Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

SOC Code: 47-5071

Roustabouts, Oil and Gass unscrew or tighten pipes, casing, tubing, and pump rods, using hand and power wrenches and tongs. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 86.7/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control.

AI-Proof Score: 86.7Very High
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Median Salary

$47,510

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Job Growth

2.5%

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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

  • Critical Thinking
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Monitoring
  • Coordination
  • Time Management
  • Repairing
  • Equipment Maintenance

Common Tasks

  • Unscrew or tighten pipes, casing, tubing, and pump rods, using hand and power wrenches and tongs.
  • Dismantle and repair oil field machinery, boilers, and steam engine parts, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Guide cranes to move loads about decks.
  • Walk flow lines to locate leaks, using electronic detectors and by making visual inspections, and repair the leaks.
  • Lay gas and oil pipelines.

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
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas — AI-Proof Careers