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Rotary Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member IV

Lenexa, KS · On-site

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Fugro

Driller - Land

Houston, TX · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Experience with hollow stem auger, hollow rotary wash, and air rotary drilling * Experience with rock coring and geotechnical sampling * Ability to complete Basic Plus training, obtain TWIC card, CLD ...

ConeTec

Mud Rotary & Auger (Driller)

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Set up and operate mud rotary drilling and auger equipment, sampling systems, geophysical instruments and other in-situ testing equipment following ConeTec's procedures in a safe and productive ...

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Rotary Drilling information

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$14

$27

$43

How much do rotary drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for rotary 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 is the difference between Rotary Drilling vs Drilling Operator?

AspectRotary DrillingDrilling Operator
CredentialsCertifications in oil & gas or mining, technical trainingOn-the-job training, technical skills
Work EnvironmentOil rigs, mining sites, construction sitesOil rigs, drilling sites, industrial settings
Industry UsageOil & gas, mining, constructionOil & gas, mining, construction
Job RoleOperate drilling equipment, assist in drilling operationsOperate and monitor drilling machinery, perform maintenance

Both Rotary Drilling and Drilling Operator roles are essential in the drilling industry, often overlapping in work environment and industry usage. Rotary Drilling typically involves more specialized technical skills and certifications, focusing on operating complex drilling systems, while Drilling Operators handle day-to-day machinery operation and maintenance. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the drilling industry.

What is a rotary drilling job?

A rotary drilling job involves operating drilling equipment to bore holes into the ground for purposes such as oil and gas extraction, water wells, or mineral exploration. Workers in this role typically handle heavy machinery, follow safety protocols, and may need certifications like OSHA training or specialized technical skills. The job often requires working outdoors in challenging environments and may involve shift work or long hours.

What is a rotary drilling operator?

Rotary drilling operators are professionals who operate and control drilling equipment to bore holes for oil and gas extraction, water wells, or other purposes. They set up and maintain drilling rigs, monitor drilling parameters, and ensure the safety and efficiency of drilling operations. Rotary drilling operators often work in challenging outdoor environments and must follow strict safety protocols. Their role is crucial in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and construction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rotary drilling operator?

To thrive as a Rotary Drilling Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring specialized training or certification. Familiarity with drilling rigs, heavy equipment, safety protocols, and digital monitoring systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring crew safety, and delivering successful drilling outcomes in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by rotary drilling operators, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Rotary drilling operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable subsurface conditions, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining safety protocols in demanding environments. To address these, operators rely on thorough pre-drilling site assessments, regular equipment maintenance, and adherence to strict safety guidelines. Collaboration with geologists, engineers, and safety officers is common to quickly resolve issues and ensure drilling operations proceed efficiently and safely. Ongoing training and communication within the team are also essential for managing unexpected situations.
More about Rotary Drilling jobs
What states have the most Rotary Drilling jobs? States with the most job openings for Rotary Drilling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rotary Drilling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rotary Drilling jobs are:
Rotary Drilling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rotary Drilling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% 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.

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

TERRACON

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located.From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 1-year experience.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
  • Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. When applicable, such licensure is required.
Preferred Certification and Skills:
  • Experience in
    • In-Situ test methods
    • Instrumentation Installation
    • Barge Drilling
    • Angle Drilling
    • Environmental Drilling
  • Regional Drilling Licensure
  • Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license.
  • The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
    • Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil.
    • Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
    • Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform basic surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks
    • Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
    • Work to independently inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

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