# Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

> 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 47-5012.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Daylight Driller
- Drill Operator
- Driller
- Tool Pusher
- Drilling Rig Operator
- Motor Man
- Oil Rig Driller
- Oil Well Driller
- Relief Driller
- Blast Driller
- Cable Driller
- Cable Tool Driller

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective. | Core | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Count sections of drill rod to determine depths of boreholes. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.t |
| Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance. | Core | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Start and examine operation of slush pumps to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Locate and recover lost or broken bits, casings, and drill pipes from wells, using special tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Direct rig crews in drilling and other activities, such as setting up rigs and completing or servicing wells. | Core | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Monitor progress of drilling operations, and select and change drill bits according to the nature of strata, using hand tools. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.b |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Train construction or extraction personnel. | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| Operate drilling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Measure work site dimensions. | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Install drilling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.t |
| Record operational or environmental data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Maintain drilling equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Operate pumps or compressors. | 4.A.3.a.3.b |
| Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Direct construction or extraction personnel. | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Monitor extraction operations. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Select construction equipment. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Install equipment attachments or components. | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Clean equipment or facilities. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Assemble products or production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Collect geological samples. | 4.A.3.a.2.al |
| Install plumbing or piping. | 4.A.3.a.2.aq |
| Position construction or extraction equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Prepare excavation or extraction sites for commissioning or decommissioning. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 4 |
| Control Precision | ability | 4 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.87 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.76 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.75 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.75 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.75 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.63 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.63 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.63 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.5 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Instructing | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.38 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.33 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3.25 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.2 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.13 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.13 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.13 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.13 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.13 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.13 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.13 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Personnel and Human Resources | knowledge | 3.08 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 3 |
| Learning Strategies | essential_skill | 3 |

## Skills

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

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Python | Object or component oriented development software | yes | no |
| Salesforce software | Customer relationship management CRM software | yes | no |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | yes | no |
| CAPSHER Technology SureTec | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Drillingsoftware DrillPro | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Drillingsoftware Tubular Database | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Pason WellView Field Solution | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Schlumberger Petrel E&P | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Structure query language SQL | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.98 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.97 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.94 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.86 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.86 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.84 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.71 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.64 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.61 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 4.58 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.53 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.51 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.46 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.45 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 4.39 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.38 |
| Level of Competition | 4.37 |
| Contact With Others | 4.36 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.36 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.21 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4.2 |
| Physical Proximity | 4.18 |
| Time Pressure | 4.1 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.97 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 3.91 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.86 |
| Exposed to High Places | 3.83 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.79 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.74 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.72 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 3.71 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.64 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.6 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.42 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 3.4 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.36 |
| Conflict Situations | 3.29 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.29 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.28 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.26 |

## 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 | 31.11 |
| High School Diploma | 28.74 |
| Some College Courses | 22.15 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 9.08 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 8.91 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 5.97 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 5.59 |
| Dependability | work_style | 4 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.94 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.78 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 3.31 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 3.04 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 3 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 2.73 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.5 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 2.2 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 2.17 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.97 |
| Leadership Orientation | work_style | 1.89 |
| Human Resources | specific_interest_area | 1.86 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 47-5023.00 | role-47-5023-00 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5081.00 | role-47-5081-00 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | Primary-Short |
| 47-5013.00 | role-47-5013-00 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5071.00 | role-47-5071-00 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 53-7073.00 | role-53-7073-00 | Wellhead Pumpers | Primary-Short |
| 47-5011.00 | role-47-5011-00 | Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Long |
| 51-4032.00 | role-51-4032-00 | Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 47-5041.00 | role-47-5041-00 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | Primary-Long |
| 51-8093.00 | role-51-8093-00 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Primary-Long |
| 53-7031.00 | role-53-7031-00 | Dredge Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Supplemental |
| 49-9043.00 | role-49-9043-00 | Maintenance Workers, Machinery | 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:** 65010
- **Mean Wage:** 70080
- **Pct10Wage:** 42750
- **Pct25Wage:** 52600
- **Pct75Wage:** 81550
- **Pct90Wage:** 98510
- **Employment:** 13090
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 12220 | 65210 | 250.99 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 290 | 59840 | 0.42 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 290 | 59560 | 0.32 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 190 | 71990 | 1.94 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 100 | 79690 | 0.16 |
| 541380 | 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | National industry | 80 | 48190 |  |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 40 | 59780 |  |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 40 | 66190 |  |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 30 | 66190 |  |
| 238210 | 238210 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors | National industry |  | 58180 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 12220 | 250.99 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 190 | 1.94 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 290 | 0.42 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 290 | 0.32 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 100 | 0.16 |
- **Count:** 10

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.53 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.7737326 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.517669 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.8803922 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 16
- **Percentile:** 13
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 26 | felten_aioe |
| 8 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 13 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.7737326 | 26 | 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) | 0.05263157894736842 | 8 | 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) | 0.056992564363953994 | 13 | 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:** 0.53
- **Percentile:** 48
- **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:** 0.05263157894736842
- **Beta:** 0.05263157894736842
- **Gamma:** 0.05263157894736842

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 0.2
- **Growth Percentile:** 27
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 1.2
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 18
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 13.3
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 13.4

### 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:** 20
- **Skills:** 34
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 12
- **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:** ab5b8764c94c77b2