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Horizontal Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator

Stockton, CA

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) Locator Job Summary: Essel is looking for a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator to join our team. In this role, you will be ...

Essel

Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) Locator Job Summary: Essel is looking for a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator to join our team. In this role, you will be ...

Essel

Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) Locator Job Summary: Essel is looking for a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator to join our team. In this role, you will be ...

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Horizontal Drilling information

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$43

How much do horizontal drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for horizontal drilling in the United States is $27.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Horizontal Drilling Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horizontal Drilling Operator, you generally need experience in drilling operations, knowledge of geotechnical principles, and a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) rigs, tracking systems, and safety protocols is critical, with many employers preferring candidates certified in OSHA safety standards. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and minimize costly errors in complex underground environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in horizontal drilling, and how can they be addressed?

Horizontal drilling professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining wellbore stability, managing drilling fluid losses, and accurately steering the drill bit along planned trajectories. These issues can be addressed through thorough pre-drill planning, using advanced downhole monitoring technology, and collaborating closely with geologists and engineers to adjust drilling parameters in real time. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team helps ensure that technical problems are quickly identified and resolved, contributing to the safe and efficient completion of projects.

What does a horizontal driller do?

A horizontal driller operates specialized equipment to create underground tunnels or boreholes that run horizontally beneath the surface. They plan and execute drilling projects, often working with surveyors and using tools like drill rigs and guidance systems to ensure precise placement. This role requires technical skills, knowledge of soil conditions, and safety awareness in construction or utility installation environments.

How much does a horizontal driller make?

Horizontal drillers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled drillers with specialized equipment knowledge may earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for underground infrastructure projects.

What is horizontal drilling?

Horizontal drilling is a technique used in the oil and gas industry to drill wells that start vertically and then turn horizontally to access resources spread out in layers underground. This method allows companies to reach more of the resource with fewer surface disruptions, making operations more efficient and environmentally friendly. Horizontal drilling is commonly used in combination with hydraulic fracturing to extract oil and natural gas from shale formations. It has revolutionized the industry by increasing production rates and making previously inaccessible reserves recoverable.

How much do directional drillers make?

Directional drillers in the United States typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers and those in high-demand regions earning higher wages. Compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects, often including overtime and benefits.

What is the difference between Horizontal Drilling vs Vertical Drilling?

AspectHorizontal DrillingVertical Drilling
CredentialsDrilling certifications, OSHA safety trainingSame as horizontal, often includes additional geotechnical knowledge
Work EnvironmentUnderground or at surface, often in oil & gas or utilitiesPrimarily underground or at surface, used in oil, gas, and mineral extraction
Industry UsageOil & gas, utilities, geothermalOil & gas, mineral exploration, water wells

Horizontal Drilling and Vertical Drilling share similar credentials and work environments, especially in the oil and gas industry. The main difference lies in the drilling direction: horizontal drilling extends laterally to access more resources, while vertical drilling goes straight down. Both roles require specialized skills and certifications, but horizontal drilling often involves more complex equipment and techniques.

More about Horizontal Drilling jobs
What cities are hiring for Horizontal Drilling jobs? Cities with the most Horizontal Drilling job openings:
What states have the most Horizontal Drilling jobs? States with the most job openings for Horizontal Drilling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Horizontal Drilling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Horizontal Drilling jobs are:
Horizontal Drilling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horizontal Drilling job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,259 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator / Locator

Advanced Directional Drilling Solutions

Daytona Beach, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job description


Advanced Directional Drilling, Inc. is seeking a reliable, honest, hard-working Horizontal Drilling Operator / Locator for the East Coast Florida area! Must possess good problem- solving skills and be adaptable. Horizontal Drilling Operator / Locators are responsible for running a variety of tasks associated with underground construction. Will operate heavy equipment and tools associated with construction activities. Must maintain and operate equipment per safety and company guidelines.
The primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Operator/Driller Responsibilities:

  • Operate horizontal directional drill rig (HDD)
  • Operate excavation equipment (backhoe, trencher, hydro-vac, etc.)
  • Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment safely at all times
  • Report vehicle and equipment maintenance requirements to construction manager
  • Repair damaged equipment as directed by the project superintendent
  • Document deficiencies in safety practices/equipment to business unit lead
  • Must be able to communicate with others to convey information effectively.
  • Maintain positive public relations (interact with the customer/public in a courteous manner)
Locator Responsibilities:

  • Walk and confirm bore path, spot utilities
  • Perform job site analysis (JSA) including completion of paperwork
  • Ensure there are proper clearances to install the product per standards and company policies
  • Record the depth of the tool head as required
  • Ensure the drill head is in a good position at the exit pit to connect the product
  • Conducts foreman responsibilities, such as overseeing laborers and/or crew member's work and monitors productivity
  • Oversee laborers and/or crew member’s work and monitor time usage is productive
  • Able to follow and complete tasks assigned by the business unit lead
  • Make sure job site is Safe for employee’s and pedestrians
  • Ensure one call tickets are current
  • Able to read specs and prints
Qualifications:

  • Preferred 2+ years of related experience as a horizontal directional drill rig operator and backhoe operator. Ability to develop bore path plan to ensure all utilities located
  • Preferred 1+ year experience with Falcon F5 Locator;
  • Various related equipment operating experience required, such as mini excavator, Vac Truck, etc
  • Inspect / maintain job equipment and tools
  • Have a clean driving record/; has a CDL license;
  • Must be able to travel thru out Florida with some overnight stay as necessary
  • Basic Computer Skills- e-mail, photo editing, maintain bore logs, red-line drawings, PDF Prints, Digi-mark Software, and basic Excel
Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 10 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person