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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator in Texas is $74,333 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:
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Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $85,292 | $7,108 | $1,640 | $41 |
| Average | $74,333 | $6,194 | $1,429 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,584 | $5,549 | $1,280 | $32 |
Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit - Houston, TX
Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit - Dallas, TX
MasTec - Mansfield, TX
LSCG - El Paso, TX
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.
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 Horizontal Directional Drill Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $89,199 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $89,199 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $89,199 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,199 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $89,199 | $43.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $85,292 | $7,108 | $1,640 | $41 |
| Average | $74,333 | $6,194 | $1,429 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,584 | $5,549 | $1,280 | $32 |
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.
Roberts Ditching
Amarillo, TX
Roberts Ditching | Amarillo, TX
Job Description. Job Description. About Roberts Ditching. Since 2007, Roberts Ditching has provided professional and reliable underground utility and excav... more
9 Days Ago
MasTec
Lewisville, TX
MasTec | Lewisville, TX
MasTec - - Responsibilities: Operate the directional drill rig safely and efficiently. Pothole and verify utilities to avoid hitting underground utilities.... more
5 Days Ago
2 Dams Inc
Fort Worth, TX
2 Dams Inc | Fort Worth, TX
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. We are seeking a motivated and reliable. Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator. to join our under... more
7 Days Ago
ADB Companies
San Antonio, TX
ADB Companies | San Antonio, TX
Laborer II. To be a team member at ADB Companies, or as we call it, part of the A-Team, you must be ALL IN to support the company's mission, vision, and va... more
5 Days Ago
Stevens Industries
WHEELER, IL
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
5 Days Ago
Stevens Industries
MATTOON, IL
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
5 Days Ago
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