Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 11/4/2026
AI Resilience Score for Roustabouts, Oil and Gas:
47.1%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
Med
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Med
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
There are a reasonable number of sources for this result, but there is some disagreement between them.
AI Resilience Report forRoustabouts, Oil and Gas
$46,960 median salary•4,100 annual openings•SOC Code: 47-5071.00
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 5 sources.
Roustabout work is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because automation is genuinely reshaping the most dangerous and repetitive parts of the job, like pipe handling and rig floor tasks, but the full switch still takes time and money, and plenty of unexpected field problems still need human judgment to solve. The bigger shift is that traditional roustabout slots are shrinking (U.S. oil and gas field employment hit near-record lows in 2026 even as production stayed high), so the career landscape is changing in a real and meaningful way.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
Roustabout work is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because automation is genuinely reshaping the most dangerous and repetitive parts of the job, like pipe handling and rig floor tasks, but the full switch still takes time and money, and plenty of unexpected field problems still need human judgment to solve. The bigger shift is that traditional roustabout slots are shrinking (U.S. oil and gas field employment hit near-record lows in 2026 even as production stayed high), so the career landscape is changing in a real and meaningful way.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
Updated quarterly
How can Roustabouts, Oil and Gas prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
These articles highlight the evolving landscape for roustabouts in the oil and gas industry, emphasizing the need for adaptability in an era of AI and automation. For instance, the Casper Startup's AI Roughneck aims to fill the gap left by retiring experienced workers, indicating growing opportunities for tech-savvy professionals. Additionally, understanding AI's role in enhancing safety and efficiency can empower students to position themselves as valuable assets in a transforming field. Embracing AI can foster resilience, ensuring a bright future for those entering this career path.
Enhancing Safety with AI in the Oil & Gas Industry
field1st.com • 10/20/2026
Jan 19, 2025 — AI forecasting significantly enhances safety in the oil and gas industry by allowing companies to anticipate and address potential risks before ... Read more
Is AI the next revolution for the oil and gas industry?
www.oilandgasiq.com • 10/20/2026
Jan 9, 2019 — The growing demand for AI in oil & gas is driven by pressure to reduce production costs, address environmental issues, strengthen customer ...
Casper Startup Betting On AI Roughneck To Fill Oil Field Gaps Left By Retirements
cowboystatedaily.com • 10/5/2025
Experienced roughneck techs in Wyoming's oil and gas fields can hear a pump belt slipping from 20 feet away, but they're retiring faster...
The roughneck is slowly disappearing from the oilfield as AI and automation take over
fortune.com • 9/13/2025
Many thousands of energy jobs are shed amid lower oil prices, efficiency gains, consolidation, and the advent of autonomous AI drilling and...
Which Jobs Are AI-Safe? Microsoft’s Surprising Data
www.forbes.com • 8/7/2025
Is your job at risk? Microsoft's new study identifies which careers are considered AI-safe jobs and which may disappear as automation grows.
More Career Info
Career: Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
They help keep oil and gas operations running smoothly by assembling equipment, maintaining machinery, and cleaning work areas.
Parent Careers
Alternate Titles
Floor Hand · Roustabout · Roustabout Hand · Roustabout Pusher · Field Service Roustabout · Oil and Gas Roustabout · Oil Field Roustabout · Production Roustabout · Rig Hand · Roustabout Crew Pusher
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$46,960
Jobs (2025)
45,500
Growth (2025-35)
+3.6%
Annual Openings
4,100
Education
No formal educational credential
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Dismantle and repair oil field machinery, boilers, and steam engine parts, using hand tools and power tools.
2
Dig holes, set forms, and mix and pour concrete into forms to make foundations for wood or steel derricks.
3
Lay gas and oil pipelines.
4
Bolt together pump and engine parts.
5
Supply equipment to rig floors as requested and provide assistance to roughnecks.
6
Unscrew or tighten pipes, casing, tubing, and pump rods, using hand and power wrenches and tongs.
7
Dig drainage ditches around wells and storage tanks.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
