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Underground Drill Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advatix, Inc.

FOUNDATION DRILL RIG OPERATOR

Elk River, MN · On-site

$50K - $90K/yr

FOUNDATION DRILL RIG OPERATOR Client : Confidential Client (Construction) | Location : Elk River, Minnesota (Onsite) Compensation : $50,000 - $90,000 Qualifications: Actual drill rig operation ...

Appalachian Drilling Company LLC

Be Seen First

Vertical Drill Rig Operator

China Grove, NC · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Appalachian Drilling Company is seeking a highly skilled and safety-focused Drill Rig Operator to join our deep foundations team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating heavy rotary ...

Advatix, Inc.

FOUNDATION DRILL RIG OPERATOR

Elk River, MN · On-site

$50K - $90K/yr

FOUNDATION DRILL RIG OPERATOR Client : Confidential Client (Construction) | Location : Elk River, Minnesota (Onsite) Compensation : $50,000 - $90,000 Qualifications: ​Actual drill rig operation ...

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All JobsUnderground Drill Rig Operator Jobs

Underground Drill Rig Operator information

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$13

$27

$51

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground 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 an Underground Drill Rig Operator?

An Underground Drill Rig Operator is a skilled worker responsible for operating drilling machines in underground mines or construction sites. Their main tasks include setting up, maintaining, and controlling drill rigs to bore holes for blasting, exploration, or extraction purposes. Operators must follow strict safety procedures and often work in challenging conditions, such as confined spaces and variable underground environments. They play a crucial role in mining operations, ensuring that drilling is performed accurately and efficiently.

What are some typical challenges faced by underground drill rig operators, and how are they managed on the job?

Underground drill rig operators often work in confined and challenging environments where maintaining safety and equipment efficiency is critical. Common challenges include navigating limited visibility, managing equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols due to potential hazards like rockfalls or gas leaks. Operators typically address these issues by participating in regular safety briefings, following detailed operational procedures, and maintaining constant communication with their team and supervisors. Adaptability and quick problem-solving skills are essential for successfully overcoming these challenges while keeping production on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underground Drill Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Drill Rig Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling techniques, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant industry certifications. Familiarity with drilling machinery, computerized drilling controls, and safety management systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations in challenging underground environments.

What is the difference between Underground Drill Rig Operator vs Surface Drill Rig Operator?

AspectUnderground Drill Rig OperatorSurface Drill Rig Operator
Work EnvironmentUnderground mining sites, confined spacesOpen-pit or surface mining locations
CertificationsMine safety and operation certifications, underground safety trainingSurface mining safety certifications, equipment operation licenses
Job ResponsibilitiesDrilling in underground tunnels, maintaining underground equipmentDrilling on surface sites, setting up surface drilling rigs
Industry UsageCommon in underground mining operationsCommon in open-pit and surface mining industries

Underground Drill Rig Operators and Surface Drill Rig Operators both operate drilling equipment but differ mainly in work environment and specific safety certifications. Underground operators work in confined underground spaces, requiring specialized underground safety training, while surface operators work outdoors on open sites. Both roles are essential in mining but serve different operational needs.

More about Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs
What states have the most Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs are:
Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Drill Rig Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Drill Rig Operator

Hydro Resources Holding

Las Cruces, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Drill Rig Operator

Summary

Driller for irrigation, commercial, industrial, and municipal water wells.


Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the safe and accurate set up of rig and all equipment.
  • Operate drilling rig and associated equipment to drill commercial and industrial water wells, install well heads, well screen, casing, gravel pack and cement grout, and other well fixtures.
  • Document geological formations encountered.
  • Clean and disinfect water wells in preparation for use.
  • Perform routine mechanical maintenance work on drilling rig and equipment.
  • Maintenance of rigs.
  • Must report any and all unsafe conditions.
  • Expected to engage in the safety process and report to Supervisor any time a situation is deemed unsafe.
  • To support / encourage others to help develop a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Supervision and training of crews for underground projects.
  • Client contact on job sites.
  • Operation and maintenance of all pump division equipment, including video van, sonar jet operations, testing and testing equipment and cranes.


Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Knowledge of types of casing.
  • Knowledge of drill string.
  • Knowledge of thread types.
  • Knowledge of working derricks and drill floor.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Requires willingness to work a flexible schedule.
  • Clean driving record.
  • CDL preferable.
  • Knowledge of Well Control systems and methods – current well control certification desired.


Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Medical insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled, E-Verify Employer

As part of the pre-employment hiring process at Hydro Resources Holding, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all candidates will be required to undergo background check and drug screening.

External Company URL: Hydro Resources | Groundwater Exploration and Production (https://hydroresources.com/)