Im working as a offsider at the moment, if you want to go down that road don't go RC drilling its f**ked try and get on a diamond rig, heavy lifting but cruisie as. Money isn't great but like Alkatraz said wont take to long to become a driller and then your on anywhere between 110 - 150K + depending on meter bonus and ground conditions. Without a HR licence you would probably have to look at going underground which is where i started and loved.
If your interested I can give you some numbers of drilling companies I know are hiring