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Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salary in California

How much does a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator make in California?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator in California is $84,057 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $107,733
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $75,294 to $96,450
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,316
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View as table View as graph 25% $75,294 10% $67,316 90% $107,733 75% $96,450 $84,057 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $96,450 $8,037 $1,855 $46
Average $84,057 $7,005 $1,616 $40
25th Percentile $75,294 $6,275 $1,448 $36
Check out Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Job Openings in California
Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

Essel - Stockton, CA

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Laborer

Arrow Construction - Sacramento, CA

Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator Locator

MGE Underground, Inc. - Chico, CA

Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator Locator

MGE Underground, Inc. - Fresno, CA

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Key Factors That Influence Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salaries

A Horizontal Directional Drill Operator'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Horizontal Directional Drill Operators

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $84,202
  • West Hollywood: $84,141
  • Dodgertown: $84,201

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Horizontal Directional Drill Operator 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Horizontal Directional Drill Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Horizontal Directional Drill Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$100,868$48.020%
Biotechnology$100,868$48.020%
Chemicals$100,868$48.020%
Energy & Utilities$100,868$48.020%
Financial Services$100,868$48.020%

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$75,294
Average $84,057/year
$96,450
$6,275
Average $7,005/month
$8,037
$1,448
Average $1,616/week
$1,855
$36
Average $40/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,450 $8,037 $1,855 $46
Average $84,057 $7,005 $1,616 $40
25th Percentile $75,294 $6,275 $1,448 $36

Salaries of jobs related to Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

Find Your Next Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Horizontal Directional Drill Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

  • VAST Networks

    Fresno, CA

    HDD horizontal direction drill operator

    VAST Networks | Fresno, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator. We are seeking a. Drill Operator. to join our team in. Fresno, CA. In thi... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Stevens Industries

    WHEELER, IL

    CNC Router Drill Operator

    Stevens Industries | WHEELER, IL

    Description The CNC Router Drill operator must understand material parts and troubleshooting machinery issues while always stressing Steven's motto of Safe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Stevens Industries

    MATTOON, IL

    CNC Router Drill Operator

    Stevens Industries | MATTOON, IL

    Description The CNC Router Drill operator must understand material parts and troubleshooting machinery issues while always stressing Steven's motto of Safe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Stevens Industries

    BEECHER CITY, IL

    CNC Router Drill Operator

    Stevens Industries | BEECHER CITY, IL

    Description The CNC Router Drill operator must understand material parts and troubleshooting machinery issues while always stressing Steven's motto of Safe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Stevens Industries

    ALTAMONT, IL

    CNC Router Drill Operator

    Stevens Industries | ALTAMONT, IL

    Description The CNC Router Drill operator must understand material parts and troubleshooting machinery issues while always stressing Steven's motto of Safe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Stevens Industries

    DIETERICH, IL

    CNC Router Drill Operator

    Stevens Industries | DIETERICH, IL

    Description The CNC Router Drill operator must understand material parts and troubleshooting machinery issues while always stressing Steven's motto of Safe... more

    6 Days Ago

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