Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud through drill hole.
How AI Impacts Each Task
15 tasks analyzed
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.
Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.
Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers.
String cables through pulleys and blocks.
Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 10% | |
| Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 8% | |
| Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 8% | |
| Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 5% | |
| Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly. | 80Estimated | 65.0% | 10% | |
| Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings. | 85Estimated | 67.0% | 5% | |
| Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 8% | |
| Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 5% | |
| Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators. | 80Estimated | 65.0% | 10% | |
| Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 5% | |
| Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 4% | |
| Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 7% | |
| String cables through pulleys and blocks. | 15Estimated | 39.0% | 5% | |
| Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings. | 80Estimated | 65.0% | 5% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis