Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Water Well Driller
What water well drillers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a water well driller?
Inspect the rig and load casing. From there, the day usually includes set up and operate drill rigs, drill through soil and rock, and install casing and screens. Most work full-time with long days in good weather and some travel.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a water well driller working full time.
- Inspect the rig and load casing.
- Drive to a rural home site.
- Set up the rig and level it.
- Drill through clay into bedrock.
- Log formations from cuttings.
- Install casing and grout it.
- Clean up and record the well log.
Where water well drillers work
Drillers work outdoors at homes, farms, construction and environmental sites, often driving between locations.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time with long days in good weather and some travel.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up and operate drill rigs
- Drill through soil and rock
- Install casing and screens
- Install pumps and pressure tanks
- Develop and test wells
- Collect soil and rock samples
- Maintain rigs and keep well records
Tools you’ll use every day
- Rotary and cable tool rigs
- Drill bits and pipe
- Casing and screens
- Pumps
- Water test kits
- Support trucks
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Provide clean water
- Outdoor variety
- Good pay with experience
- Licensable skill
What’s hard
- Physically demanding
- Weather and mud
- Travel
- Rig hazards
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like big machines
- I enjoy working outdoors
- I’m curious about geology
- I want to provide clean water
- I don’t mind mud and travel
- I might run my own business
Not sure? Take the free Water Well Driller fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Call 811 and check overhead lines
- Keep clear of rotating drill pipe
- Wear PPE and hearing protection
- Secure loads on rig trucks