Gas and Oil Drillers

Gas and oil drillers operate the equipment that is used to drill for gas and oil.

Scientists use a variety of methods to search for gas and oil. After its possible presence is found, gas and oil drillers set up drilling equipment at the area specified on the field map.

Wages	$19.78 per hour on average
Outlook	Data not available
Education & Training	Moderate-term on-the-job training (1-12 months) is common.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)	Well Drilling/Driller
On the Job	Work Activities Set up drilling equipment at areas specified on field maps. Stabilize drill rigs. Inspect derricks for flaws. Clean and oil them to maintain good working conditions. Control power-driven derricks that raise and lower the drilling bits into the well bore.   Pump water or drilling "mud" through the drill pipe and drill bits to cool the bit and remove drilling particles. Listen to pumps and motors and observe pressure gauges. Check their activity regularly to make sure there aren't problems. Assemble and lower detection instruments into wells. Determine fluid levels or points of obstruction. Select tools. Connect sections of drill pipe and attach drill bits. Add sections of pipe as needed. Analyze problems with oil or gas wells. Recover lost equipment or clear obstacles. Collect and inspect samples to determine the nature of the rock layers. Select and change drill bits as needed. Drill holes in the ground by chipping and cutting rock with rotating bits. Maintain, adjust, and repair equipment. Direct the work of helpers and other drillers. Keep records of drilling progress.
Career Pathways	Natural Resources Systems
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