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Pipe Bursting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator - Pipe Bursting / Underground Utilities Position Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment and supporting trenchless pipe bursting operations for ...

Execute underground plumbing projects including boring, pipe bursting, and liner installations * Diagnose and resolve underground drainage and sewer issues with precision and efficiency * Ensure all ...

Plumbing Install Lead

San Bernardino, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $170K/yr

Execute underground plumbing projects including boring, pipe bursting, and liner installations * Diagnose and resolve underground drainage and sewer issues with precision and efficiency * Ensure all ...

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Pipe Bursting information

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How much do pipe bursting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe bursting in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pipe bursting?

A Pipe Bursting job involves replacing old or damaged underground pipes without traditional trenching. This method uses a bursting head to break apart the existing pipe while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place. It's commonly used for sewer, water, and gas lines, minimizing surface disruption. Pipe bursting is efficient, cost-effective, and ideal for areas where trenching is impractical.

What does someone in pipe bursting do?

Daily responsibilities in pipe bursting often include setting up and operating pipe bursting equipment, preparing work sites, inspecting existing pipelines, and ensuring all safety protocols are followed. Workers also collaborate closely with crews to locate utilities, oversee the insertion of new piping, and restore work areas once the job is completed. The role requires a mix of hands-on technical work and careful coordination with team members and supervisors to ensure projects are completed safely and on schedule. Attention to quality control and proactive communication are essential to prevent disruptions and maintain high standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for pipe bursting?

To thrive in Pipe Bursting, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of underground utility systems, and experience with trenchless pipe replacement, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized pipe bursting equipment, safety regulations, and certifications such as OSHA are typically necessary. Attention to detail, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set top professionals apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise replacement of underground pipes in a variety of challenging environments.

What cities are hiring for Pipe Bursting jobs?

Cities with the most Pipe Bursting job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pipe Bursting jobs?

The most popular types of Pipe Bursting jobs are:

What states have the most Pipe Bursting jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pipe Bursting jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Pipe Bursting jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Pipe Bursting jobs are:

Infographic showing various Pipe Bursting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,073 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Trenchless Pipe Bursting Foreman

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Trenchless Pipe Bursting Foreman


Company Name: DL Glover Utilities

Location: Houston, TX

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Pay Scale: $26.00+ Per Hour

Industry: Underground Utility Construction, Trenchless Rehabilitation, Water and Wastewater Pipelines


Position Summary

DL Glover Utilities is seeking an experienced Trenchless Pipe Bursting Foreman to lead field crews performing trenchless rehabilitation and replacement of water and wastewater pipelines. The Foreman will be responsible for daily field operations, crew productivity, safety, equipment utilization, quality control, and coordination with project management and inspectors.


The ideal candidate will have hands on experience with static and hydraulic pipe bursting operations and a strong understanding of underground utility construction.


Key Responsibilities

  • Crew Leadership: Lead and supervise pipe bursting crews and daily field operations.
  • Trenchless Execution: Plan and execute static and hydraulic pipe bursting operations.
  • Pit and Bypass Management: Coordinate launching and receiving pits, excavation, shoring, bypass operations, service connections, and restoration.
  • Specialized Equipment Oversight: Operate and oversee pipe bursting equipment, including bursting machines, hydraulic power units, rods and stems, expanders, winches, and related equipment.
  • Plan and Blueprint Literacy: Read and understand construction plans, profiles, specifications, work orders, and utility drawings.
  • Pre Execution Verification: Verify pipe sizes, depths, alignments, access locations, and existing utility conflicts before beginning work.
  • Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate daily activities with project managers, superintendents, inspectors, subcontractors, and other crews.
  • Production and Quality Control: Ensure crews meet daily and weekly production goals while maintaining quality and safety standards.
  • Field Communication: Identify field conflicts or changed conditions and immediately communicate them to project management.
  • Operational Reporting: Maintain accurate daily documentation of labor, equipment, materials, production quantities, delays, and field conditions.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Ensure equipment is properly inspected, maintained, and operated.
  • Safety Enforcement: Enforce company safety policies, OSHA requirements, trench and excavation safety procedures, and confined space requirements.
  • Daily Safety Meetings: Conduct daily safety meetings, Job Hazard Analyses JHAs, and ensure proper PPE is used.
  • Resource Planning: Coordinate material and equipment needs in advance to prevent production delays.
  • Professional Representation: Maintain a professional working relationship with owners, inspectors, residents, and other stakeholders.
  • Crew Development: Assist with training and developing operators, laborers, and other crew members.


What You Need to Succeed (Qualifications)

  • Required
  • Field Leadership Experience: Previous experience as a Foreman, Lead Operator, or Crew Leader in underground utilities.
  • Pipe Bursting Mastery: Hands on knowledge of static and hydraulic pipe bursting systems.
  • Trade Fluency: Strong understanding of sanitary sewer, waterline, and underground utility construction.
  • Blueprint Reading: Ability to read plans, profiles, and utility drawings.
  • Technical Execution: Knowledge of excavation, trench safety, shoring, bypass pumping, HDPE installation, service reconnections, and restoration.
  • Troubleshooting Ability: Ability to troubleshoot equipment and field conditions in real time.
  • Core Competencies: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Logistics Infrastructure: Valid driver license required.
  • Preferred
  • Industry Tenure: 5 plus years of underground utility construction experience preferred.
  • Trenchless Experience: 3 plus years of dedicated pipe bursting or trenchless construction experience strongly preferred.
  • Commercial Driving Credential: Valid Commercial Driver License CDL preferred.
  • Safety Certifications: Active OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 and Competent Person certifications preferred.


Performance Expectations

  • The Trenchless Pipe Bursting Foreman will be accountable for safe operations, crew productivity, quality workmanship, equipment care, accurate daily reporting, and completing assigned work within the project schedule and budget.
  • This is a hands on leadership position. The Foreman is expected to understand the pipe bursting process from setup through completion and be capable of directing the crew effectively in changing field conditions.


Compensation and Benefits

  • Top Tier Earnings: Starting pay of $26.00+ per hour, customized based directly on industry experience and specialized trenchless capabilities.
  • Full Time Career Stability: Year round, full time employment with a growing utility contractor.
  • Ongoing Development: Professional development, certifications, and career advancement opportunities.


About DL Glover Utilities

DL Glover Utilities is a trusted provider of underground utility construction and trenchless pipeline rehabilitation services. We take pride in delivering precision engineering, top quality workmanship, and an uncompromising commitment to jobsite safety.


DL Glover Utilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection decisions are based purely on job related capabilities and technical utility performance records.