Transportation · SOC 53-5031
Engine monitoring increasingly benefits from AI sensors, but hands-on repair and emergency participation require physical presence onboard.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Predictive maintenance AI is being integrated into commercial vessels now; full autonomous engine rooms remain a long-term prospect, with engineers required by maritime regulations through 2035.
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$56,750 median pay
$77,400 median pay
$41,540 median pay
$37,560 median pay
$41,230 median pay
$38,940 median pay
AI job-risk card
Ship Engineers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Ship Engineers is 28/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
28 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: Monitoring engine gauges and recording readings in engineering logs, Starting engines and adjusting power transmissions per bridge orders, Logging speed/direction orders and gauge data in bellbooks. Harder to automate: Testing engines and diagnosing malfunction causes physically, Participating in emergency drills and responses, Repairing engines, pumps, and electrical equipment hands-on, Performing general vessel maintenance including leaks and decks.
Lean into Marine engineering and propulsion systems, Mechanical and electrical repair, Emergency procedures and drills, Engine diagnostics and monitoring. Consider roles such as Chief marine engineer or Marine systems maintenance supervisor or Port engineering 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.