Construction · SOC 47-5011
Derrick operation on an active rig demands physical judgment and real-time response that AI cannot safely replicate.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Automated drilling monitoring tools are operational but remote-controlled derrick operations at scale remain 10+ years away.
Tap a skill to find courses on Coursera.
Some links are affiliate links — if you sign up or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
$60,800 median pay
$49,850 median pay
$48,490 median pay
Construction
$59,110 median pay
$59,310 median pay
AI job-risk card
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas is 22/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
22 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Preparing mud chemistry reports, Communicating chemical additive instructions to crews. Harder to automate: Inspecting and cleaning derrick structures before use, Repairing pumps, tanks, and mechanical systems, Supervising and training crew members on-site.
Lean into Drilling fluids management, Mechanical systems maintenance, Safety inspection protocols, Crew supervision. Consider roles such as Drilling supervisor or Petroleum engineering technician or Rig safety officer.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.