ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Underground Drill Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

TD&I Cable

Underground Drill Operator

Cold Spring, MN

$24 - $30/hr

Description Job Overview The Underground Utility Drill Operator is responsible for operating directional drill rigs, locating equipment, and product support equipment. This role is crucial in the ...

TD&I Cable

Underground Drill Operator

Roberts, WI

$23 - $30/hr

Description Job Overview The Underground Utility Drill Operator is responsible for operating directional drill rigs, locating equipment, and product support equipment. This role is crucial in the ...

Tetra Tech, Inc.

LFG Drilling Rig Operator

Richfield, OH · On-site

$75/day

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 ...

GridSource

Directional Drill Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

As a Directional Drill Operator, you play a crucial role in the installation of underground conduit ... Performs proper maintenance of directional drill rig and mini excavator by greasing, oiling, and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsUnderground Drill Rig Operator Jobs

Underground Drill Rig Operator information

See salary details

$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.

Directional Bore Rig Operator

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Broken Arrow, OK

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a drill rig for longer than six months, operating excavating equipment, drilling various types of soil - including rock, handling various types of pipe and PVC, and maintaining customer standards for installation no matter the circumstances. The Bore Rig Operator will also be expected to hand dig in various situations - including across located utilities, in highly congested areas, or in areas where equipment cannot access. They will also need to have knowledge of using a Vactron, and mixing bore mud products, or be willing to learn.

Qualifications

  • Experience with directional bore rigs and locating
  • Ability to effectively lead a crew
  • Willing to travel when necessary
  • Must have, or be eligible to obtain, a Class A CDL

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers' confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team includes:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program 
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Servant Leadership Training
  • Uniforms and PPE provided

Apply