An earth driller operates drilling equipment to bore holes into the ground for construction, water wells, and geothermal projects. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Earth drillers operate and maintain drilling rigs and equipment to bore holes into soil and rock. You inspect equipment and materials before and during work, control machines and drilling processes, and identify problems as they arise. You also repair and maintain mechanical equipment on site, operate vehicles and mechanized devices, and gather information from supervisors and crew members. The work requires knowledge of mechanical systems, transportation, public safety, and design principles to keep operations running safely and efficiently.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas earn a median of $60,190 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 1,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most earth drillers start with a high school diploma or equivalent and learn on the job. You will begin as a helper or assistant, working alongside experienced drillers to understand equipment operation, safety protocols, and drilling techniques. Many employers provide on-the-job training that teaches you to operate specific rigs and handle the mechanical and administrative tasks the role demands. Some workers pursue vocational or technical training programs that cover drilling operations and equipment maintenance, which can speed your entry and advancement.
Most earth drillers move into the role through on-the-job training or a vocational program after high school. If you are deciding between those paths or mapping out your next step, Pathly can map the earth driller, except oil and gas path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a plan that fits your timeline.
Many earth driller, except oil and gass must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to hands-on work with machines and equipment. You think through problems, stay alert to detail, and communicate clearly with your crew. You learn by doing and adapt as conditions change on site.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).