# Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

> Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 47-5011.00
- **Summary:** Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

## Aliases

- Derrick Hand
- Derrick Man
- Derrick Operator
- Floor Hand
- Derrick Worker
- Driller
- Drilling Motorman
- Fracturing Derrick Operator
- Gas Derrick Operator
- Oil Derrick Operator
- Rotary Derrick Operator
- Well Service Derrick Worker

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment. | Core | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.b |
| Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them. | Core | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.t |
| Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.o |
| Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Clean equipment or facilities. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Maintain drilling equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Assemble temporary equipment or structures. | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Monitor extraction operations. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Operate pumps or compressors. | 4.A.3.a.3.b |
| Position construction or extraction equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Train construction or extraction personnel. | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| Direct construction or extraction personnel. | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Install drilling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.t |
| Prepare operational reports. | 4.A.3.b.6.o |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 4 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 4 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.88 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.75 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.75 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.75 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.63 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.63 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.63 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.58 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.5 |
| Stamina | ability | 3.5 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.5 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | ability | 3.5 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.5 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Repairing | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.38 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.38 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | ability | 3.38 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.38 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.38 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.31 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.25 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.25 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.25 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3.25 |
| Gross Body Coordination | ability | 3.25 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.25 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 5 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.99 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.99 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.94 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.83 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.77 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 4.73 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.68 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.64 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4.62 |
| Exposed to High Places | 4.61 |
| Contact With Others | 4.56 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.54 |
| Physical Proximity | 4.48 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.48 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.32 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.28 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 4.24 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.18 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 4.17 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 4.14 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 4.08 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 4.05 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.98 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.94 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.93 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.9 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.79 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 3.78 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.63 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.53 |
| Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles | 3.48 |
| Conflict Situations | 3.38 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.25 |
| Time Pressure | 3.21 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 3.11 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.08 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 2.91 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.9 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 68.54 |
| High School Diploma | 22.91 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 4.94 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 3.6 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 6.22 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 5.22 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.82 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.64 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.7 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.54 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.5 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.08 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.99 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.74 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.71 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.64 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.63 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.56 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 47-5012.00 | role-47-5012-00 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5071.00 | role-47-5071-00 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5081.00 | role-47-5081-00 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | Primary-Short |
| 47-5023.00 | role-47-5023-00 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 53-7073.00 | role-53-7073-00 | Wellhead Pumpers | Primary-Short |
| 47-5013.00 | role-47-5013-00 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Long |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-2072.00 | role-47-2072-00 | Pile Driver Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-7031.00 | role-53-7031-00 | Dredge Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-5041.00 | role-47-5041-00 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | Supplemental |
| 53-7021.00 | role-53-7021-00 | Crane and Tower Operators | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Energy & Natural Resources | energy-natural-resources |

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction Trades | construction-trades |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 62740
- **Mean Wage:** 62490
- **Pct10Wage:** 42930
- **Pct25Wage:** 49440
- **Pct75Wage:** 72820
- **Pct90Wage:** 84620
- **Employment:** 11040
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 10560 | 62400 | 257.17 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 140 | 61390 | 0.24 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 90 | 79340 |  |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 70 | 82910 |  |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector |  | 42210 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 10560 | 257.17 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 140 | 0.24 |
- **Count:** 5

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.8 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.415002 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -1.35991 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.390568 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 7
- **Percentile:** 4
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 6 | felten_aioe |
| 3 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 11 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.415002 | 6 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0 | 3 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.05178197212294497 | 11 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.8
- **Percentile:** 64
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0
- **Gamma:** 0

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 0.5
- **Growth Percentile:** 29
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 1
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 15
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 11.3
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 11.3

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 15
- **Skills:** 34
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 3
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 2283f247494062ac