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.
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
SOC: 47-5023 O*NET: 47-5023.00
Median Salary
$59,600
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.9%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$35,760
25th
$47,680
50th (Median)
$59,600
75th
$71,520
90th
$89,400
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:18,300
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.9%
Annual Openings:1,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)18,300
Current
2034 (Projected)18,800
+2.9%
+500
Employment Change
+2.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Equipment Maintenance
Equipment Maintenance
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Equipment Selection
Equipment Selection
✓
Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis
✓
Coordination
Coordination
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Mechanical
✓
Administration and Management
✓
Transportation
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Design
Education & Training
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year