Dredge operators
SOC Code: 53-7031
Dredge operators carries a 30% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $48,430 and +1.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 30% AI exposure, Dredge operators sits 7 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 30% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Dredge operators sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Dredge operators has ai exposure of 30%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Dredge operators vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Dredge operators is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Dredge operators (SOC 53-7031) carries an AI exposure score of 30%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $48,430, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Dredge operators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.
- 2. Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
- 3. Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.
- 4. Pump water to clear machinery pipelines.
- 5. Lower anchor poles to verify depths of excavations, using winches, or scan depth gauges to determine depths of excavations.
- 6. Direct or assist workers placing shore anchors and cables, laying additional pipes from dredges to shore, and pumping water from pontoons.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Dredge operators?
Dredge operators has an AI exposure score of 30%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Dredge operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Dredge operators is projected to grow by 1.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Dredge operators?
Key skills for Dredge operators include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Dredge operators earn?
The median annual wage for Dredge operators is $48,430, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Dredge operators?
The typical entry-level education for Dredge operators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Dredge operators?
Dredge operators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 6 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).