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A Driller operates equipment used to extract minerals, liquids or gases from underground. You might work on a drilling rig, in the mining industry or in other roles to take samples and remove resources from within the earth. Drillers set up equipment and relocate it to other positions as required. You might also carry out servicing and maintenance on your equipment or arrange repairs when necessary.
Drillers need to be able to work as part of a larger production team and communicate well with colleagues. You should be able to follow directions and prioritise your work tasks. Time management is important and you may have to handle several tasks at once. Drillers often work irregular hours and may have to travel long distances to a work site.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Driller.
Possible job outcomes:
The Certificate IV in Drilling Operations (RII40920) is for drillers who want to step up to a supervisory role, or for senior drillers who want to convert their years of industry experience into a formal qualification. This nationally recognised training course covers different types of industrial drilling (blast hole, seismic, geotechnical, water well, artesian bore, foundation, mineral production) — and it can be completed on the job or via RPL (recognition of prior learning). Graduate with the skills and confidence to supervise site operations and mobilise equipment, materials, and work crews..
Average duration: 12 months.
Become a qualified driller at oil and gas drilling sites with the RII31820 Certificate III in Drilling Operations. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you a range of drilling techniques including blast hole drilling, directional boring, reaming, reverse circulation drilling, continuous flight auger drilling, conventional core drilling, and much more. There is also scope to gain additional WHS licences and permits including advanced first aid, working at heights, and confined spaces. Enquire now for entry requirements, drilling operator competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Get a job at an Australian oil or gas drilling site with the RII32020 Certificate III in Drilling Oil and Gas (Onshore). This nationally recognised certificate qualifies you for work as a derrick operator and assistant driller. The course covers: communication and safety, incident and emergency response, ancillary equipment operation, mud pump and systems operations, driving work vehicles in the field, operational maintenance, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, oil and gas drilling competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Average duration: 24 months.
Get started in mine tunnel construction and drilling with the RII31820 Certificate III in Drilling Operations. This nationally recognised qualification introduces you to the environmental and safety protocols of a mine site and delivers the technical skills you need to use a range of drilling machines and equipment. The course covers: setting up for drilling operations, team communication and running onsite operations, risk management processes, responding to incidents and emergencies, carrying out operational maintenance. There is also scope to gain technical skills in drilling, boring, reaming, pipe installation, and machinery operation. Enquire now for the full list of study units, drilling competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates..
In Australia, a full time Driller generally earns $1,650 per week ($85,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this job role has decreased in recent years. There are currently 6,900 people employed as a Driller in Australia compared to 8,600 five years ago. Drillers may find work across various regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
To become a Driller, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Drilling Operations. This course will give you the practical skills you need to work in a range of industries. You’ll address various types of drilling including blast hole, seismic, geotechnical, water well, artesian bore, foundation and mineral production.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within mining. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Mining
Apprentice Engineer
$960 weekly pay
Engineering Tradesperson
Advanced Engineering Tradesperson
$1,800 weekly pay
Casting and Moulding Tradesperson
$1,440 weekly pay
Driller
$1,650 weekly pay
Driller Offsider
$1,350 weekly pay
Dump Truck Operator
$1,640 weekly pay
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
$1,550 weekly pay
Geological Technician
$1,540 weekly pay
Hydraulic Fitter
Hydraulic Mechanic
Industrial Electrician
Instrumentation Technician
$1,400 weekly pay
Machinist
Mechanical Fitter
Miner
$1,700 weekly pay
Mining Machine Operator
Plant Mechanic
Plant Operator
Production Operator
Shotfirer
Drilling Supervisor
$1,750 weekly pay
Jumbo Operator
$2,300 weekly pay
Metallurgist
Mining Engineer
Mining Supervisor
Research Engineer
Learn more about Driller courses in your area.