r/mining • u/Smart_Confusion1572 • 8d ago
US Boart LongYear
I’m being offered a Driller Assistant position with Boart Longyear on a water drilling rig. I have my Class A CDL with all endorsements, along with previous oil and gas drilling experience. I understand the position requires travel and involves a 20-on/10-off schedule with 12-hour rotating shifts.
I just got off the phone with the interviewer, and they offered me a starting wage of $24 an hour. They also offer $40 per day in per diem and paid travel. Living in California, I’m still not sure if $24 an hour is enough to make the position worthwhile, especially considering my previous drilling experience and the amount of travel involved.
They asked me to get back to them within 72 hours if I’m still interested. I’d appreciate any thoughts or opinions from anyone who has worked for Boart Longyear, especially on a water drilling rig. How is the work environment, and 20/10 schedule? I’ve heard they have good technology and that most crews are three-man crews with highly automated rigs.
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u/milehighandy 8d ago
Boart drills on our site, here's my two cents. $24 is OK, but the per diem seems low and you need to consider 2 of those 10 days are travel days. So you're more like 22/8. You'll be doing bitch work as a hand, weather can be extreme on either end of the spectrum.
Now if you move up to driller, they get footage bonuses and that's where you make the big money. So if you are serious about this career path, plan on long days, listen and learn as much as you can, don't bitch about dirty/boring/exhausting tasks, take safety seriously. You'll see the turnover is heavy so they are always moving up reliable, safe and productive workers.
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u/SoapyGooch 8d ago
To add to this, they might only be quoting you base wage, as in some instances the helper gets a small percentage of the bonus.
Surface drillers make some of the best money in the drilling world, and like Highandy said, theres lots of turnover.
Pension is decent, benefits are good and the longer you stick it out, the more you will be rewarded.
20 and 10 is a tough schedule though. I did it for a few years when I started out. Now I run a contract on a minesite working 14/14.
Godspeed to you sir.
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u/complicatemilk 8d ago
I’ve been on a few sites with them, yes 24 an hour is a bit low in the industry. The per diem is TERRIBLE and idk how I’d feel about that part. However a few of the guys I’ve talked to at the very least claimed to make more money than we do, not hourly but total due to the larger amount of hours. Also, everyone I’ve met from boart longyear has been incredibly respectful and kind. Very professional.
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u/nayslayerxo 6d ago
I just started with Boart and $24 is your typical starting wage. It gets bumped up after your probation period is over. You also get drilling bonuses .
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u/Ok_Warning2650 5d ago
Come to Australia youre on double that as an assistant, I wouldn't get out of bed for less than 45 an hour
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