Ship engineers
SOC Code: 53-5031
Ship engineers carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $101,320 and +1.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 8,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 39% AI exposure, Ship engineers sits 2 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 65% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Ship engineers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Ship engineers has ai exposure of 39%. 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.
Ship engineers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Ship engineers 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
Ship engineers (SOC 53-5031) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, 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 8,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.6% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $101,320, 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 Ship engineers. 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. Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- 2. Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- 3. Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- 4. Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- 5. Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
- 6. Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
- 7. Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
- 8. Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
- 9. Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
- 10. Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Ship engineers?
Ship engineers has an AI exposure score of 39%, 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 Ship engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Ship engineers is projected to grow by 1.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 8,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Ship engineers?
Key skills for Ship engineers include Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Ship engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Ship engineers is $101,320, 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 Ship engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Ship engineers 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 Ship engineers?
Ship engineers 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
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
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).