Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Low27.15%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$40,290
Median$61,770
High (90th %)$89,810
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Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.
The automation risk for the occupation "Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas" is considered moderate at 27.1%, closely reflecting the base risk of 27.5%. This level of risk is determined by evaluating how many of the occupation’s core tasks can be effectively replaced or performed by automated systems and machinery. The relatively low risk compared to highly repetitive or predictable jobs is due to the unique, variable, and physically demanding nature of many tasks involved in oil and gas drilling operations. While certain monitoring and routine operational tasks are susceptible to automation, a substantial portion of the job requires human intervention for decision-making and adaptability in complex environments. Among the most automatable tasks for rotary drill operators are training crews and introducing standardized procedures to improve safety and efficiency. These activities can often be supplemented by automation through interactive training software and procedural enforcement systems. Additionally, monitoring pressure gauges and adjusting controls is highly automatable through the use of advanced sensors and remotely controlled drilling rigs, which can be programmed to maintain optimal conditions. Counting sections of drill rod to determine drilling depth is also a task that can be automated with electronic logging and measurement systems, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention. Conversely, some aspects of the job remain resistant to automation due to their requirement for manual dexterity, situational awareness, and judgment under unpredictable conditions. Tasks such as plugging observation wells and restoring sites involve nuanced problem-solving and adaptability, which are difficult to program into machines. Positioning and preparing truck-mounted derricks at drilling points specified on field maps is physically demanding and location-specific, often requiring adjustments based on real-world conditions. Finally, lining drilled holes with pipes and installing necessary hardware demands a level of precision and flexibility that current automation struggles to match. Bottleneck skills like originality—measured at 2.5% and 2.6%—further limit automation, as innovative problem-solving remains a vital human contribution in complex drilling operations.
Filter by Automatable Status
Observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.
Partially Automatable
Count sections of drill rod to determine depths of boreholes.
Automatable
Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.
Non-Automatable
Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.
Partially Automatable
Maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.
Partially Automatable
Start and examine operation of slush pumps to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well.
Partially Automatable
Locate and recover lost or broken bits, casings, and drill pipes from wells, using special tools.
Non-Automatable
Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud.
Partially Automatable
Direct rig crews in drilling and other activities, such as setting up rigs and completing or servicing wells.
Non-Automatable
Monitor progress of drilling operations, and select and change drill bits according to the nature of strata, using hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Repair or replace defective parts of machinery, such as rotary drill rigs, water trucks, air compressors, and pumps, using hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Clean and oil pulleys, blocks, and cables.
Non-Automatable
Bolt together pump and engine parts, and connect tanks and flow lines.
Non-Automatable
Remove core samples during drilling to determine the nature of the strata being drilled.
Partially Automatable
Line drilled holes with pipes, and install all necessary hardware, to prepare new wells.
Non-Automatable
Position and prepare truck-mounted derricks at drilling areas specified on field maps.
Non-Automatable
Plug observation wells, and restore sites.
Non-Automatable
Cap wells with packers, or turn valves, to regulate outflow of oil from wells.
Non-Automatable
Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.
Partially Automatable
Push levers and brake pedals to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningScienceCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Financial ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingSales and Marketing
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Drillingsoftware DrillProDrillingsoftware Tubular DatabasePythonSAP softwareSalesforce softwareStructure query language SQLCAPSHER Technology SureTecDrillingsoftware DrillProDrillingsoftware Tubular DatabasePythonMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSalesforce softwareStructure query language SQLSchlumberger Petrel E&PSchlumberger Petrel E&PCAPSHER Technology SureTecPason WellView Field SolutionPason WellView Field SolutionMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Medium39.01%
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Low26.38%
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
Medium38.98%
Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. Includes fishing-tool technicians.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Medium34.02%
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
Medium37.50%
Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap subsurface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Low31.32%
Operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors, shuttle cars, or trucks in a continuous operation.
Rock Splitters, Quarry
Low16.50%
Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
Low17.13%
Assemble or repair oil field equipment using hand and power tools. Perform other tasks as needed.
Helpers--Extraction Workers
Low24.71%
Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying equipment or cleaning work area.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Low32.98%
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium34.93%
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium35.75%
Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.82%
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium47.79%
Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Medium39.82%
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Medium44.55%
Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Medium54.55%
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
Dredge Operators
Medium53.66%
Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
Hoist and Winch Operators
Low24.71%
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Wellhead Pumpers
Medium33.60%
Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Low20.92%
Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators.
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
Low25.86%
Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
Low26.46%
Place and detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials. May perform specialized handling, storage, and accounting procedures.
Roof Bolters, Mining
Low17.67%
Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
Commercial Divers
Low26.77%
Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Low31.77%
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.