As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Directional Drill Locator in the United States is $84,344 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Directional Drill Locator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Directional Drill Locator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Directional Drill Locators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 12.05% |
| Engineering Services | 3.44% |
| Geotechnical Design | 1.89% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Design
|
$100,370 |
19%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$98,683 |
17%
|
|
Technical Excellence
|
$95,309 |
13%
|
|
Business Development
|
$94,466 |
12%
|
|
Geotechnical Design
|
$93,622 |
11%
|
|
Project Engineering
|
$92,779 |
10%
|
For Directional Drill Locator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Directional Drill Locator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Directional Drill Locator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $101,213 | $49.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $92,779 | $45.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Directional Drill Locators enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Directional Drill Locator with a Bachelor's Degree is between $76,905 and $82,664).
Directional Drill Locator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 32.9% |
| High School | 59.8% |
| Associates | 7.3% |
| Bachelors | 32.9% |
| Masters | 59.8% |
| Doctorate | 7.3% |
Understanding how a Directional Drill Locator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Directional Drill Locator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,011 in 2023 to around $87,546 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Directional Drill Locator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $93,011 |
| 2024 | $89,656 |
| 2025 | $87,546 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Directional Drill Locator roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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