Motorboat operators
SOC Code: 53-5022
Motorboat operators carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $51,880 and +1.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 2,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 24% AI exposure, Motorboat operators sits 13 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 13% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Motorboat operators sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Motorboat operators has ai exposure of 24%. 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.
Motorboat operators vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Motorboat 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
Motorboat operators (SOC 53-5022) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, 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 2,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $51,880, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus Less than 5 years 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 Motorboat 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. Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
- 2. Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
- 3. Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
- 4. Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
- 5. Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
- 6. Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
- 7. Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
- 8. Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.
- 9. Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
- 10. Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Mechanical
- Geography
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- Telecommunications
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Motorboat operators?
Motorboat operators has an AI exposure score of 24%, 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 Motorboat operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Motorboat operators is projected to grow by 1.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 2,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Motorboat operators?
Key skills for Motorboat operators include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Motorboat operators earn?
The median annual wage for Motorboat operators is $51,880, 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 Motorboat operators?
The typical entry-level education for Motorboat operators is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Motorboat operators?
Motorboat 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 10 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).