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Horizontal Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Essel

Horizontal Directional Driller

Manassas, VA · On-site

$24.25 - $30/hr

Lead and operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for installation of pipelines, cables, and conduits. * Interpret blueprints and drilling plans to accurately execute drilling paths.

Essel

Horizontal Directional Driller

Manassas, VA · On-site

$24.25 - $30/hr

Lead and operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for installation of pipelines, cables, and conduits. * Interpret blueprints and drilling plans to accurately execute drilling paths.

Essel

Horizontal Directional Driller

Manassas, VA · On-site

$24.25 - $30/hr

Lead and operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for installation of pipelines, cables, and conduits. * Interpret blueprints and drilling plans to accurately execute drilling paths.

Hire Virtue

Bore Operator

Conyers, GA

$22/hr

Operate horizontal drilling machines and related heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, water trucks, and dump trucks to perform underground boring tasks. * Prepare ...

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Horizontal Drilling information

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$14

$27

$43

How much do horizontal drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.

Is horizontal drilling a good career?

Horizontal drilling is a specialized skill in the oil and gas industry that offers steady employment and competitive wages. It requires technical knowledge, physical stamina, and often certification, with job opportunities available in energy-producing regions. The career can be stable but depends on industry demand and market conditions.

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.

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 tools and safety training can earn higher wages, especially in high-demand regions or with overtime work.

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.

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.

How do I become a horizontal driller?

To become a horizontal driller, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn drilling techniques and safety procedures. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in construction or heavy equipment operation, and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve job prospects.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,259 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator

Essel

Stockton, CA • On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Title:

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 responsible for accurately locating underground utilities and guiding the horizontal directional drilling operations to ensure precise installation and avoid utility conflicts. This position requires strong knowledge of utility locating practices, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with drilling crews.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Use specialized equipment to detect and mark underground utilities prior to and during horizontal directional drilling operations.
  • Collaborate closely with drill operators and project managers to provide real-time utility location data and guidance.
  • Read and interpret project plans, utility maps, and as-built drawings.
  • Maintain accurate records of utility locations and any discrepancies encountered during drilling.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and project specifications.
  • Assist in troubleshooting utility conflicts and provide solutions to minimize project disruptions.
  • Provide clear communication to the crew regarding underground obstacles and safety concerns.
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous experience in utility locating, especially related to horizontal directional drilling operations preferred.
  • Proficient with utility locating equipment such as electromagnetic locators and ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
  • Strong understanding of underground utility systems (electric, gas, water, telecom, fiber).
  • Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and physically demanding environments.

Requirements

  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and industry best practices.
  • Experience in construction or utility industries is a strong plus.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime as needed.
  • Strong commitment to safety and accuracy.

If you are a proactive professional looking to contribute to critical infrastructure projects, apply to join Essel’s HDD team today.

Benefits

  • Consistent work opportunities across multiple projects
  • Weekly pay
  • Opportunity for overtime
  • Room for advancement into skilled trades