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Also known as: Auger Operator, Blast Driller, Blast Hole Driller, Boring Machine Operator
You pull into the dusty job site in North Phoenix before dawn, the city lights just beginning to fade. Your breath mists in the cool desert air as you gear up: steel-toed boots, thick gloves, safety glasses, and your hard hat. "Morning, Mike," you nod to your driller's helper, already checking the fuel on the Geoprobe 7822DT rig. Today's plan involves several soil borings for a new commercial development. You review the schematic, mentally mapping the first drill locations.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+3.6%
US average: +3.5%
1,400
per year (US)
19,500
in 2025 → 20,200 (2035)
High school diploma or equivalent
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The job outlook for Earth Drillers is stable, with about 1,400 openings each year and a median annual wage of around $60,190. With experience, you can move into roles like a Drilling Supervisor or Project Foreman, overseeing drilling operations and teams.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$60,190
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Well Drilling/Driller
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Construction Technology
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years
Construction Technology
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years