipeline Services

Hydrovac Operator

Spring, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

Hydrovac Operator Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care ... Potholing Existing Underground Utilities for HDD Work * Pole Holes, Anchors, and Trench Work for ...

Peak Utility Services Group

Hydrovac Operator

Spring, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

Hydrovac Operator Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care ... Potholing Existing Underground Utilities for HDD Work * Pole Holes, Anchors, and Trench Work for ...

SMC Region USC

Shop Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

We provide tools and services to HDD contractors globally to help them install infrastructure ... Responsible for operating the warehouse machinery in a safe manner and reporting any equipment ...

Jacqueline Construction

Be Seen First

Construction Manager - Horizontal Directional Drilling

Houston, TX · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Supervise HDD crews, operators, locators, laborers, and subcontractors. * Plan and coordinate manpower, equipment, materials, and daily production. * Review project plans, bore profiles, utility ...

Galactic Minds Inc.

Qualification Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

... and HDD * Strong understanding of industry standards such as DDR4 DDR5 NVMe PCIe SATA * Strong ... Proficiency in windows and Linux server operating system * Experience in executing the scripts and ...

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Hdd Operator information

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$17

$22

How much do hdd operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for hdd operator in Houston, TX is $17.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an HDD operator?

HDD Operators, or Horizontal Directional Drilling Operators, are professionals who operate and control drilling equipment used to install underground pipes, conduits, or cables with minimal surface disruption. They read plans, set up drilling rigs, and monitor the drilling process to ensure accuracy and safety. HDD Operators are commonly employed in construction, telecommunications, and utility industries, where trenchless installation methods are required. Their work helps minimize damage to landscapes, roads, and existing infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HDD operator?

To thrive as an HDD Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling rigs, locating systems like DigiTrak or Subsite, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, precise, and efficient installation of underground utilities in various soil conditions, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by HDD operators on job sites and how can they be addressed?

HDD Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating underground obstacles, maintaining equipment, and ensuring the accuracy of bore paths. Weather conditions and soil variability can also impact operations and require quick adaptation. Effective communication with the drilling crew and utility locators is essential to avoid damaging existing infrastructure. Building experience with different ground conditions and staying updated on safety protocols can help HDD Operators overcome these challenges and ensure successful project completion.

What is the difference between Hdd Operator vs Drilling Operator?

AspectHdd OperatorDrilling Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certifications in HDD operationsHigh school diploma, certifications in drilling operations, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility projects, underground utility installationsOil & gas fields, mining sites, construction drilling projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, utility companies, civil engineeringOil & gas, mining, heavy industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Hdd Operators and Drilling Operators both work in heavy industry environments requiring safety certifications and technical skills. While Hdd Operators focus on horizontal directional drilling for utility installation, Drilling Operators typically work in oil, gas, or mining sectors with vertical or directional drilling. Both roles demand specialized training, but their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

How much do HDD operators make?

HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) operators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized tools and safety training tend to earn higher wages, especially in industries like construction and utilities that require precise drilling skills.

What are popular job titles related to Hdd Operator jobs in Houston, TX?

For Hdd Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hdd Operator jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Hdd Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:

Hdd Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hdd Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,123 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator

Conroe, TX • On-site

SHELTON ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC
See more jobs at SHELTON ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLCexternal

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

 Summary 

 

The HDD Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit, cables, and other utility infrastructure to support electric distribution and transmission systems. This role ensures work is completed according to project specifications, safety regulations, and industry standards while minimizing impact to the environment and surrounding infrastructure.

 Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Operate horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment and associated support machinery to install conduit, cable, and other underground infrastructure.
  • Read and interpret construction plans, job specifications, and utility locates to ensure accurate bore paths.
  • Set up, calibrate, and maintain HDD equipment, mud systems, and tracking systems.
  • Direct and coordinate with drill crew and locators to maintain safe and efficient work zones.
  • Monitor drilling operations and adjust as necessary to maintain line and grade.
  • Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections of drilling rigs and support equipment.
  • Identify and avoid existing underground utilities through proper use of locate information and potholing.
  • Adhere to all company, federal, state, and local safety guidelines and environmental regulations.
  • Complete required project documentation, daily logs, and equipment maintenance records.
  • Assist with site restoration and cleanup upon project completion.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications                                                                                                                                                                           

  

Education & Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating HDD equipment in utility or construction environments (electrical utility experience preferred).
  • Valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or ability to obtain.
  • Familiarity with underground utility construction standards and practices.

   

Skills & Abilities

  • Proficient in operation of HDD rigs, tracking systems, and locating equipment.
  • Ability to interpret and follow engineering drawings, work plans, and safety standards.
  • Strong understanding of underground utility safety and right-of-way protocols.
  • Ability to work in various weather conditions and terrain.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Maintain a neat, well-groomed, and professional appearance.
 Core Competencies 

 

Attention to detail, conflict resolution, team building, mentoring and coaching, business acumen, ethical decision- making and leadership, global and cultural awareness, critical and creative thinking, time management, self-control, ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances while maintaining a professional demeanor and corporate perspective, results oriented.

 Working conditions/Physical Requirements/Travel 


 Working Conditions

  1. Work sites are underground in confined space or outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions.
  2. All worksite safety instructions are written and spoken in English; must be fluent in English.
  3. Work includes prolonged and repeated: lifting (including overhead, up to 50lbs); standing; climbing; kneeling; reaching and feeling; crouching and crawling.
  4. Work is performed within the “red zone” of heavy equipment.
  5. Working safely requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination and the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

   Requirements

  1. Pass pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug screens.
  2. Provide valid US work authorization documents for E-Verify.
  3. Satisfactory results of pre-employment background check results.
  4. A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
  5. Pre-employment medical fit-for-duty test; hold/obtain DOT medical card.
  6. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as dictated by position.
  7. With the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve in mind, all candidates who receive an offer of employment will be required to complete a COVID-19 risk assessment; your responses will help us determine an employment start date.
  8. This position may require weekend and/or holiday work.
  9. Travel required. Ability to work on-call, irregular hours, and emergency response.


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee Is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; and fee; and reach with hands and arms.

 Additional Duties 

 

The above statements are typically assigned to employees in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of their duties and responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time.

 Direct Reports/Reporting Structure 

 

This position reports directly to the Foreman. 

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