Salary Range
Low (10th %)$35,150
Median$46,340
High (90th %)$61,350
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Assemble or repair oil field equipment using hand and power tools. Perform other tasks as needed.
The occupation "Roustabouts, Oil and Gas" has an automation risk of 17.1%, which is close to the base risk of 17.3%. This suggests that while certain tasks are susceptible to automation, the overall risk remains relatively moderate compared to many other manual labor positions. Much of the roustabouts’ daily work involves practical, physical activities in unpredictable outdoor environments, which present challenges to full automation. The oil and gas sector, particularly in the field, often requires dynamic responses to changing conditions, which automated systems may struggle to address effectively. As such, while incremental automation may occur, total replacement of human workers is unlikely in the near term. The most automatable tasks for roustabouts typically involve repetitive physical labor and the operation of tools and machinery in controlled ways. For instance, unscrewing or tightening pipes, dismantling equipment for repairs, and guiding cranes are activities that can be standardized, making them prime candidates for automation with robotics and remote operation technologies. Advances in sensor technology and precision machinery have already allowed some of these functions to be automated in more predictable settings, such as refineries or manufacturing plants, though field conditions remain a significant hurdle. These tasks generally involve minimal need for improvisation or creative problem-solving, further increasing their susceptibility to automation. Conversely, the most automation-resistant tasks for roustabouts require adaptability, situational awareness, and often manual dexterity. Cutting down brush, digging ditches, and cleaning up oil spills frequently involve navigation of irregular terrain, making judgement calls, and responding to unanticipated obstacles—skills where machines still lag behind humans. The bottleneck skill identified is originality, rated at 2.0% and 2.1% for this occupation, reflecting the need for innovative problem-solving and versatility in the field. These low percentages underscore that while some elements can be mechanized, the overall work context relies on creative thinking and adaptable manual labor, significantly limiting the immediate impact of automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Unscrew or tighten pipes, casing, tubing, and pump rods, using hand and power wrenches and tongs.
Non-Automatable
Guide cranes to move loads about decks.
Non-Automatable
Walk flow lines to locate leaks, using electronic detectors and by making visual inspections, and repair the leaks.
Non-Automatable
Lay gas and oil pipelines.
Partially Automatable
Bolt together pump and engine parts.
Automatable
Move pipes to and from trucks, using truck winches and motorized lifts, or by hand.
Non-Automatable
Clean trucks used in the fields.
Non-Automatable
Dig holes, set forms, and mix and pour concrete into forms to make foundations for wood or steel derricks.
Non-Automatable
Supply equipment to rig floors as requested and provide assistance to roughnecks.
Non-Automatable
Clean up spilled oil by bailing it into barrels.
Non-Automatable
Dig drainage ditches around wells and storage tanks.
Non-Automatable
Cut down and remove trees and brush to clear drill sites, to reduce fire hazards, and to make way for roads to sites.
Partially Automatable
Dismantle and repair oil field machinery, boilers, and steam engine parts, using hand tools and power tools.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material 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
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing 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 ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting 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 OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with Computers
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft WindowsEnertiaMaintenance softwareTelephony softwareToken RingSAP softwareMicrosoft AccessOperating system softwarePurchasing softwareSpreadsheet softwareMicrosoft OutlookEnertiaMaintenance softwareTelephony softwareToken RingSAP softwareMicrosoft Windows XPOperating system softwarePurchasing softwareInventory management systemsMicrosoft OutlookDatabase management systemsMaintenance record softwareWord processing softwareWord processing softwareSpreadsheet softwareMicrosoft Windows XPInventory management systemsDatabase management systemsMaintenance record softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Access
Construction Laborers
Low21.08%
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.
Pile Driver Operators
Low24.77%
Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures such as buildings, bridges, and piers.
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.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Low23.86%
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Helpers--Electricians
Low13.85%
Help electricians by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Low13.20%
Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Low26.38%
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Low27.15%
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.
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.
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.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Low25.44%
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Medium41.90%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Low32.98%
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Millwrights
Low12.88%
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Riggers
Low19.42%
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Medium37.10%
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
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.
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Low25.93%
Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
Low19.04%
Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.
Tree Trimmers and Pruners
Low12.36%
Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts.
Fishing and Hunting Workers
Low26.38%
Hunt, trap, catch, or gather wild animals or aquatic animals and plants. May use nets, traps, or other equipment. May haul catch onto ship or other vessel.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Low27.26%
Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.
Highway Maintenance Workers
Low20.84%
Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement and repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road, or plow snow from roadway.
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.
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.
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
Medium38.89%
Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories. Collect payment for services and supplies. May lubricate vehicle, change motor oil, refill antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories, such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires.
Dredge Operators
Medium53.66%
Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.