As of July 2026,
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas has an AI-exposure score of 42/100
(Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index. This is an estimate of task
exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Score inputs for this role:
This role starts from O*NET 29.1 occupational descriptors and is empirically grounded by Penn/OpenAI GPTs are GPTs study, Felten, Raj and Seamans AIOE index. BLS labor-market figures are separate context, not score inputs.
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
More exposed than 13% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$58,620. About 1,000 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 - growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) - your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How this role compares to similar Construction roles
What this role usually involves
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Broad guidance for this preparation level; exact requirements vary by role and employer.
Source: O*NET 29.1 exact occupation - Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas, SOC 47-5011.00. Context describes the role; the AI-exposure score remains a separate task-exposure estimate.
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas tasks, by AI exposure
No automatable tasks identified for this role - its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (60%).
- Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
- Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
- Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
We analyzed all 15 Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas tasks - 9 augmentable and 6 durable. The full task map - every task with exactly what to do about each - is in your Career Report.
Your report unlocks three concrete artifacts
Every task scored with what to automate, augment, or protect.
Related roles with exposure deltas, salary, demand, and reachability. Lower-exposure options appear only when the data supports them.
A keepable roadmap plus resume and LinkedIn repositioning.
Grounded in O*NET-linked or curated role data, with Penn, Anthropic Economic Index, and AIOE signals where matched. BLS labor-market context is separate - not generic advice.
Adjacent career paths
This role is already among lower-exposure work. The adjacent paths below are shown for opportunity and skill transfer, not as lower-exposure alternatives.
Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
Your AI-Safe Career Report
Every task scored with what to do about it; adjacent paths with honest exposure deltas, salary, demand, and reachability; a skill-gap map; a 30/60/90-day roadmap; Agent Reality Check; plus a résumé and LinkedIn rewrite and professional PDF.
Grounded in O*NET-linked or curated role data, with Penn, Anthropic Economic Index, and AIOE signals where matched. BLS labor-market context is separate.
Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium - adapting pays. - PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026
Instant delivery - your personalized report is ready about a minute after checkout.