Build independent rig-support judgment, safe handovers and mentoring while the driller retains control of the drilling operation.
Compare roles and pay →Operations · Entry
Driller's Offsider
Assists the driller with rig setup, rod handling, samples, housekeeping and safe shift handovers on exploration or production drilling programs.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$90k–$120kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextOften 2/1 or longer campaigns; location and drilling method change the pattern.
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Assists the driller with rig setup, rod handling, samples, housekeeping and safe shift handovers on exploration or production drilling programs. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Prepare and move rig equipment under direction
- 02
Handle rods and samples using the approved method
- 03
Maintain clean and controlled work areas
- 04
Assist with basic equipment checks
- 05
Communicate hazards and shift status
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Drill rods and handling systems
- 02
Core or chip samples
- 03
Rig support equipment
- 04
PPE and manual-handling aids
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Role-appropriate work rights and medical assessment
- 02
Manual C-class licence where the vacancy requires it; HR is useful for some programs
- 03
Employer drilling, isolation and site induction
- 04
Any underground or coal-specific induction only for that assignment
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Sustained physical or outdoor work
- 02
Safe manual handling and team communication
- 03
Shift-work reliability
- 04
A supervisor who can verify attendance and conduct
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Compare surface, underground and drilling-method vacancies
- 02
Apply to drilling contractors' named assistant intakes
- 03
Show genuine physical-work and safety evidence
- 04
Complete employer training and build supervised rig experience
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Drilling method and location
- 02
Hours, overtime and roster
- 03
Licence and rig experience
- 04
Permanent versus casual arrangement
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?
- 03
How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Develop supervised equipment experience and pass employer verification for each machine, method and work area.
Compare roles and pay →Move from assisting to controlling the drilling process only after the employer verifies machine, method and safety competence.
Compare roles and pay →Leads a defined crew or work front, translating the plan into safe, controlled execution while managing people, interfaces and changing conditions.
Related role band: $150k–$210kProgression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 27 role profiles →
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Sources and role examples
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 27 September 2026.