How to become a Driller

Assembles, positions and operates drilling rigs and related equipment for exploration or to extract ore, liquids or gases from the earth.

Main tasks

• Operates drill rigs and related equipment to facilitate subsurface exploration and extraction of ore, liquids or gases
• Monitors drilling operations and adjusts equipment as necessary
• Inspects and maintains drilling equipment and tools
• Records drilling data and maintains accurate records
• Tests and evaluates drill samples to determine the composition of extracted material
• May supervise and direct the work of Driller's Offsiders

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Drilling Operations. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Drilling Operations (RII31820); Certificate IV in Drilling Operations (RII40920); Diploma of Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore) (RII50820); Diploma of Drilling Operations (RII50620); Diploma of Well Servicing Operations (RII51020); Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations (RII30120); Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations (RII30220); Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining (RII30320)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $151,216 a year
• About 64,100 people work in this job group now, and about 67,900 are projected by 2035. (+5.8%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Shoemaker
• Upholsterer
• Leather Goods Maker
• Sail Maker
• Chemical Plant Operator
• Gas or Petroleum Production Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Driller?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Drilling Operations; Certificate IV in Drilling Operations; Certificate III in Drilling Operations.

How much does a Driller earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $151,216 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Driller a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 64,100 to about 67,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Driller?

Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Drilling Operations; Certificate IV in Drilling Operations; Certificate III in Drilling Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Driller?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04