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Horizontal Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$300 - $350/day

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Cincinnati, OH

$350/day

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

New

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Denver, CO

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Columbus, OH

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

New

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Denver, CO

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Portland, OR

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Mears Group, Inc.

DRILL OPERATOR

Henderson, CO · On-site

$36 - $38/hr

HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL OPERATOR We are looking to hire a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator in Henderson CO.. As a Driller, you will be responsible for operating the drilling equipment used ...

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$300 - $350/day

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Salem, OR

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Columbus, OH

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

New

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Seattle, WA

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Vancouver, WA

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Portland, OR

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

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All JobsHorizontal Drill Operator Jobs

Horizontal Drill Operator information

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$13

$27

$51

How much do horizontal drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 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.

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.

Is directional drilling a good career?

Horizontal drill operators often work in the oil and gas industry, using specialized equipment to drill underground tunnels with precision. The career can be stable with opportunities for advancement, but it requires technical skills, physical endurance, and safety training. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional activity levels.
More about Horizontal Drill Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Horizontal Drill Operator jobs? Cities with the most Horizontal Drill Operator job openings:
What states have the most Horizontal Drill Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Horizontal Drill Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Horizontal Drill Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Horizontal Drill Operator jobs are:
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 40% Full Time, 58% 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 Directional Drill Operator

Quality Enterprises USA Inc

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 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.

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