# Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

> 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 47-5023.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Blast Hole Driller
- Drill Operator
- Driller
- Well Driller
- Diamond Driller
- Hard Rock Drill Operator
- Highwall Drill Operator
- Rock Drill Operator
- Underground Drill Operator
- Water Well Driller
- Auger Operator
- Blast Driller

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fabricate well casings. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.aa |
| Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Pour water into wells, or pump water or slush into wells to cool drill bits and to remove drillings. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.2.c |
| Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Place and install screens, casings, pumps, and other well fixtures to develop wells. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Verify depths and alignments of boring positions. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery. | Core | 4.A.3.b.5.a |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Operate drilling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Measure work site dimensions. | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| Select construction equipment. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Install drilling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.t |
| Drill holes in earth or rock. | 4.A.3.a.2.ad |
| Remove debris or vegetation from work sites. | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Maintain drilling equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Record operational or environmental data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Assemble products or production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Position construction or extraction equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Pour materials into or on designated areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Operate pumps or compressors. | 4.A.3.a.3.b |
| Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Collect geological samples. | 4.A.3.a.2.al |
| Design energy production or management equipment or systems. | 4.A.3.b.2.c |
| Decontaminate equipment or sites to remove hazardous or toxic substances. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Clean equipment or facilities. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Prepare excavation or extraction sites for commissioning or decommissioning. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations. | 4.A.2.b.1.d |
| Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Fabricate parts or components. | 4.A.3.a.2.aa |
| Develop equipment or component configurations. | 4.A.3.b.2.c |
| Monitor extraction operations. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 4 |
| Control Precision | ability | 4 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.88 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.88 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.88 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.88 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.75 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.62 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.5 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.5 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.5 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.38 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.32 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 3.31 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.25 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.25 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.25 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | ability | 3.25 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3.12 |
| Design | knowledge | 3.08 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Equipment Selection | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common 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 |
| Global positioning system GPS software | Mobile location based services 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 | 4.77 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.67 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.53 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.51 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.41 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.37 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.36 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.24 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.21 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.13 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.07 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 4.05 |
| Contact With Others | 3.99 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.95 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.85 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.76 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.72 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.72 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.64 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.62 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.61 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.6 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.5 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.36 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 3.34 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 3.34 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.26 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.26 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.25 |
| Time Pressure | 3 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.96 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.95 |
| Exposed to High Places | 2.93 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 2.84 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.67 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 2.64 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.61 |
| Level of Competition | 2.54 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.51 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.35 |

## 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 |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 72.77 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 15.07 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 12.15 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 5.96 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 5.35 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 4.11 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.67 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 3.65 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.49 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 2.27 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.24 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.05 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 1.87 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.7 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.7 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.52 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.5 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 47-5012.00 | role-47-5012-00 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5081.00 | role-47-5081-00 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | Primary-Short |
| 51-4032.00 | role-51-4032-00 | Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 47-5041.00 | role-47-5041-00 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-5022.00 | role-47-5022-00 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | Primary-Short |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-5032.00 | role-47-5032-00 | Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters | Primary-Long |
| 47-5071.00 | role-47-5071-00 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | Primary-Long |
| 47-5013.00 | role-47-5013-00 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Long |
| 47-2061.00 | role-47-2061-00 | Construction Laborers | Primary-Long |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Supplemental |
| 51-7042.00 | role-51-7042-00 | Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

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

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction Trades | construction-trades |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 59600
- **Mean Wage:** 63260
- **Pct10Wage:** 44450
- **Pct25Wage:** 49720
- **Pct75Wage:** 73530
- **Pct90Wage:** 87760
- **Employment:** 17410
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 11730 | 59440 | 12.79 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 3200 | 61290 | 49.42 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 1390 | 57000 | 1.14 |
| 237130 | 237130 | Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction | National industry | 1110 | 60610 | 41.98 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 820 | 57970 | 6.28 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 450 | 57820 | 0.44 |
| 238210 | 238210 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors | National industry | 380 | 57540 | 3.14 |
| 541380 | 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | National industry | 350 | 52640 | 18.19 |
| 238220 | 238220 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | National industry | 170 | 70690 | 1.19 |
| 51 | 51 | Information | Sector | 150 | 53520 | 0.46 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 90 | 65580 |  |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 90 | 62130 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 3200 | 49.42 |
| 237130 | 237130 | Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction | National industry | 1110 | 41.98 |
| 541380 | 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | National industry | 350 | 18.19 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 11730 | 12.79 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 820 | 6.28 |
| 238210 | 238210 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors | National industry | 380 | 3.14 |
| 238220 | 238220 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | National industry | 170 | 1.19 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 1390 | 1.14 |
- **Count:** 14

## Ai Signals


## Ai Outlook


### Index

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

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 23 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 9 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 2

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.18181818181818182 | 23 | 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) | 0.04640814846754143 | 9 | 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. |

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.09090909090909091
- **Beta:** 0.13636363636363635
- **Gamma:** 0.18181818181818182

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 2.9
- **Growth Percentile:** 50
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 1.7
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 25
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 18.3
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 18.8

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 29
- **Skills:** 33
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 4
- **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:** c40b4a17e707efa1