Occupational Employment Statistics
47-5012 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration. Excludes “Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas” (47-5021).
Minnesota
| 50 | 13 | $36.96/hr | $26.53/hr | $27.75/hr | $37.69/hr | $37.95/hr | $51.28/hr |
Natural Resources and Mining | N/A | N/A |
Professional and Business Services | 20 | $27.75/hr |
- Clean and oil pulleys, blocks, and cables.
- Observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.
- Push levers and brake pedals to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.
- Position and prepare truck-mounted derricks at drilling areas specified on field maps.
- Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.
- Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.
- Maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.
- Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud.
- Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.
- Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.