1

Trainee Drill Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Required Qualifications: • Drill rig operating experience and good working knowledge of the drill rig and the drilling process. Preferably Soilmec. • Good working knowledge of heavy construction ...

Operate a Soilmec drill rig. Supervise a crew of 2-4 employees. Train and mentor new employees ... Drill rig operating experience and good working knowledge of the drill rig and the drilling process.

Laborer/Drill Rig Helper

Oxford, CT · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Work as part of a 2-man crew to assist the Drill Rig Operator with Test Borings, Micro piles, and or Helical pile installations. * 95% of work is outdoors, is physically demanding, and you'll need to ...

Bore Rig Operator

Acampo, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Pre-drilling dutiesSite preparation: Before drilling, the operator is responsible for positioning the rig and associated equipment, such as mud pumps and generators, at the correct location. In ...

Showing results 41-60

Trainee Drill Rig Operator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$51

How much do trainee drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee drill rig operator 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 Trainee Drill Rig Operator vs Drilling Technician?

AspectTrainee Drill Rig OperatorDrilling Technician
CertificationsBasic safety and operation certificationsAdvanced certifications in drilling technology
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, learning on the jobOn-site and maintenance roles, supporting drilling operations
Job FocusLearning to operate drilling equipmentMaintaining and troubleshooting drilling machinery

The main difference is that a Trainee Drill Rig Operator is in training to operate drilling equipment, focusing on learning and gaining experience. A Drilling Technician has more technical responsibilities, including maintenance and troubleshooting, often requiring additional certifications. Both roles are essential in drilling operations but differ in experience level and job focus.

More about Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Drill Rig Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drill Rig Operator jobs? The most popular types of Drill Rig Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Trainee Drill Rig Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Operator - Drill Rig - T Line Drill Crew

Cobalt Civil, LLC

Winchester, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Operator - Drill Rig - T Line Drill Crew
Department: Operations
Reports To: Supervisor
Company: Cobalt Civil, LLC
Location: Winchester, IN
Job Type: Full-Time - Hourly
Effective Date: 7/30/2026
Position Summary
Cobalt Civil is seeking a skilled, safety-focused Drill Rig Operator to support our Transmission Line Drill Crew on utility infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest. This position is responsible for safely operating truck-mounted and track-mounted drill rigs used for transmission line foundation construction while assisting the crew with daily field operations.
The ideal candidate has experience operating drilling equipment, working around heavy construction equipment, and maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and productivity. This position requires frequent overnight travel and the ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Safely operate drill rigs and associated equipment used to construct transmission line foundations
  • Perform drilling operations according to project specifications, plans, and supervisor direction
  • Assist with drill setup, tear down, tooling changes, and equipment mobilization
  • Read plans, layouts, and grade information to accurately position and complete foundation locations
  • Work alongside laborers and equipment operators to support drilling, excavation, and concrete foundation activities
  • Load, unload, and organize tools, drill steel, augers, casings, and project materials
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance
  • Identify and report equipment issues requiring repair or maintenance
  • Follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and utility-specific safety procedures
  • Maintain clean, organized equipment and work areas
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and crew members to ensure safe and efficient operations
  • Travel Monday through Friday to project sites as required

Qualifications
  • Previous experience operating drill rigs or heavy construction equipment required
  • Experience in transmission line, utility, foundation, or civil construction preferred
  • Mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand drilling equipment and perform routine maintenance
  • Ability to interpret construction plans, layouts, and grade stakes preferred
  • Ability to work safely around underground and overhead utilities
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and perform physical labor as needed
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions
  • Strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to safety
  • Valid driver's license required
  • Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check

Preferred Qualifications
  • CDL Class A preferred
  • OSHA 10 certification preferred
  • Previous experience operating:
    • Altec or Texoma drill rigs
    • Track-mounted drill rigs
    • Foundation drilling equipment
  • Experience working on transmission line or utility infrastructure projects
  • Experience towing heavy equipment

Work Environment
This position works primarily outdoors on active utility construction sites with exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, noise, vibration, and heavy equipment. Overnight travel Monday through Friday, overtime, and occasional weekend work may be required based on project schedules.
Why Cobalt Civil
Cobalt Civil offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, and the opportunity to work on critical transmission infrastructure projects throughout the region. We are committed to providing a safe, team-oriented work environment where employees can build long-term careers in the utility construction industry.