Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Machines can already do 24% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 63%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 24% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 63% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 10,590 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $58,620 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 71% for contact with people.
- Also called: Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Derrick Operator, Derrick Worker.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators | 17% | 30% to 75% | |
| Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid | 13% | 30% to 75% | |
| Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly | 13% | 30% to 75% | |
| Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment | 11% | 3% to 30% | |
| Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers | 11% | 20% to 60% | |
| Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings | 9% | 30% to 75% | |
| Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them | 7% | 18% to 38% | |
| Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions | 5% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills derrick operators, oil and gas use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines44% of tasks by 2035 · US median $65,510
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $79,870
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $92,460
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers43% of tasks by 2035 · US median $109,910
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of derrick operators, oil and gas?
Machines can do 24% of the tasks of derrick operators, oil and gas today and 63% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 47-5011.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/derrick-operators-oil-and-gas/