OCCUPATIONAL
PROFILE
Earth Driller, Except Oil and Gas
(47-5021.00)

At-a-Glance Statistics
Sample Blast Hole Driller, Diamond Driller, Drill Operator, Driller, Hard Rock Drill Operator,
Highwall Drill Operator, Rock Drill Operator, Underground Drill Operator, Water
Well Driller, Well Driller
Job Titles
Key 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.
•	Monitor drilling operations, checking gauges and listening to equipment to
assess drilling conditions and to determine the need to adjust drilling or alter
equipment.
•	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.
•	Document geological formations encountered during work.
•	Drive trucks, tractors, or truck-mounted drills to and from work sites.
•	Assemble and position machines, augers, casing pipes, and other
equipment, using hand and power tools.
•	Record drilling progress and geological data.
•	Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.
All data sourced from O'NET OnLine (2018) https./Avww onetonline.org/.

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Education and Training Top Industries
High school
diploma or
equivalent
73%
Less than high
school diploma
15%
Post-secondary
certificate
12%
Median Wages
Hourly
$21.36
EH
Annually
$44,430
ft
Construction
Mining, Quarrying, and
Oil and Gas Extraction
Number Employed

19,000 positions
3,900 job openings
Top Ten States for Occupational Percentage Growth
WY CO CT FL MN CA SC TX ID AK

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