Driller Job Description

Drillers can drill into earth for mineral samples.

Drillers are experts in using various types of drills on different types of surfaces. They decide how to delve into rocks or concrete and monitor drilling operations. According to the Occupational Information Network, a driller is also known as an earth driller.

Responsibilities

Drillers operate different drills, including rotary, pneumatic and churn, regulating and controlling rotary speed, air pressure and downward pressure, according to the type of rock being drilled These workers tap into salt deposits and sub-surface water to remove samples during the process of soil testing or mineral exploration. Drillers may also help facilitate the eventual use of explosives in construction or mining. These workers may also use explosives. Drillers operate machines.

Environment

Drillers work outdoors during the process of mineral exploration or soil testing at construction or extraction sites in areas ranging from remote to urban. Machine operation is noisy and physically demanding.

Education and Training

According to the Occupational Information Network, employers seek drillers with a high school diploma. On-the-job training can require a few months to one year of working under the supervision of an experienced employee. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most significant form of preparation for this career is moderate on-the-job training.

Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earth drillers, except oil and gas earned a national mean hourly wage of $20.22 and a national mean annual wage of $42,070 in May 2009. The industries that employed the highest number of earth drillers were utility system construction with a mean annual wage of $39,980; support activities for mining, $43,830; other specialty trade contractors, $45,690; architectural, engineering and related services, $38,520; and nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying, $37,070.

Job Outlook

According to the National Employment Matrix from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for earth drillers, except oil and gas, is expected to increase at a rate of 7.15 percent through 2018. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics considers growth in this occupation to be moving more slowly than average.

References

• Occupational Information Network: Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction and Extraction Occupations
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009: Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupation Employment by Industry