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Horizontal Directional Drill Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Directional Driller/Locator

Akron, OH · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to successfully install coax and fiber systems * Ensure the safety of the public and other underground utility facilities

Directional Driller/Locator

Warren, OH · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to successfully install coax and fiber systems * Ensure the safety of the public and other underground utility facilities

$25 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Role Provide horizontal directional drill head location services for drill operator Operate and ... locator technology Ability to travel and work outside of business hours when needed, overtime, etc ...

Directional Drill Locator, Telecom

Little Canada, MN · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Directional Drill Locator to join our team in Little Canada, MN . In this role you ... Provide horizontal directional drill head location services for drill operator * Operate and ...

Directional Drill Locator

Rich Square, NC · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Description Directional Drill Locator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about ...

Directional Drill Locator

El Paso, TX · On-site

$22 - $27.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Directional Drill Locator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about collaboration and ...

$25 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Role Provide horizontal directional drill head location services for drill operator Operate and ... locator technology Ability to travel and work outside of business hours when needed, overtime, etc ...

Directional Drill Locator, Telecom

Little Canada, MN · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Directional Drill Locator to join our team in Little Canada, MN . In this role you ... Provide horizontal directional drill head location services for drill operator * Operate and ...

Directional Drill Locator

Kent, WA · On-site

$34 - $42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Description Directional Drill Locator At Full Circle Fiber, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It ...

Directional Drill Locator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$24 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Directional Drill Locator at Team Fishel will interpret the signals sent from underground transmitters about location, angle, temperature and other factors for the drill operator, who operates the ...

Directional Drill Locator

Brush Prairie, WA · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Directional Drill Locator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about collaboration and ...

Directional Drill Locator

Thonotosassa, FL · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Directional Drill Locator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about collaboration and ...

Directional Drill Locator

El Paso, TX · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Description Directional Drill Locator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about ...

Showing results 41-60

Horizontal Directional Drill Locator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$34

How much do horizontal directional drill locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for horizontal directional drill locator in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do horizontal directional drill locators face, and how can they be managed?

Horizontal Directional Drill Locators often encounter challenges such as identifying and avoiding underground utilities, interpreting complex drilling plans, and adapting to variable soil conditions. Managing these challenges requires strong communication with the drill operator, careful use of locating equipment, and staying updated on local utility maps. Proactive planning and ongoing training in safety protocols are also essential to minimize risks and ensure successful project completion.

What is a horizontal directional drill locator?

A Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator is a professional who operates specialized equipment to track and guide the drill head during underground drilling projects. Their main responsibility is to ensure the drill follows the planned path, avoiding obstacles like utilities and maintaining correct depth and alignment. HDD Locators work closely with drill operators to communicate real-time information, helping to prevent damage and ensure safe, efficient installation of pipelines, cables, or conduits. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of underground mapping, and familiarity with electronic tracking systems.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a horizontal directional drill locator?

To thrive as a Horizontal Directional Drill Locator, you need strong understanding of underground utility mapping, drilling operations, and safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with locating equipment (such as DigiTrak or Subsite), GPS systems, and utility detection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, precise drilling operations and help prevent costly or dangerous utility strikes.

What is the difference between Horizontal Directional Drill Locator vs Pipe Locator?

AspectHorizontal Directional Drill LocatorPipe Locator
CredentialsOSHA certification, technical trainingOSHA certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, underground drillingConstruction sites, underground utilities
Industry UsageDirectional drilling projects, underground infrastructureUtility installation, pipeline detection

Both Horizontal Directional Drill Locators and Pipe Locators require similar certifications and are used in underground utility work. The main difference is that Drill Locators focus on locating and guiding horizontal drilling equipment, while Pipe Locators are used to detect existing underground pipes and utilities. Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting the right professional for specific underground projects.

More about Horizontal Directional Drill Locator jobs
Infographic showing various Horizontal Directional Drill Locator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drill Locator

Primoris Services Corporation

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$23.50 - $29.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Primoris Services rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Primary Responsibilities include:
The HDD Operator’s main responsibility is to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively for the installation of natural gas pipelines. The Operator will perform other duties as required to support the crew.
Primary Requirements:
  • Previous Horizontal Direction Drill experience is required.
  • Backhoe and/or Mini Ex experience is a plus.
  • Working experience in construction, or the utility distribution industry in Gas or Electric is preferred.
  • 3 plus years of working experience in operating, excavation equipment in utility industry is required.
  • Requires technical thinking, and the ability to read standards and schematics.
Physical Demands (All Positions):
  • Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds.
  • Standing, walking including and primarily on uneven surfaces, turning, stooping, kneeling, crouching, speaking and hearing are required continuously.
Work Environment (All Positions):
  • Employee will be subjected to outside weather conditions.
  • Employee could be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, cold, heat and humidity.
  • The noise level in the work environment can often be loud.
  • The employee is frequently exposed to slow- or fast-moving traffic in the work environment.
  • Operators are subject to outside weather conditions in elements and will be exposed to a variety of noise and ground surface temperatures.
  • Must be willing to work overtime as dictated by workload volumes. 
EEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment  without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Third Party Agency Notice:
Primoris will not accept any unsolicited resumes from any third-party recruiting agencies either domestic or international. Primoris nor its subsidiaries will be responsible for any fees from the use of any unsolicited resumes either through our ATS or via electronic mail systems from any agency representative or agency consultant unless your firm is an approved vendor partner with a current executed agreement.

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