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Career Profile

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

What they do:

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.

Also Called:

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, 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

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$37,440
Starting Salary (2025)
$51,530
Median Salary (2025)
2.9%
Projected Job Growth
370
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.
Record drilling progress and geological data.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
Stress Tolerance
Initiative
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Equipment Maintenance
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 73%
  • Less than high school 15%
  • Post-secondary certificate 12%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Helpers--Extraction Workers
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.