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Underground Drill Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bureau of Reclamation

Drill Rig Operator

Billings, MT · On-site +1

$41.56 - $48.49/hr

  • PTO

Billings, Montana Learn more about this agency Duties Help The major duties of the Drill Rig Operator position include, but are not limited to, the following: - Conduct all types of drilling that ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Bore Rig Operator

Ardmore, OK

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground ... The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Bore Rig Operator

Lawton, OK

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground ... The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a ...

HireNow Staffing

Foundation Drill Operator

Elk River, MN

$50K - $90K/hr

Foundation Drill Rig Operator Company: HireNow Staffing (Direct Placement Partner) HireNow Snapshot HireNow Staffing is actively recruiting a seasoned Foundation Drill Rig Operator to join one of our ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Bore Rig Operator

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground ... The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Bore Rig Operator

Lawton, OK · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground ... The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Bore Rig Operator

Ardmore, OK · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground ... The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a ...

Maxsim Traffic Logistics

Bore Rig Operator

Acampo, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

A bore rig operator's duties include safely operating and maintaining drilling equipment to create ... In directional drilling, they must first verify the bore path and mark all existing underground ...

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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 Aug 16, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% 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.

Drill Rig Operator - Test Borings

Soil Testing, Inc

Oxford, CT • On-site

$27 - $34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Experienced Drill Rig Operator for Test Borings.

Job Details:
  • The ideal candidate MUST be experienced in all phases of test borings with at least 5 years of drill rig operation.
  • Including experience in: hollow stem auger, rock coring, mud rotary drilling, split spoon, and Shelby tube sampling.
  • Keeping accurate boring logs with the ability to describe soil types using the Burmister and or unified classification system.
  • Experience in operating other heavy equipment such as Backhoe, Excavator, Skid steer, is a plus.
  • MUST have CDL - A or B.