Sailors and marine oilers
SOC Code: 53-5011
Sailors and marine oilers carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,610 and +2.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 32,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 42% AI exposure, Sailors and marine oilers sits 5 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 73% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Sailors and marine oilers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Sailors and marine oilers has ai exposure of 42%. 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.
Sailors and marine oilers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Sailors and marine oilers 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
Sailors and marine oilers (SOC 53-5011) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, 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 32,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.3% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $49,610, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, 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 Sailors and marine oilers. 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. Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
- 2. Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
- 3. Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- 4. Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
- 5. Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
- 6. Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
- 7. Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
- 8. Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
- 9. Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
- 10. Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Production and Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Sailors and marine oilers?
Sailors and marine oilers has an AI exposure score of 42%, 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 Sailors and marine oilers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Sailors and marine oilers is projected to grow by 2.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 32,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Sailors and marine oilers?
Key skills for Sailors and marine oilers include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Sailors and marine oilers earn?
The median annual wage for Sailors and marine oilers is $49,610, 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 Sailors and marine oilers?
The typical entry-level education for Sailors and marine oilers is No formal educational credential. 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 Sailors and marine oilers?
Sailors and marine oilers 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.
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).