Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace rotary drill operators, oil and gas?AI replacement risk 9% and how the work is changing

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$67,890
25th–75th pct. $53,810–$81,360
Top pay (est.)
$132,400
Top 10% $101,860
Pay in 5 years
$79,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$92,600est.
$79,600–$107,500
Outlook score
57/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
9%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+0.8%
1,100 openings / yr

Will AI replace Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas? AI replacement risk

9%
Very low
Ranked #24 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.6
Operations Monitoring
3.5
Instructing
3.4
Time Management
3.4
Coordination
3.4
Management of Personnel Resources
3.2
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Repairing
3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.9
Education and Training
3.7
Mathematics
3.7
Personnel and Human Resources
3.3
Chemistry
3.2
Administration and Management
2.9
Psychology
2.7
Public Safety and Security
2.6

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Important abilities

Selective AttentionControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingOral ExpressionAuditory Attention

Education of workers

Less than high school
31%
High school diploma
29%
Some college
22%
Post-secondary certificate
9%
Bachelor's degree
9%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
30%
None / short demo
13%
2–4 years
11%
6–12 months
10%
Over 10 years
5%
1–3 months
5%
1–2 years
3%
3–6 months
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
31%
3–6 months
24%
None
14%
Over 10 years
11%
8–10 years
11%
1–3 months
4%
4–6 years
3%
6–12 months
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.