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Horizontal Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utilities One

Drill Operator

FL · On-site

$250 - $300/day

Drill Operator Department: Operations Employment Type: Contract Location: United States - Fort ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$300 - $400/day

Drill Operator Department: Operations Employment Type: Contract Location: United States - Fort ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Salem, OR · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Drill Operator Department: Operations Employment Type: Contract Location: United States - Salem, OR ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Drill Operator Department: Operations Employment Type: Contract Location: United States - Columbus ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Dayton, OH · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Drill Operator Department: Operations Employment Type: Contract Location: United States - Dayton ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

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Horizontal Drill Operator information

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$13

$27

$51

How much do horizontal drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for horizontal drill operator in the United States is $27.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a horizontal drill operator do?

A Horizontal Drill Operator is responsible for operating specialized machinery to drill horizontally beneath the ground’s surface. Their main job is to create underground pathways for utilities like water, gas, or communication lines without disturbing surface structures. They interpret blueprints, monitor equipment, ensure safety protocols, and perform routine maintenance on drilling devices. This role is vital for installing infrastructure in urban areas where traditional trenching would be disruptive.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horizontal drill operator?

To thrive as a Horizontal Drill Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling techniques, equipment operation, and safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machinery, utility locating systems, and certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators navigate complex job sites and coordinate with crews. These competencies ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and help prevent costly errors or damages to underground utilities.

What are the common challenges faced by a horizontal drill operator on a typical job site?

Horizontal Drill Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating unexpected underground obstacles, managing equipment malfunctions, and adapting to varying soil conditions. Effective communication with the project team is crucial to ensure accuracy and safety, especially when working near existing utilities. Additionally, operators must stay updated with safety protocols and equipment best practices, as the work environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding. Overcoming these challenges requires attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a collaborative approach with crew members and supervisors.

What is the difference between Horizontal Drill Operator vs Vertical Drill Operator?

AspectHorizontal Drill OperatorVertical Drill Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentUnderground or surface drilling sites, often in oil & gas or constructionSurface drilling sites, such as water wells or mineral exploration
Industry UsageOil & gas, construction, utilitiesMining, water well drilling, geotechnical work

Horizontal Drill Operators and Vertical Drill Operators share similar certifications and safety requirements. However, their work environments differ: horizontal drillers operate in underground or surface sites focusing on directional drilling, while vertical drillers typically work on surface sites drilling straight down. Both roles are essential in industries like oil & gas, construction, and mining, with specific skills tailored to their drilling methods.

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What states have the most Horizontal Drill Operator jobs?

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Horizontal Drill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horizontal Drill Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Horizontal Drill Operator

NATIONAL OnDemand, Inc.

Chase City, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

National OnDemand, Inc. is a communications and utilities infrastructure provider delivering service solutions to the Fiber, Wireless, Energy and Technology sectors in the United States. Headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, the Company provides full turnkey infrastructure solutions - on demand, anywhere across its service footprint and has secured and sustained its current standing in the market through the successful completion of mergers and acquisitions, along with demonstrable, steady organic growth.
Job purpose
To construct UG OSP facilities
Duties and responsibilities
  • Operates horizontal directional drill for installation of underground telecommunications cable conduit including fiber optic cable.
  • Operate construction equipment to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery to conform to grade specifications.
  • Understand how to proficiently set up the job (equipment placement, reel trailer placement)
  • Understand how to expose (pothole) other utilities
  • Understand the utility locate process
  • Ability to locate other utilities as needed
  • Understand clearances from the other utilities, ground, road, highway, sidewalk and non-pedestrian areas
  • Knowledge and ability to properly transport, handle and place conduits (rolled and stick)
  • Knowledge and ability to properly transport fiber reels
  • Knowledge and ability to properly install fiber cables in conduits
  • Knowledge and ability to properly set and secure pedestals and vaults
  • Ability to read and interpret network prints
  • Understand and follow OSHA safety requirements to complete the job(s) safely and efficiently
  • Communicate by phone frequently throughout the workday
  • Follow direction(s) specifically delivered from crew leader
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Must have experience operating track plow
  • High school diploma or its equivalent
  • Combination of technical training and/or experience
  • Previous experience in a construction environment preferred
  • Must be able to meet physical requirement of the position
  • Must be able to work nights and weekends, if necessary
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
  • Must be able to pass drug, background, DOT & MVR screenings

Working conditions
While performing duties, the employee will work primarily in the field. The employee may be required to work outdoors in all types of weather and may be exposed to dust, fluctuating temperatures, and periodic high noise levels.
Physical requirements
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk, and hear.
Travel
The employee may be required to travel to other project sites in different states to assist with new project start up. Travel may be for up to a 14-day period
This is a full time position and will be eligible for our comprehensive benefits plan that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401K.

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