Well+Driller-+Matt

Underwater Logging- Matt

Definition • Water well drillers sink wells into the earth to tap natural water supplies. They drill agricultural wells for irrigation, commercial or industrial wells, and wells for homes that are not served by municipal water systems. They keep records of wells drilled and, in many states, report their work to government officials.

Salary

• Median—$33,570 per year You get $13.00 to $31.00 a hour. Level of Experience

Entry Wage

$17.92

$37,280

Median Wage

$21.38

$44,480

Experienced Wage

$27.31

$56,810  Working Conditions

• Some water well drillers work for municipal governments, drilling contracting companies, or family businesses. Others are self-employed. • The work is physically demanding. Drillers have to set up and operate heavy machinery, and work outdoors in all kinds of weather. • They often spend a lot of time on the road, traveling to work sites. Because it can take a long time to travel to a drilling site and set up all the equipment, well drillers usually try to finish jobs in one go. This can mean working 9 to 11-hour days.

Education & Training

• Water well drillers get most of their training on the job. After working for some time, they may upgrade their skills by taking industry courses. • Employers usually prefer to hire drillers who have a high school diploma, and most require applicants to be at least 18 years old. You will probably also need a driver’s license. • Voluntary certification for water well contractors is available through the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). Candidates need to be at least 20 years old and have 2 years of experience. Those who pass two exams can use the designation Certified Well Driller (CWD).

Tools

• Drill bits • Compressors • Hard heads • Gloves • Truck with a drill • Pipes • Pumps