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Automation Risk Analysis

Will “Horizontal Drill Operator” be Automated?

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AI Exposure Risk

43%

“Horizontal Drill Operator” will probably not be replaced by AI.

Based on the cognitive demands, communication requirements, and logical reasoning intrinsic to this occupation according to O*NET data, we project a 43% probability of disruption by generative AI and Large Language Models.

Automation & Robot Risk

62%

“Horizontal Drill Operator” will maybe be replaced by robots.

Evaluating the physical dexterity, repetitive motion tasks, and manual labor associated with this role, our analysis indicates a 62% likelihood of substitution by advanced robotics systems.

Personal & Financial Insights

Every occupation has a unique profile. For Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET classify the day-to-day work broadly as: Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap subsurface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.

Avg. Annual Salary $63,260
Avg. Hourly Wage $30.41
Available Jobs (US) 17,410
Job Title & Hierarchy Code (SOC) Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas #47-5023
Wage vs. National Median
ℹ️

Data is based on the reference occupation: “Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas”

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Core Skills & Abilities

  • Pour water into wells, or pump water or slush into wells to cool drill bits and to remove drillings.

  • Assemble and position machines, augers, casing pipes, and other equipment, using hand and power tools.

  • Design well pumping systems.

  • Monitor drilling operations, by checking gauges and listening to equipment to assess drilling conditions and to determine the need to adjust drilling or alter equipment.

  • Review client requirements and proposed locations for drilling operations to determine feasibility, and to determine cost estimates.

  • Drill or bore holes in rock for blasting, grouting, anchoring, or building foundations.

  • Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.

  • Disinfect, reconstruct, and redevelop contaminated wells and water pumping systems, and clean and disinfect new wells in preparation for use.

  • Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.

  • Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.

  • Record drilling progress and geological data.

  • Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.

  • Fabricate well casings.

  • Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.

  • Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.

  • Perform pumping tests to assess well performance.

  • Inspect core samples to determine nature of strata, or take samples to laboratories for analysis.

  • Retrieve lost equipment from bore holes, using retrieval tools and equipment.

  • Place and install screens, casings, pumps, and other well fixtures to develop wells.

  • Operate water-well drilling rigs and other equipment to drill, bore, and dig for water wells or for environmental assessment purposes.

  • Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.

  • Drive trucks, tractors, or truck-mounted drills to and from work sites.

  • Signal crane operators to move equipment.

  • Document geological formations encountered during work.

  • Retract augers to force discharge dirt from holes.

  • Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.

  • Withdraw drill rods from holes, and extract core samples.

  • Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.

  • Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.

Technologies & Software

  • Autodesk Construction AI
  • Buildots AI
  • Procore AI
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Gemini for Workspace
  • ChatGPT (OpenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • Backhoe-equipped tractors
  • Drilling collars
  • Water logging tools
  • Chain slings
  • Cable tool drills
  • Grout pumps
  • Mud rotary drills
  • Adjustable combination wrenches
  • Submerged arc welding tools
  • Power augers
  • Pipe retrieval fishing tools
  • Mud mixers
  • Water monitoring samplers
  • Precision levels
  • Work trucks
  • Core drill rigs
  • Tablet computers
  • Shale shakers
  • Truck mounted cranes
  • Mud pumping equipment
  • Personal computers
  • Water sampling bailers
  • Marsh funnels
  • Handheld remote thermometers
  • Water test kits
  • Global positioning system GPS receivers
  • Truck-mounted water pumps
  • Downhole hammers
  • Rotary drilling tools
  • Trenchers
  • Mud guns
  • Digital video cameras
  • Laptop computers
  • Air rotary drills
  • Downhole well testing equipment
  • Drill pipe tongs
  • Mud balances
  • Portable air compressors
  • Alternating current AC generators
  • Bobcats
  • Lube guns
  • Field forklifts
  • Water level meters
  • Desanders
  • Earth drilling machines