Blast hole driller vs auger operator

The differences between blast hole drillers and auger operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a blast hole driller and an auger operator. Additionally, a blast hole driller has an average salary of $51,719, which is higher than the $37,929 average annual salary of an auger operator.

The top three skills for a blast hole driller include MSHA, RAN and CPR. The most important skills for an auger operator are augers, , and .

Blast hole driller vs auger operator overview

	Blast Hole Driller	Auger Operator
Yearly salary	$51,719	$37,929
Hourly rate	$24.86	$18.24
Growth rate	-	7%
Number of jobs	887	30,675
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 55%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Blast hole driller vs auger operator salary

Blast hole drillers and auger operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Blast Hole Driller	Auger Operator
Average salary	$51,719	$37,929
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $80,000	Between $25,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between blast hole driller and auger operator education

There are a few differences between a blast hole driller and an auger operator in terms of educational background:

	Blast Hole Driller	Auger Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 55%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Business	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Blast hole driller vs auger operator demographics

Here are the differences between blast hole drillers' and auger operators' demographics:

	Blast Hole Driller	Auger Operator
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9%	Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 0.8% White, 74.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 0.8% White, 74.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between blast hole driller and auger operator duties and responsibilities

Blast hole driller example responsibilities.

Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports, and manage their efforts to maximize their contribution to operational effectiveness and performance.
Drill, blast, run some equipment as needed
Operate hoists to lift power line poles into position.
Maintain and follow MSHA and company rules and policies while on duty.
Pump water from pit, set up light plants, and move trail cable for earth-moving shovels.
Plan layout, drill shots, MSHA federal inspections, keep and maintain powder magazines and need inventory paperwork.

Auger operator example responsibilities.

Manage HVAC system and air handling system as far positive pressure systems and negative pressure systems.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Monitor and maintain HVAC system including toxic area cascading ventilation system.

Blast hole driller vs auger operator skills

Common blast hole driller skills

MSHA, 46%
RAN, 12%
CPR, 9%
Construction Sites, 8%
CDL, 7%
Drill Bits, 6%

Common auger operator skills

Augers, 100%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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