How much does a earth driller make?

In the United States, pay can differ with experience, useful licenses or certificates, the employer, and location. More complex drilling tasks and longer work hours can also affect what people earn.

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.

What's a typical day like?

They set up and run drills, checking a hole’s depth and direction as they clear away cuttings or dust. They may pump water to cool the drill bit, record underground layers, and maintain the machine.

In the United States, a high school diploma or GED is usual, followed by on-the-job training that can last from a few days to a year. You can also train through an apprenticeship in well drilling or horizontal directional drilling.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some U.S. earth drillers bore holes so crews can use explosives in mining or construction—not just to find water.