CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap subsurface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
Download graphic

Median pay

$59,600
Median annual pay for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

2.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

1,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

18,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

+500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Administration and Management
  3. 3Transportation
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Design
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Multilimb Coordination
  4. 4Reaction Time
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Depth Perception

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  4. 4Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Freedom to Make Decisions
  5. 5Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  6. 6Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Representative tasks

  • Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
  • Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
  • Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.
  • Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
  • Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.
  • Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
  • Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.
  • Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyGlobal positioning system GPS software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.