Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (7%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 4 (13%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 24 (80%)

• Document geological formations encountered during work.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Record drilling progress and geological data.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Review client requirements and proposed locations for drilling operations to determine feasibility, and to determine cost estimates.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Design well pumping systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Inspect core samples to determine nature of strata, or take samples to laboratories for analysis.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Drive trucks, tractors, or truck-mounted drills to and from work sites.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assemble and position machines, augers, casing pipes, and other equipment, using hand and power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Retrieve lost equipment from bore holes, using retrieval tools and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fabricate well casings.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Pour water into wells, or pump water or slush into wells to cool drill bits and to remove drillings.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Place and install screens, casings, pumps, and other well fixtures to develop wells.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate water-well drilling rigs and other equipment to drill, bore, and dig for water wells or for environmental assessment purposes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Drill or bore holes in rock for blasting, grouting, anchoring, or building foundations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform pumping tests to assess well performance.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Disinfect, reconstruct, and redevelop contaminated wells and water pumping systems, and clean and disinfect new wells in preparation for use.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Signal crane operators to move equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Withdraw drill rods from holes, and extract core samples.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Retract augers to force discharge dirt from holes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Observe electronic graph recorders and flow meters that monitor the water used to flush debris from holes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Monitor drilling operations, by checking gauges and listening to equipment to assess drilling conditions and to determine the need to adjust drilling or alter equipment.Little or no AI speed-up

Questions about earth drillers, except oil and gas and AI