What are the main factors that influence a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Horizontal Directional Drill Operator?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Horizontal Directional Drill Operator roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

How does experience change A Horizontal Directional Drill Operator's salary?

A Horizontal Directional Drill Operator's salary grows with experience: a Heavy Equipment Operator I (0-1 years)earns $43,847, a Heavy Equipment Operator II (1-3 years)earns $49,476, a Heavy Equipment Operator III (3-5 years)earns $56,595, a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator (5-7 years)earns $75,022,

What are the highest paying states for a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator?

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Horizontal Directional Drill Operator roles are District of Columbia $84,354, California $84,034, Massachusetts $82,914. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Horizontal Directional Drill Operator roles make?

Salaries for Horizontal Directional Drill Operator level roles vary by specialization: Horizontal Directional Driller Utilities Construction Midwest: $169,925; Horizontal Directional Drilling: $96,059; Directional Drill Foreman: $90,643; Directional Drill Crew Foreman: $88,930; Directional Drill Locator: $84,337.

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salary in Pennsylvania (July 01, 2026)

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator in Pennsylvania is $75,844 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $97,213
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,936 to $87,029
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,735

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	$91,013	$44.0	20%
Biotechnology	$91,013	$44.0	20%
Chemicals	$91,013	$44.0	20%
Energy & Utilities	$91,013	$44.0	20%
Financial Services	$91,013	$44.0	20%

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.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

$67,936

Average $75,844/year

$87,029

$5,661

Average $6,320/month

$7,252

$1,306

Average $1,459/week

$1,674

$33

Average $36/hour

$42

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$87,029	$7,252	$1,674	$42
Average	$75,844	$6,320	$1,459	$36
25th Percentile	$67,936	$5,661	$1,306	$33

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Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salary in Pennsylvania

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

Key Factors That Influence Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salaries

How Do Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Horizontal Directional Drill Operators