As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Horizontal Directional Drilling in the United States is $96,053 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Horizontal Directional Drilling's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Horizontal Directional Drilling'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 Horizontal Directional Drillings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 16.44% |
| Economics | 2.74% |
| CAD | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Fleet Management
|
$120,067 |
25%
|
|
Presentation
|
$112,382 |
17%
|
|
Geology
|
$111,422 |
16%
|
|
Technical Support
|
$110,461 |
15%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$108,540 |
13%
|
|
Economics
|
$106,619 |
11%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Horizontal Directional Drillings 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 Horizontal Directional Drilling with a Bachelor's Degree is between $84,933 and $91,858).
Horizontal Directional Drilling Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.5% |
| High School | 4.5% |
| Associates | 27.3% |
| Bachelors | 59.1% |
| Masters | 27.3% |
| Doctorate | 9.1% |
Understanding how a Horizontal Directional Drilling'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 Horizontal Directional Drilling can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $107,772 in 2023 to around $102,280 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Horizontal Directional Drilling salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $107,772 |
| 2024 | $104,262 |
| 2025 | $102,280 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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