Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
Human Advantage 58%
Moderate human-AI collaboration
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
3 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Assemble or repair oil field equipment using hand and power tools. Perform other tasks as needed.
Also Known As: Casing Crew Pusher, Cathead Operator, Connection Worker, Derrick Hand, Drill Rig Operator, Dumper Bailer Operator, Field Service Engineer, Field Service Installation Technician (Field Service Installation Tech) +26 more
Core Tasks
- Unscrew or tighten pipes, casing, tubing, and pump rods, using hand and power wrenches and tongs.
- Dismantle and repair oil field machinery, boilers, and steam engine parts, using hand tools and power tools.
- Guide cranes to move loads about decks.
- Walk flow lines to locate leaks, using electronic detectors and by making visual inspections, and repair the leaks.
- Lay gas and oil pipelines.
- Bolt together pump and engine parts.
- Move pipes to and from trucks, using truck winches and motorized lifts, or by hand.
- Clean trucks used in the fields.
Supplemental Tasks (5)
- Dig holes, set forms, and mix and pour concrete into forms to make foundations for wood or steel derricks.
- Supply equipment to rig floors as requested and provide assistance to roughnecks.
- Clean up spilled oil by bailing it into barrels.
- Dig drainage ditches around wells and storage tanks.
- Cut down and remove trees and brush to clear drill sites, to reduce fire hazards, and to make way for roads to sites.
Education & Training
Job Zone 1 Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed
Education: Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Experience: Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (20)
Tools & Equipment (49)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Resource Extraction Advanced Manufacturing
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