Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

SOC Code: 47-5011

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 81.5/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring.

AI-Proof Score: 81.5Very High
💰

Median Salary

$62,740

📈

Job Growth

0.5%

⏱️

Training Time

Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)

🎓

Job Zone

Zone 2 / 5

💵

Training Cost

~$5,000

Key Skills

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Repairing
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Management of Personnel Resources

Common Tasks

  • Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
  • Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
  • Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
  • Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
  • Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.

Why AI-Proof?

  • Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
  • Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
  • Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
  • Social and regulatory barriers to full automation