Water Well Drillers
(NOC 7373)
in All Trades and TransportationWater well drillers use a variety of mobile water well drilling rigs and equipment to drill and monitor residential, commercial, and industrial water wells. They work for water well drilling contractors and governments, or they may be self-employed. Water well drillers may specialize in a drilling method like cable, rotary, auger, hammer, or reverse circulation drilling.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Water Well Drillers may either be working full-time or part-time hours.
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Water well drillers use a variety of mobile water well drilling rigs and equipment to drill and monitor residential, commercial, and industrial water wells. They work for water well drilling contractors and governments, or they may be self-employed. Water well drillers may specialize in a drilling method like cable, rotary, auger, hammer, or reverse circulation drilling.
Job duties
Water well drillers:
- Review client requirements and proposed locations for water wells.
- Use water well drilling rigs and other equipment to drill, bore and dig for residential, commercial, and industrial water wells or environmental assessment, and install well screens, casings, and other well fixtures.
- Document geological formations encountered.
- Clean and disinfect wells in preparation for use.
- Complete routine mechanical maintenance work on water well drilling rigs and equipment.
- Install, test, maintain and repair water well pumps, piping systems and equipment and perform pumping tests to assess well performance.
- May provide other drilling services like repair or dismantling of existing water well structure, elevator shaft drilling and hydro pole drilling.
Sample job titles
- apprentice water well driller
- journeyman/woman water well driller
- pump installer
- water well driller
- well digger/driller
Skills
You should have good physical strength, stamina, and health. The ability to follow precise instructions and obey safety regulations is essential. You must be cautious, responsible, and able to work as a member of a team. A mechanical aptitude and an ability to use tools would be helpful.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A two-to-three-year water well drilling apprenticeship program or two to three years of work experience in the trade combined with college or industry courses in water well drilling is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Other considerations
Mobility is possible among the various well drilling operators in this group. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
55-64
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Apprenticeship
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. A valid Certification of Qualification, an apprentice ID, or a temporary work permit is required to legally do this work.
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. A valid Certification of Qualification, an apprentice ID, or a temporary work permit is required to legally do this work.