47-5023.00

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

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.

7.0OUT OF 10SAFEHIGH RISK
High Risk

This role faces substantial AI disruption

More at risk than 68% of occupations we track

Frey & Osborne (2013) estimated 50% probability of automation for this role
paper →
68%
of jobs safer
332
jobs riskier than this
+2.9%
projected growth

Disruption Vector

Disruption Type

Physical Robots

Physical robotics, autonomous machines, and automated equipment are the main threat to the physical tasks in this occupation.

AI geological modeling tools and automated drilling telemetry systems help engineers optimize drill programs, but the physical operation of drilling equipment in varied geological and environmental conditions requires skilled operators. Managing drilling fluids, bit selection based on real-time feedback, and handling mechanical problems downhole require experienced human drillers. Through 2027 AI will augment earth drillers' decision-making but physical operation in the field remains essential; demand is driven by geothermal, water well, and environmental boring markets.

Disrupted byBoston DynamicsAmazon RoboticsTesla Optimus

Salary & Job Outlook

Median Annual Pay
$59,600
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10-Year Job Growth
+2.9%
As fast as average
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2 / 5

AI Risk Timeline

7.0
7.8
8.5
10.0
Today
5 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.

Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability

AI can replicate (0)
AI-resistant (1)
Mixed
Active Listening65%
Speaking60%
Coordination62%
Monitoring58%
Time Management55%

Career Pivot Paths

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Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

7.0
/ 10
High Risk
70% automation risk

"You're not cooked yet, but someone's preheating the oven."

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EARTH DRILLERS, EXCEPT OIL AND GAS
7.0

/ 10

HIGH RISK

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You're more at risk than a Solar Energy Systems Engineers (score: 1.6). Maybe it's time to rethink.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →