Transportation · SOC 53-5022
Operating small motorboats in dynamic water environments involves hands-on navigation and emergency response beyond current AI.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Autonomous small vessel technology is in early testing; physical water navigation with safety responsibilities will remain human-operated through at least 2033.
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$171,000 median pay
$67,130 median pay
$34,330 median pay
$47,040 median pay
$65,480 median pay
$66,370 median pay
AI job-risk card
Motorboat Operators is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Motorboat Operators is 20/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
20 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Harder to automate: Operating engine throttle and steering in variable conditions, Directing safety operations during on-water emergencies, Maintaining navigation aids and safety equipment, Keeping to designated courses using electronic and compass aids.
Lean into Small vessel operation and seamanship, Marine emergency response, Navigation and route planning, Equipment inspection and maintenance. Consider roles such as Marine safety officer or Watercraft operations supervisor or Port patrol coordinator.
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.