Home > Salary > South Africa > Core Drill Operator
A core drill operator is responsible for operating and maintaining core drilling equipment used in construction, mining, or geological exploration projects. They are skilled professionals who specialize in extracting cylindrical samples of rock, concrete, or other materials from the ground or structures. The operator sets up the drilling equipment, positions it accurately, and operates the machinery to penetrate the desired depth. They must ensure safety protocols are followed, monitor drilling progress, and take measurements of the extracted cores. Additionally, they may be required to analyze and interpret the collected samples for further examination and testing. Core drill operators should have a strong understanding of drilling techniques, be able to troubleshoot equipment issues, and possess good physical stamina. Attention to detail, precision, and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial in this occupation.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 105,717 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,810 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,033 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 51 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,498 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,961 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 49 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02
Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,279 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 440 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 102 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 105,717 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,810 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,033 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 51 ZAR per hour
By working as Core Drill Operator a person can save up to 169 USD per month or 2,025 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Core Drill Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Core Drill Operator salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Core Drill Operator in South Africa is approximately 105,717 ZAR (5,279 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Core Drill Operator do?

Skills: Core Drill Operator, Construction, Mining, Geological Exploration, Drilling Equipment, Sample Extraction
Job industry: Construction
Job industry: Construction
How much does Core Drill Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Core Drill Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 105,717 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,810 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,033 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 51 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 101,980 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 8,498 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,961 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 49 ZAR per hour
Core Drill Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,279 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 440 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 102 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Core Drill Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Core Drill Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.83 times the average salary (or 83% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Core Drill Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Core Drill Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.83 times the average salary (or 83% of average salary).
Is Core Drill Operator a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Core Drill Operator is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Core Drill Operator?
High salary for Core Drill Operator would be somewhere between 116,289 ZAR and 153,290 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Core Drill Operator in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 105,717 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,810 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,033 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 51 ZAR per hour
By working as Core Drill Operator a person can save up to 169 USD per month or 2,025 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Core Drill Operator
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
Finance intern (88,866 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Race director (127,120 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Freight conductor (116,073 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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