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Vertical Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Construction)

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Construction)

Argyle, NY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Quarry)

Montpelier, VT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Quarry)

Albany, NY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Quarry)

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Construction)

Rutland, VT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Quarry)

Watertown, NY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Construction)

Middlebury, VT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Construction)

New Haven, VT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Construction)

Lake George, NY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Quarry)

Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Construction)

Burlington, VT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

MDB Group

Drill Operator (Quarry)

Richmond, VT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About The Opportunity Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within ...

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Vertical Drill Operator information

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$13

$27

$51

How much do vertical drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for vertical drill 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 a vertical drill operator?

A Vertical Drill Operator is a skilled worker who operates and maintains drilling machines that create vertical holes in various materials, such as soil, rock, or concrete. These professionals are commonly employed in construction, mining, and oil and gas industries to facilitate projects like foundation work, exploration, or extraction. They are responsible for setting up the drilling equipment, monitoring the drilling process, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing routine maintenance on the machinery. Vertical Drill Operators often work as part of a larger team and must follow strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vertical drill operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vertical Drill Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant safety training. Familiarity with operating drilling rigs, computerized drilling controls, and maintenance tools is commonly required, and certifications such as OSHA or MSHA may be necessary for certain worksites. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and the prevention of costly mistakes or accidents.

What are some common challenges vertical drill operators face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Vertical Drill Operators often encounter challenges such as varying ground conditions, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining safety standards in changing environments. Navigating unexpected geological formations requires adaptability and problem-solving skills, while regular maintenance checks help prevent downtime due to mechanical issues. Proactive communication with site supervisors and adhering to safety protocols are essential for managing these challenges effectively. Operators who stay current with training and industry best practices tend to succeed in overcoming on-site obstacles.

What is the difference between Vertical Drill Operator vs Horizontal Drill Operator?

AspectVertical Drill OperatorHorizontal Drill Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, oil and gas fields, miningConstruction sites, oil and gas fields, mining
Job DutiesDrills vertical holes for foundations, blasting, or explorationDrills horizontal or angled holes for pipelines, utilities, or underground work

Both Vertical Drill Operators and Horizontal Drill Operators work in similar environments and require comparable certifications. The main difference lies in the drilling orientation: vertical versus horizontal. Vertical Drill Operators focus on vertical holes for foundational or exploration purposes, while Horizontal Drill Operators specialize in horizontal or angled drilling for utilities or pipeline installation. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How to become a vertical drill operator?

To become a vertical drill operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn operating procedures and safety protocols. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the industry and location, and familiarity with drilling equipment and safety standards is essential.

What are popular job titles related to Vertical Drill Operator jobs?

For Vertical Drill Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Vertical Drill Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Drill Operator (Construction)

Schenectady, NY • On-site

MDB Group
National Security • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about MDB Groupexternal

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About The Opportunity
Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within the drilling and blasting industry with a stable, growing, majority employee-owned company? If you answered YES to these questions, then we want to meet you!
If advancement is what you're looking for, we offer that also. Our learning and development opportunities are industry leading, and the formula for our success is centered on promotion from within.
Intrigued? Read on to learn more about specific opportunities to join our dedicated team.
Pay: $24-30/hr DOE, plus daily travel stipend!
Responsibilities:
  • Safely perform all construction or quarry drilling activity in accordance with the job program to achieve anticipated production.
  • Follow Safety Policies and Procedures
    Perform daily maintenance activities required for safe, efficient operation of assigned equipment, including Epiroc top hammer drills
    Understand different drill patterns and terminology then execute drill pattern and layout as established by the Blaster Foreman
  • Maximize the usage of all drill supplies
  • Inventory accessories, understand cost of accessories, maintenance drill accessories
  • Communicate problems and terrain conditions to the Blasting Supervisor
  • Understand the Field Accounting system and be able to accurately complete and submit timely drill reports, hole sheets, and signed timecards
  • Physical agility
  • Participate in meetings: Foreman's, safety, job specific, daily heads-up
  • Ability to work unsupervised while maintaining efficiency and safe work practices
  • Complete Driller I and Driller II training certifications
  • Other duties as assigned

About You
Qualifications
Must have 5+ years hydraulic equipment operating experience
Experience with Epiroc top hammer drills or similar preferred
Valid Driver's License with own reliable transportation, must be a truck.
Must have personal cell phone for communications
One year experience in the construction industry
Experience as a construction laborer
Must hold a high level of common sense relative to equipment and machinery operation
Mechanical aptitude based on past experience around equipment, motors, hydraulic, electrical systems, desired
Must be able to pass ATF screenings
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform essential functions of the position
Ability to lift 50 - 100 lbs., 30 - 40% of the time
Stooping and bending 30 - 40% of the time
Work on uneven and loose surfaces in varying weather environments
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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