Marine engineers and naval architects
SOC Code: 17-2121
Marine engineers and naval architects carries a 43% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $105,670 and +5.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 8,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Marine engineers and naval architects (SOC 17-2121) carries an AI exposure score of 43%, placing it in the High 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 in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 8,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.8% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $105,670, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, 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 Marine engineers and naval architects. 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. Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
- 2. Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
- 3. Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
- 4. Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
- 5. Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
- 6. Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.
- 7. Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.
- 8. Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
- 9. Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.
- 10. Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Mathematics
- Science
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Design
- English Language
- Transportation
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Building and Construction
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Marine engineers and naval architects?
Marine engineers and naval architects has an AI exposure score of 43%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Marine engineers and naval architects?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow by 5.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 8,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Marine engineers and naval architects?
Key skills for Marine engineers and naval architects include Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Marine engineers and naval architects earn?
The median annual wage for Marine engineers and naval architects is $105,670, 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 Marine engineers and naval architects?
The typical entry-level education for Marine engineers and naval architects is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Marine engineers and naval architects?
Marine engineers and naval architects 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
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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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).