Will “Rock Drill Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

85% Chance of Automation

“Rock Drill Operator” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #488 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap sub-surface 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. May use explosives. Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 47-5021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 51,240.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 24.00
Currently, there are 18,500 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Rock Drill Operator”

Record drilling progress and geological data.
Design well pumping systems.
Observe electronic graph recorders and flow meters that monitor the water used to flush debris from holes.
Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
Retract augers to force discharge dirt from holes.
Assemble and position machines, augers, casing pipes, and other equipment, using hand and power tools.
Document geological formations encountered during work.
Pour water into wells, or pump water or slush into wells to cool drill bits and to remove drillings.
Drive trucks, tractors, or truck-mounted drills to and from work sites.
Disinfect, reconstruct, and redevelop contaminated wells and water pumping systems, and clean and disinfect new wells in preparation for use.
Signal crane operators to move equipment.
Operate water-well drilling rigs and other equipment to drill, bore, and dig for water wells or for environmental assessment purposes.
Perform pumping tests to assess well performance.
Fabricate well casings.
Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.
Inspect core samples to determine nature of strata, or take samples to laboratories for analysis.
Place and install screens, casings, pumps, and other well fixtures to develop wells.
Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
Withdraw drill rods from holes, and extract core samples.
Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.
Review client requirements and proposed locations for drilling operations to determine feasibility, and to determine cost estimates.
Operate hoists to lift power line poles into position.
Drill or bore holes in rock for blasting, grouting, anchoring, or building foundations.
Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.
Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.
Retrieve lost equipment from bore holes, using retrieval tools and equipment.
Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.
Monitor drilling operations, checking gauges and listening to equipment to assess drilling conditions and to determine the need to adjust drilling or alter equipment.
Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.

Related Technology & Tools

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

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Global positioning system GPS software
Data entry software
Microsoft Office