Derrick operators, oil and gas
SOC Code: 47-5011
Derrick operators, oil and gas carries a 30% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,740 and +0.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 11,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 30% AI exposure, Derrick operators, oil and gas sits 7 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 30% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Derrick operators, oil and gas sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Derrick operators, oil and gas has ai exposure of 30%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Derrick operators, oil and gas vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Derrick operators, oil and gas is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Derrick operators, oil and gas (SOC 47-5011) carries an AI exposure score of 30%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 11,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.5% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $62,740, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Derrick operators, oil and gas. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- 2. Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
- 3. Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- 4. Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
- 5. Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
- 6. Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- 7. Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
- 8. Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
- 9. Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
- 10. Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Repairing
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Building and Construction
- Physics
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Derrick operators, oil and gas?
Derrick operators, oil and gas has an AI exposure score of 30%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Derrick operators, oil and gas?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Derrick operators, oil and gas is projected to grow by 0.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 11,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Derrick operators, oil and gas?
Key skills for Derrick operators, oil and gas include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Derrick operators, oil and gas earn?
The median annual wage for Derrick operators, oil and gas is $62,740, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Derrick operators, oil and gas?
The typical entry-level education for Derrick operators, oil and gas is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Derrick operators, oil and gas?
Derrick operators, oil and gas roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).