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Horizontal Drill Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Horizontal Directional Driller

Manassas, VA · On-site

$24.25 - $30/hr

Horizontal Directional Driller Company: Essel Job Overview: Essel is seeking a skilled Horizontal ... Identify and troubleshoot problems during drill operations to minimize delays. * Adhere to all ...

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Horizontal Drill information

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$13

$27

$51

How much do horizontal drill jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for horizontal drill 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 is the difference between Horizontal Drill vs Vertical Drill?

AspectHorizontal DrillVertical Drill
CredentialsTypically requires similar certifications such as CDL or specialized drilling licensesSame as Horizontal Drill, often the same certifications apply
Work EnvironmentOperates in horizontal underground or surface pathways, often in oil, gas, or construction projectsOperates vertically, drilling deep into the ground for various purposes like water, mineral, or oil extraction
Industry UsageCommon in oil & gas, construction, and environmental drillingUsed in mining, water well drilling, and geotechnical investigations

Horizontal Drill and Vertical Drill are both essential in drilling operations but differ mainly in orientation and application. Horizontal drilling allows for underground pathways, minimizing surface disruption, while vertical drilling penetrates straight down for resource extraction or testing. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right drilling method for specific projects.

How do I become a horizontal drill?

To become a horizontal drill operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with drilling equipment, safety protocols, and physical fitness are important for success in this role.

How much does a horizontal drill make?

A horizontal drill operator typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in underground or directional drilling can earn higher wages, especially in construction or energy sectors.
More about Horizontal Drill jobs

What cities are hiring for Horizontal Drill jobs?

Cities with the most Horizontal Drill job openings:

What states have the most Horizontal Drill jobs?

States with the most job openings for Horizontal Drill jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Horizontal Drill jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Horizontal Drill jobs are:

Horizontal Drill jobs near you

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

UNDERWAY FIBERAXIS LLC

Saint Petersburg, FL • On-site

$33/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Company housing
  • Company gas card
  • Company car
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

VETERNAN OWED BUSINESS
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Directional Drill Operator (HDD Operator) to join our underground fiber construction team in Florida. We are working in various position This position will support Sedulous Broadband LLC fiber infrastructure projects utilizing Hexatronic systems and materials.
The Directional Drill Operator will be responsible for safely and efficiently operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit and microduct for fiber-optic infrastructure.
We are looking for someone who understands underground utility construction, can work productively with a locator and ground crew, takes care of equipment, and can consistently complete accurate bores while following project specifications and safety requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for underground fiber-optic construction.
  • Perform pilot bores, reaming, and product pullback operations.
  • Install conduit, duct, and Hexatronic microduct systems according to project requirements.
  • Work closely with the HDD locator to maintain proper bore depth, pitch, alignment, and path.
  • Read and understand construction prints, bore plans, utility maps, and project specifications.
  • Conduct pre-job walkouts and identify proposed bore paths and potential obstacles.
  • Assist with potholing and exposing existing utilities when required.
  • Maintain appropriate separation from existing utilities and infrastructure.
  • Monitor drilling conditions and make adjustments based on soil conditions, utilities, and job-site conditions.
  • Properly mix and manage drilling fluid when required.
  • Inspect the drill and supporting equipment before and after operation.
  • Report equipment problems, damage, or maintenance needs immediately.
  • Assist with loading, unloading, setup, and breakdown of drilling equipment.
  • Coordinate with locators, laborers, supervisors, inspectors, and other project personnel.
  • Protect existing utilities, landscaping, roads, driveways, sidewalks, and customer property.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area.
  • Follow company, project, OSHA, utility-owner, and job-site safety requirements.
  • Assist the crew with handholes, conduit, restoration, and general underground construction duties when drilling operations are complete or temporarily stopped.
  • Complete assigned production documentation and provide accurate information regarding completed footage and work performed.
Qualifications
Required:

  • Previous experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment.
  • Experience with underground utility, telecommunications, broadband, or fiber-optic construction.
  • Ability to safely perform directional bores in active utility environments.
  • Ability to read construction prints and understand bore routes.
  • Knowledge of HDD drilling procedures, tooling, rods, reamers, and product pullback.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the locator and ground crew.
  • Ability to work outdoors in Florida weather and changing job-site conditions.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding construction work when needed.
  • Ability to work extended hours and Saturdays when required by production or project schedules.
  • Dependable transportation and reliable attendance.
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving history for employees operating company vehicles.
Preferred:

  • Experience with Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipment.
  • Experience with Digitrak F2, F5, or comparable locating systems.
  • Previous fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) or broadband construction experience.
  • Experience installing conduit or microduct systems.
  • Experience working around handholes, pedestals, vaults, and underground telecommunications infrastructure.
  • CDL or experience towing construction equipment is a plus.
Physical Requirements
Candidates must be able to:
  • Work outdoors for extended periods.
  • Lift and carry construction materials, tools, and equipment.
  • Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, push, and pull.
  • Work around mud, dust, noise, traffic, heavy equipment, and varying terrain.
  • Safely work in hot and humid Florida conditions.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for operators who take pride in their work and understand that a successful bore requires more than simply operating the machine.
The right candidate will be safety-conscious, dependable, production-focused, mechanically responsible, and able to communicate effectively with the entire drilling crew.
Operators are expected to respect the equipment, protect existing utilities, follow the designated bore path, communicate with their locator, and produce quality work without sacrificing safety.
Schedule
This is a field-based construction position. Work schedules may vary depending on project requirements, weather, inspections, production goals, and customer requirements.
Candidates should be prepared for:
  • Full-time field work
  • Early mornings
  • Extended workdays when necessary
  • Occasional Saturday work
  • Travel within assigned Florida project areas
  • Changing job locations as the fiber build progresses
Join the Team
If you have HDD experience and are looking for an opportunity to work on a growing fiber-optic infrastructure project in Florida, we encourage you to apply.
We are looking for experienced operators who can help our crews complete safe, accurate, and productive underground fiber installations.