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Automation Risk Analysis

Will “Underground Drill Operator” be Automated?

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AI Exposure Risk

43%

“Underground 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%

“Underground 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

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

  • Signal crane operators to move equipment.

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

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

  • Fabricate well casings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Document geological formations encountered during work.

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

  • 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.

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

  • Design well pumping systems.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.

  • Retract augers to force discharge dirt from holes.

  • Perform pumping tests to assess well performance.

  • Record drilling progress and geological data.

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

Technologies & Software

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