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Horizontal Directional Drill information

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$13

$26

$34

How much do horizontal directional drill jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for horizontal directional drill 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 is a horizontal directional drill operator?

A Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) operator is a skilled professional who operates drilling equipment to install underground utilities such as pipes, cables, or conduits without the need for traditional trenching. Using specialized HDD machines, the operator drills a pilot hole along a predetermined path and then enlarges it to accommodate the utility line. This method minimizes surface disruption, making it ideal for crossing roads, rivers, or other obstacles. HDD operators must understand soil conditions, equipment operation, and safety protocols to ensure efficient and safe installations.

What are horizontal directional drill jobs?

As a horizontal directional drill user, your job is to support construction efforts and use HDD equipment to lay an underground utility line without having to dig down from the surface. Horizontal directional drillers help install pipes of various sizes under different obstructions, including dirt, roads, railways, rivers, and other impediments. In many cases, this job requires maneuvering the drill to avoid existing pipes, particularly those containing natural gas, electricity, water, or sewage. Most drillers in this industry work in teams, though you may work independently for small jobs. This job may require working evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays as necessary to meet a construction schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horizontal directional drill operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator, you need strong knowledge of drilling techniques, underground utilities, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with drill rigs, locating systems, and equipment maintenance is crucial, and some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or safety certifications like OSHA. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators navigate complex job sites and coordinate with teams. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and efficient installation of underground utilities while minimizing risk and project delays.

What are some common challenges faced by horizontal directional drill operators on a typical project?

Horizontal Directional Drill Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating unexpected underground obstacles, maintaining precise bore paths, and adapting to varying soil conditions. Effective communication with utility locators and the rest of the crew is crucial to prevent damage to existing infrastructure. Additionally, operators must consistently follow safety protocols and adapt to changing site conditions, which can require quick problem-solving and teamwork. Staying organized and proactive helps ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Horizontal Directional Drill vs Horizontal Boring Machine Operator?

AspectHorizontal Directional DrillHorizontal Boring Machine Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, underground utility installationConstruction sites, underground utility installation
Industry UsageUtility, telecommunications, constructionUtility, telecommunications, construction

Both Horizontal Directional Drills and Horizontal Boring Machine Operators work in similar environments, often on construction sites installing underground utilities. They require comparable certifications and serve overlapping industries. The main difference lies in the specific equipment used; Horizontal Directional Drills are specialized for precise underground drilling, while Horizontal Boring Machine Operators handle a broader range of boring machinery. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the underground construction industry.

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Horizontal Directional Drill jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horizontal Directional Drill job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 4% 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 / HDD / Excavation

Straight Line Directional Drilling and GeoThermal

Hudsonville, MI • On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator

Company: Straight Line Directional Drilling & Geothermal, Inc.

Location: Hudsonville, MI (Work covers multiple local job sites)

Pay Rate: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour (Depending on Experience)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule: Monday – Friday (10+ hours/day). Enjoy your weekends—NO Saturdays or Sundays required! Overtime available.

What We Offer (Compensation & Benefits):

At Straight Line, we take care of the people who take care of our clients. Your benefits package includes:

  •  Top Pay: $28.00 – $35.00/hr + Weekly Overtime (50+ hrs/wk = $80k–$105k+ yearly).
  •  Annual Profit-Sharing Bonus: Share in the company’s success! Based on company profitability and individual performance, crew members typically earn an additional $5,000 – $10,000+ annually in profit-sharing bonuses.
  •  Freezer Meat Perk: Free quarter-beef + 1 whole processed pig every year—processed, packaged, and ready for your freezer!
  •  Home Every Night: 100% local work in West Michigan (rare travel 4–6 nights/year max).
  • ️ Guaranteed Weekends Off: Work hard Monday–Friday, enjoy your Saturday & Sunday.
  •  Full Benefits Package: Comprehensive Health Insurance + Paid Vacation & Holidays.
  •  Retirement Savings: 401(k) program with Company Match.
  •  Gear Allowance: Boot reimbursement program to keep you equipped and comfortable.


About Us:

Straight Line Directional Drilling & Geothermal, Inc. is a trusted, specialized contractor based in Hudsonville, MI. We excel in horizontal directional drilling and closed-loop geothermal installations. From installing water/sanitary mains, storm lines, and electrical/fiber sleeves to setting up cutting-edge geothermal loop fields for residential and commercial applications, we pride ourselves on precision, safety, and a strong team culture.

Our fleet features top-tier equipment including Ditch Witch JT9, JT20, and JT40 rigs, utilizing both Subsite and DCI locate systems. If you are looking for a company where your hard work is valued, your weekends are respected, and the career growth is real, we want you on our team.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced HDD Locator to join our tight-knit crew. In this pivotal role, you will be the eyes and ears of the drilling operation, utilizing advanced locating systems to guide the drill head safely and efficiently. This is a dynamic, hands-on role that blends advanced locating technology with heavy equipment operation (such as mini excavators and vacuum trailers) and essential ground support.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities):

  • Locating & Tracking: Utilize Subsite and DCI locating systems to accurately track and navigate the drill head, maintaining constant communication with the drill operator to ensure precise installations.
  • Equipment Operation: Safely set up and operate HDD rigs, mini excavators, and vacuum trailers.
  • Site Preparation: Collaborate with the crew to prepare job sites, including deploying traffic control cones and road signage, setting up the drill, vacuum systems, and mud-mixing systems.
  • Utility Spotting: Visually verify and pothole/spot existing underground utilities to be crossed during the boring process to ensure zero damage.
  • Fluid Management: Analyze ground conditions and mix drilling mud with the correct additives to maintain borehole integrity for smooth product pull-back.
  • Maintenance & Care: Perform routine minor repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment. Keep company trucks and equipment clean, organized, and presentable.
  • Cross-Training Support: Work alongside our geothermal installation crews as needed.
  • Safety First: Maintain a sharp focus on safety, look out for your crew members, and immediately report any unsafe conditions to the foreman.

What We Are Looking For (Qualifications):

  • Experience: Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) experience is Preferred but we will train the right candidate.
  • Licensing: A valid Class A CDL and standard Driver’s License are required.
  • Safety Compliance: Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and participate in ongoing random drug testing in accordance with DOT regulations.
  • Physical Capability: Ability to lift heavy objects, stand, walk, and work for extended periods in diverse outdoor weather and field conditions.
  • Mindset: A self-motivated team player who anticipates the next step to keep the job site running efficiently.
  • Travel: Nearly 100% local to West Michigan. Rare travel required (only about 4–6 nights per year).

Ready to Join the Team?

If you have a strong work ethic, we want to talk to you.

Apply today to take the next step in your career with Straight Line Directional Drilling & Geothermal!

Learn more about us at: https://www.straightlineddg.com/