Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

SOC Code: 47-5023

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gass operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 93.0/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring.

AI-Proof Score: 93.0Very High
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Median Salary

$59,600

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Job Growth

2.9%

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Training Time

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

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Job Zone

Zone 2 / 5

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Training Cost

~$5,000

Key Skills

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Critical Thinking
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Monitoring
  • Quality Control Analysis

Common Tasks

  • Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
  • Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
  • Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.
  • Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
  • Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping 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
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas — AI-Proof Careers