Earth Driller

Your Fit

Income

$60K

Preparation

Some

Growth

2.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Earth Driller?

An Earth Driller is a skilled technician who operates drilling machinery to access resources below the earth's surface, such as water, oil, or minerals, or for construction purposes like building foundations. This role involves managing and maintaining drilling equipment and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Sample job titles:

Blast Hole Driller, Drill Operator, Driller, Well Driller

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Earth Driller.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Earth Driller earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$50K per year	$60K per year	$74K per year	$88K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $10K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Earth Driller do?

Work environment

Earth Drillers typically work in outdoor settings, which can be in remote areas for resource extraction or on construction sites in urban or rural areas. The work is physically demanding and requires operation in various weather conditions. Safety is a critical concern due to the heavy machinery and potential hazards associated with drilling.

Quick task list

Operates and maintains drilling equipment.
Monitors drilling progress and adjusts equipment as necessary.
Follows safety protocols and environmental regulations.
Records drilling operations and maintains logs.
Collaborates with geologists or construction managers to determine drilling locations and strategies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Water Well Drilling: Specializing in drilling for water well construction.
Geotechnical Drilling: Focusing on drilling for geological surveys and environmental studies.
Oil and Gas Drilling: Working on drilling rigs in the oil and gas extraction industry.
Construction Drilling: Specializing in drilling for construction projects, such as foundation building or road construction.

Description

Being an Earth Driller requires a combination of technical knowledge, physical strength, and attention to detail. Drillers must be adept at operating complex machinery and able to troubleshoot any issues that arise during drilling operations. They play a key role in resource extraction and construction projects, making decisions that affect the efficiency and safety of the drilling process.

The occupation demands adherence to strict safety standards to prevent accidents and environmental damage. Drillers often work in teams and need good communication skills to coordinate with crew members, engineers, and project managers. The ability to adapt to different work environments, from remote natural areas to busy construction sites, is essential.

Career advancement opportunities exist, with experienced drillers moving into supervisory or managerial roles. Specialization in certain types of drilling can also lead to higher-paying positions. Continuous learning and skill development, particularly in new drilling technologies and safety practices, are crucial for career progression.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a critical role in important construction and resource extraction projects.
The challenge and variety of working in different environments and on diverse projects.
Opportunities for hands-on work with advanced drilling machinery.

You might make a good Earth Driller if you are...

Interested in operating and maintaining heavy machinery.
Physically fit and capable of handling demanding work conditions.
Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on safety and environmental protection.
A team player who can communicate effectively and work collaboratively.
Adaptable and willing to work in various outdoor settings.

Pros:

Diverse opportunities in construction, resource extraction, and environmental projects.
High demand for skilled drillers in various industries.
Potential for high earnings and overtime pay.

Cons:

Physically demanding work with potential health risks.
Work in all weather conditions and potentially remote locations.
Potential exposure to hazardous materials.

How to become an Earth Driller

Typical education

Most Earth Drillers have a high school diploma or equivalent. While formal post-secondary education is not typically required, vocational training or an apprenticeship in drilling technology can be beneficial. On-the-job training is common, and some positions may require specific certifications, especially for advanced or specialized drilling equipment.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training in mechanics.
Mathematics and physics for understanding technical aspects of drilling.
Physical Education to build strength and stamina.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in sports or physical fitness activities.
Joining technical clubs like robotics or automotive repair.
Volunteering in community construction or environmental projects.

Preparation after high school

Vocational or technical training in drilling technology or heavy equipment operation.
Apprenticeships or on-the-job training in drilling companies.
Certification courses in specialized drilling techniques and safety protocols.

More resources

National Drilling Association (NDA) - Provides resources, training, and certification programs for drilling professionals.
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) - Offers courses and information related to drilling operations in the oil and gas industry.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers safety guidelines and training resources for drilling operations.
American Ground Water Trust - Provides information and education on groundwater and drilling for water wells.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.