Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

The occupation "Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas" has an automation risk of 26.4%, which is close to its base risk of 26.7%. This relatively moderate risk level stems from a mix of automatable tasks alongside others that are inherently resistant to automation due to their physical and adaptive demands. Many aspects of this job are routine yet require high precision, such as guiding lengths of pipe into and out of elevators—an activity well within the capability of advanced robotics and automation systems. Supervising crew members and assisting in their training, while more nuanced, also show potential for technology integration through digital monitoring and remote instruction. Inspecting derricks or ordering their inspection is increasingly being aided by drone technology and automated diagnostic tools, which further contributes to the job’s overall automation risk. However, certain critical tasks performed by Derrick Operators remain less susceptible to full automation. For instance, steadying pipes during connection or disconnection from drill or casing strings demands quick reflexes, fine motor skills, and an acute awareness of real-time changes in a physically volatile environment—qualities that robots still struggle to replicate. Similarly, stringing cables through pulleys and blocks often depends on situational judgement and adaptation, as does weighing clay and mixing it with water and chemicals to create drilling mud using portable mixers. These procedures require dexterity, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities when conditions shift unexpectedly, making them naturally resistant to current forms of automation. A closer look at the skills bottlenecking automation reveals that originality—measured at 2.3% and 2.0% for the most constrained skills—plays a crucial role in this occupation. Originality encompasses the ability to devise new ways to solve unforeseen issues or adjust processes on-the-fly, skills that Derrick Operators frequently employ. Such creative problem-solving and adaptive thinking are difficult for AI and machinery to mimic, especially in an environment as dynamic as oil and gas extraction. This low incidence of highly automatable original-thinking tasks serves as a significant check on the automation risk, suggesting that while many rote and supervisory functions may be taken over by technology, the occupation will continue to require human operators for the foreseeable future to navigate unpredictable and complex scenarios safely and effectively.