Horizontal drill operator vs auger operator

The differences between horizontal drill operators 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 horizontal drill operator and an auger operator. Additionally, a horizontal drill operator has an average salary of $38,118, which is higher than the $37,929 average annual salary of an auger operator.

The top three skills for a horizontal drill operator include CDL, directional drill and fiber optic. The most important skills for an auger operator are augers, , and .

Horizontal drill operator vs auger operator overview

	Horizontal Drill Operator	Auger Operator
Yearly salary	$38,118	$37,929
Hourly rate	$18.33	$18.24
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	29,944	30,675
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Horizontal drill operator vs auger operator salary

Horizontal drill operators and auger operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Horizontal Drill Operator	Auger Operator
Average salary	$38,118	$37,929
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $52,000	Between $25,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between horizontal drill operator and auger operator education

There are a few differences between a horizontal drill operator and an auger operator in terms of educational background:

	Horizontal Drill Operator	Auger Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Horizontal drill operator vs auger operator demographics

Here are the differences between horizontal drill operators' and auger operators' demographics:

	Horizontal Drill Operator	Auger Operator
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%	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 horizontal drill operator and auger operator duties and responsibilities

Horizontal drill operator example responsibilities.

Maintain fluid weights by careful mixing of chemicals using PPE and careful mathematical calculations in collaboration with engineers.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

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.

Horizontal drill operator vs auger operator skills

Common horizontal drill operator skills

CDL, 72%
Directional Drill, 23%
Fiber Optic, 3%
Hand Holes, 1%
Routine Maintenance, 0%

Common auger operator skills

Augers, 100%

Horizontal Drill Operator vs. similar jobs

Horizontal Drill Operator related careers

Horizontal Drill Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Operator responsibilities

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Construction and Extraction Industry
Horizontal Drill Operator
Horizontal Drill Operator vs Auger Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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