Shigoto Zukan
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How to become earth drillers, except oil and gaseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$60,190
25th–75th pct. $49,900–$72,450
Top pay (est.)
$108,900
Top 10% $83,800
Pay in 5 years
$70,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$83,000est.
$71,400–$96,400
Outlook score
56/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
12%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.6%
1,400 openings / yr

How to become earth drillers, except oil and gas

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Key skills

Operation and Control
4.0
Operations Monitoring
4.0
Equipment Maintenance
3.2
Monitoring
3.1
Coordination
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.0
Repairing
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.5
Transportation
3.5
Public Safety and Security
3.3
Design
3.2
Engineering and Technology
3.1
Mathematics
3.1
Production and Processing
2.9
Administration and Management
2.8

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Important abilities

Control PrecisionReaction TimeMultilimb CoordinationDepth PerceptionProblem SensitivityPerceptual Speed

Education of workers

High school diploma
73%
Less than high school
15%
Post-secondary certificate
12%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
23%
3–6 months
17%
None / short demo
16%
1–2 years
15%
1–3 months
14%
4–10 years
11%
2–4 years
3%
6–12 months
2%

Related work experience

None
30%
4–6 years
17%
2–4 years
14%
1–3 months
14%
1–2 years
11%
6–12 months
5%
3–6 months
5%
6–8 years
3%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as earth drillers, except oil and gas

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.