Home > Salary > South Africa > Rotary Drill Operator
A rotary drill operator is responsible for operating and maintaining drilling equipment used in various industries, such as construction, mining, and oil and gas. They are skilled in using rotary drills to bore holes into the ground or other surfaces to extract minerals, oil, or water, or to install infrastructure like pipelines or foundations. The operator ensures the drill is positioned correctly, monitors drilling progress, and adjusts drilling techniques as needed. They also perform routine maintenance on the equipment, inspecting and repairing any malfunctions.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 134,622 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,219 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,589 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,838 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,501 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 63 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 6,743 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 562 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 130 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: 134,622 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,219 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,589 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 ZAR per hour
By working as Rotary Drill Operator a person can save up to 291 USD per month or 3,489 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 Rotary Drill Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Rotary Drill Operator salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Rotary Drill Operator in South Africa is approximately 134,622 ZAR (6,743 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 Rotary Drill Operator do?

Skills: Rotary drill operator, Drilling equipment, Mining industry, Oil and gas industry, Construction industry, Equipment maintenance
Job industry: Construction
Job industry: Construction
How much does Rotary Drill Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Rotary Drill Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 134,622 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,219 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,589 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 130,060 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 10,838 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,501 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 63 ZAR per hour
Rotary Drill Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 6,743 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 562 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 130 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 Rotary Drill Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Rotary Drill Operator in South Africa earns on average:
1.06 times the average salary (or 106% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Rotary Drill Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Rotary Drill Operator in South Africa earns on average:
1.06 times the average salary (or 106% of average salary).
Is Rotary Drill Operator a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Rotary 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 Rotary Drill Operator?
High salary for Rotary Drill Operator would be somewhere between 148,084 ZAR and 195,202 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Rotary 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: 134,622 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,219 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,589 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 ZAR per hour
By working as Rotary Drill Operator a person can save up to 291 USD per month or 3,489 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 Rotary 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:
Radiology supervisor (148,545 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Animal assisted therapist (130,060 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Strategic account manager (211,851 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
User experience manager (297,080 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Analyst compensation benefits (172,940 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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All salary figures on optisalary.com are for informational use exclusively. We gather data from various trusted databases, yet cannot guarantee complete precision. Before making career decisions, visitors should consult additional authoritative sources. Salaries fluctuate due to various factors, including negotiation skills, industry demand, and experience levels. We disclaim any liability for misrepresentations in the salary estimates provided here. Your use with optisalary.com indicates agreement of this policy.