Career Definition for a Drilling Machine Technician
Drilling technicians, also known as drilling mechanics, repair and maintain hydraulic drillers. These large vehicles take a beating as they plow threw rocks, which may be present at a construction site. Most drilling technicians are well-versed in disassembling equipment in order to look for something that may need to be fixed; however, much of the work is now done using computers to find problems. Many community colleges and trade schools offer programs for those interested in a career as a drilling technician.
| Education | Certificates and associate degrees available |
| Job Skills | Eye for detail, computer skills, diagnostics, writing ability |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $57,280 (for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 8% (for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Many community colleges and trade schools offer either certificate or associate's degree programs for prospective drilling technicians. Students in either track can expect to take courses in math, applied science, computer science, and the basics of machinery. The main degree of interest for hopeful drilling technicians who chose to attend a community college is an Associate of Applied Science in Heavy Machine Technology. Many certificate programs take one year to complete while degree programs take two; training specific for drilling machines is usually provided at the workplace.
Skills Required
Prospective drilling technicians must have a sharp eye for detail; the job requires the ability to find problems within the intricate components of complex machinery. Having the ability to work with computers is also a plus; drilling technicians frequently use diagnostic tools to test various equipment parts. It is also a must for drilling technicians to have solid writing skills because they are frequently asked to draft technical memos.
Career and Economic Outlook
Drilling technicians are classified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians. The agency reports that 223,000 jobs existed in this field in 2021. The BLS projected employment will have faster than average change (8%) from 2021-2031. The median annual salary for mobile heavy equipment mechanics was $57,280 as of May 2021.
Alternate Career Options
Check out these other options in vehicular maintenance careers:
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Maintenance Workers and Millwrights
Mechanics and maintenance workers normally learn their skills on the job or through some postsecondary training. Millwrights usually serve a 4-year apprenticeship. Mechanics and maintenance workers repair industrial machinery like packaging equipment and conveying systems. Millwrights repair, move, and install various types of machinery in power plants, factories, and construction sites. From 2021 through 2031, job availability should be very good, the BLS said, with 14% growth expected overall. As of May 2021, millwrights earned an annual median wage of $60,330, industrial machinery mechanics were paid $59,840 and machinery maintenance workers took home $48,900, per the BLS.
