How do you become a directional driller?
To become a directional driller, complete an 8-week training program at a directional drilling school, such as those offered by the IHS Drilling School or Ditch Witch Academy.
Most programs mix classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork. Once you finish, you’ll likely start as a drill operator or locator before moving up. Employers usually want 2–5 years of drilling experience for directional driller roles. Getting certified by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) can really help your job prospects.
How much does a directional drill locator make?
A directional drill locator in the U.S. earns an average of $53,625 per year, or about $27.50 per hour, according to 2026 data from Salary.com.
If you’re just starting out, expect around $40,804 per year. But with experience, some workers pull in up to $195,000 annually. Pay fluctuates depending on who you work for and where you’re located—urban areas and big utility companies tend to pay more. You’ll usually need certification in locating underground utilities, like one from the Common Ground Alliance.
How much do directional drillers make in Texas?
Directional drillers in Texas earn an average of $52,293 per year, or $25 per hour, with top earners making $70,537 per year.
Texas salaries depend on where you work and what kind of projects you’re handling. The Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale regions are hotspots for high demand and competitive pay. Offshore or complex horizontal projects often come with bigger paychecks. Many Texas employers also throw in bonuses and overtime, which can add 10–25% to your base salary.
What is the highest paying job on an oil rig?
The highest-paying job on an oil rig is an offshore installation manager, earning between $174,000 and $247,000 per year, according to 2026 data from Rigzone.
Other top earners include subsea/chemical process engineers ($75,000–$188,000), geologists ($65,000–$183,000), and tanker captains ($75,000–$170,000). These roles require specialized training and certifications, like those from the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization (OPITO). Offshore jobs pay so well because the work is physically tough and involves long rotations.
How far can directional drilling go?
How deep you can drill depends on the rig, the geology, and the technology you’re using. Extended-reach drilling (ERD) projects can stretch over 5 miles horizontally. These advancements let companies tap into reserves that were once out of reach, cutting down on the need for multiple vertical wells.
What does a directional drill locator do?
A directional drill locator interprets signals from underground transmitters to guide the drill operator, based on data such as location, angle, and temperature.
This job isn’t just about sitting in a truck—it’s physically demanding. You’ll operate locating equipment, help set up the drill, and read signal data like a pro. Strong communication skills matter too, since you’ll need to give clear instructions to the drill operator. Most employers require certification in underground utility locating for this role.
What is directional drilling used for?
Directional drilling is primarily used to access underground resources, install utilities, and repair infrastructure without extensive surface disruption, according to the American Gas Association (AGA).
You’ll see it used for oil and gas extraction, water well installation, and laying underground utility lines for fiber optics, electricity, and sewer systems. It’s also handy for environmental cleanup, letting crews reach contaminated spots without tearing up the surface. Compared to traditional vertical drilling, directional drilling leaves way less of a footprint.
How much does a driller make in Texas?
Texas paychecks vary by region and employer. The Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale are drilling hotspots with competitive wages. Overtime and hazardous-duty pay can really pad your earnings, especially if you’re working offshore or in high-risk roles. Entry-level drillers usually start around $40,000, but experienced operators can clear over $80,000.
How much do well drillers make a year?
Well drillers in the U.S. earn an average of $52,700 per year, or $25.34 per hour, according to 2026 BLS data.
Your paycheck depends on where you work, how much experience you have, and what kind of drilling you’re doing—water, oil, or geothermal. Well drillers in Texas and North Dakota often earn more because the industry demand is high there. Union jobs might come with better benefits and higher wages. If you’re just starting, expect around $35,000, but experienced drillers can make over $70,000 a year.
How much do oil rig workers make in 2020?
Oil rig workers in 2020 earned an average of $59,140 per year, or $28.43 per hour, based on BLS data as of that year.
(Keep in mind, these numbers are from 2020—wages have probably changed since then.) Lower-skilled roles like roustabouts earned around $40,000–$50,000, while higher-skilled gigs like drillers and engineers made $70,000–$100,000. Offshore workers usually earned more than onshore workers because of the tougher conditions and longer rotations.
How hard is oil rig work?
You’re looking at 14-day rotations with 12-hour shifts, often in extreme weather, around heavy machinery, and near hazardous materials. Fatigue and safety risks are real concerns. Mental toughness matters too—you’ll be isolated and under a lot of pressure. That said, many workers love the high pay and the chance to move up in the industry.
How much do oil rig divers get paid?
Oil rig divers in the U.S. earn between $40,000 and $120,000 per year, with saturation divers making $100,000 to $200,000, according to 2026 data from Divers Institute of Technology.
Your pay depends on your experience, certifications, and the type of diving you’re doing. Saturation divers, who work in deep-water environments, earn the most. This job isn’t for the faint of heart—it requires serious training, commercial diving school, and medical exams. The risks are high too, including decompression sickness and drowning.
Is slant drilling legal?
Laws differ by state and country. Some places have moratoriums or outright bans. If you’re doing slant drilling, you’ve got to follow environmental rules, zoning laws, and safety standards. Skipping the legal steps can land you in big trouble—heavy fines, lawsuits, or even a damaged reputation. Always double-check local regulations before you start drilling.
How long is directional boring?
Smaller jobs, like putting in a utility line under a road, might take just a few hours. Bigger projects, such as laying pipelines with horizontal directional drilling (HDD), can drag on for weeks or even months. Soil type, equipment availability, and permits all play a role in how long things take.
What is the highest paying job on an oil rig?
The highest-paying job on an oil rig is an offshore installation manager, earning between $174,000 and $247,000 per year, according to 2026 data from Rigzone.
Other big earners include subsea engineers ($120,000–$200,000), drilling superintendents ($110,000–$180,000), and well intervention specialists ($90,000–$160,000). These roles demand years of experience, certifications, and often advanced degrees. Offshore jobs come with long hours and tough conditions, which is why the pay is so high.
How much do oil rig workers make in 2020?
Oil rig workers in 2020 earned an average of $59,140 per year, or $28.43 per hour, based on BLS data as of that year.
(These numbers are from 2020, so they might not reflect today’s wages.) Lower-tier roles like roustabouts earned around $40,000–$50,000, while drillers brought in $70,000–$100,000. Offshore workers usually out-earned their onshore counterparts because of the extra risks and longer rotations. Wages have probably gone up since 2020, but it all depends on where you work and what the economy’s doing.
