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The differences between drillers and drill operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a driller and a drill operator. Additionally, a driller has an average salary of $49,896, which is higher than the $44,948 average annual salary of a drill operator.
The top three skills for a driller include CDL, preventative maintenance and safety policies. The most important skills for a drill operator are CDL, safety procedures, and directional drill.
| Driller | Drill Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $49,896 | $44,948 |
| Hourly rate | $23.99 | $21.61 |
| Growth rate | - | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 1,593 | 44,560 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A driller is responsible for reviewing and analyzing drilling parameters to perform the drilling procedures safely and successfully. Drillers inspect drilling tools and equipment before and after the operations to ensure its operational efficiency and optimal performance. They keep an organized report of the drilling progress, assist other rig workers, assemble drilling machinery, and strictly adhere to the safety regulations at all times to avoid drilling operation hazards. In some cases, drillers evaluate the land condition before proceeding to provide special instructions for safety controls.
A Drill Operator works at oil and gas companies where they are in charge of operating drilling machinery and equipment. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their employment, it typically includes managing staff, measuring and marking drilling spots, conducting measurements and assessments, maintaining documents, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure quality and efficiency. A Drill Operator must maintain an active communication line with staff while adhering to the company's safety regulations and standards.
Drillers and drill operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Driller | Drill Operator | |
| Average salary | $49,896 | $44,948 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $63,000 | Between $33,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Houston, TX |
| Highest paying state | California | Texas |
| Best paying company | Nabors Industries | Sanmina |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a driller and a drill operator in terms of educational background:
| Driller | Drill Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between drillers' and drill operators' demographics:
| Driller | Drill Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 1.2% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 1.2% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |