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Horizontal Directional Drill Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Team Fishel

Directional Drill Locator

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Responsibilities 1. Responsible for safely locating horizontal directional drill heads for underground utility construction 2. Assist foreman and/or supervisors with all duties 3. Responsible for ...

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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.

More about Horizontal Directional Drill jobs

What cities are hiring for Horizontal Directional Drill jobs?

Cities with the most Horizontal Directional Drill job openings:

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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 Operator

Quality Enterprises USA, Inc.

Naples, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

NOTE: To be considered for this role, you must be eligible to work in the USA without sponsorship.

Please complete the application in its entirety and submit a resume, if available.

This position requires travel and extended stays at job locations.

Position Description

Earth View LLC is looking for a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator to join our team. The Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator's primary responsibility is to safely and efficiently operate HDD rigs and other drilling equipment.

Benefits

  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Holidays & PTO
  • Medical and Dental Insurance
  • Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospitalization Insurance Options
  • Short-Term Disability (Company-Paid)
  • Life Insurance (Company-Paid)
  • Additional Voluntary Life Insurance Options
  • 401K with company contribution match
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Positive Work Environment

Position Requirements

Essential Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Assist with preparing job site and HDD equipment so that drilling can be performed safely.
  • Efficiently and safely operate an AA440 drill rig (or larger drill rig) in accordance with company and industry standards.
  • Perform routine labor (i.e. potholing, equipment set-up, conduit/duct/cable placement) as required.
  • Ensure that all the utilities located in the construction path have been potholed.
  • Review and evaluate directional drill plans; determine the optimal drilling parameters needed to comply with plans.
  • Report any anomalies detected during drilling to the superintendent; evaluate contingency plans.
  • Inspect drill and tools before use.
  • Monitor equipment while in operation.
  • Comply with all OSHA standards and Company safety policies.
  • Assist job crew with other duties when not actively drilling.
  • Assist with keeping job site safe, organized, and clean, free of trash or debris.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in construction management or similar field preferred.
  • 2+ years' experience operating an AA440 or larger drill rig required; combination of work experience with technical training in an industry-related trade program will be considered.
  • Ability to read and understand project technical drawings and diagrams.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision while adding to a safe and positive team environment.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to stand, walk, or sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb, balance, or stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Must be able to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Work is primarily performed outdoors in variable weather and lighting conditions, including extreme heat and humidity.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
  • This position requires travel and extended stays at job locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quality Enterprises USA, Inc. (QE) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.