Transportation · SOC 53-7031
Real-time dredge control and crew coordination in variable underwater conditions remain well beyond current AI capabilities.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: GPS-guided and semi-autonomous dredging systems are being adopted for large-scale harbor projects; most routine maintenance dredging will rely on human operators through at least 2032.
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$44,140 median pay
$58,030 median pay
$85,750 median pay
$70,010 median pay
$58,070 median pay
$49,610 median pay
AI job-risk card
Dredge Operators is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Dredge Operators is 25/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
25 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Lowering anchor poles and reading depth gauge readouts. Harder to automate: Operating dredge levers to control hydraulic pumps and cutterheads, Starting and stopping engines based on real-time excavation needs, Directing crew placing anchors, cables, and piping on site.
Lean into Dredge and hydraulic equipment operation, Underwater excavation and waterway management, Crew direction and site coordination, Marine construction safety. Consider roles such as Marine construction supervisor or Waterway engineering technician or Dredging project manager.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.