Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas to increase by 3.6% between 2024 and 2034, from 19,500 to 20,200 jobs. Its estimate of 1,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($60,190), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (Less than 5 years) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
19,500
Projected employment (2034)
20,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
4%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,400
Pay & Preparation
$60,190
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
Long-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (4/5) • Operation and Control (3.88/5) • Critical Thinking (3.25/5) • Equipment Maintenance (3.25/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Speaking (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
Market data tells you what is happening.
SmartBid shows you where you fit.
Evaluate opportunities using demand, competition, client quality, and your experience—then focus your effort where you have the strongest chance to win.
Find my best opportunities