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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Directional Drill Operator in Arizona is $74,764 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Directional Drill Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Directional Drill Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $84,926 | $7,077 | $1,633 | $41 |
| Average | $74,764 | $6,230 | $1,438 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,366 | $5,530 | $1,276 | $32 |
TrueNet Communications - Tucson, AZ
ByVerTek LLC - Mesa, AZ
Primoris Services Corporation - Phoenix, AZ
TrueNet Communications - Tucson, AZ
A 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 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 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, Directional Drill Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 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 | $89,716 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $89,716 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $89,716 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,716 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $89,716 | $43.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a 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 | $84,926 | $7,077 | $1,633 | $41 |
| Average | $74,764 | $6,230 | $1,438 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,366 | $5,530 | $1,276 | $32 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Directional Drill Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
MasTec
Tucson, AZ
MasTec | Tucson, AZ
MasTec - - Responsibilities: Identificar las utilidades para la perforación direccional horizontal para la instalación de conductos subterráneos y cables d... more
9 Days Ago
Talus Development, LLC
Phoenix, AZ
Talus Development, LLC | Phoenix, AZ
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Must possess a valid AZ driver license with clean record. Requires ability to lift 70 lbs. Successfully comp... more
7 Days Ago
Primoris Services Corporation
Phoenix, AZ
Primoris Services Corporation | Phoenix, AZ
Job Description. Job Description. Duties and responsibilities. . The following is a brief list of duties and responsibilities that a Horizontal Directional... more
10 Days Ago
Zemer Arizona Inc
Paulden, AZ
Zemer Arizona Inc | Paulden, AZ
Job Description. Job Description. . . We are looking for. experienced. operators to operate an Epiroc T35 Drill with Top Hammer within the. construction/mi... more
10 Days Ago
EXCAVATING & ELITE SOLUTIONS LLC
Tucson, AZ
EXCAVATING & ELITE SOLUTIONS LLC | Tucson, AZ
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Directional Drilling operator. Co. mpany. Excavating & Elite Solutions. Location. Tucson, Arizona. Employment ... more
8 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
6 Days Ago
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