As of June 2026, Ship Engineers has an AI-exposure score of 51/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
AI Exposure Score for
Ship Engineers
51/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High
More exposed than 36% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$109,530. About 1,100 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
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How you compare to similar Transportation roles
Ship Engineers (you)
51
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
51
Flight Attendants
51
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
51
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
51
Subway and Streetcar Operators
51
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Your tasks, by AI exposure
Automatable
- Record orders for changes in ship speed or direction, and note gauge readings or test data, such as revolutions per minute or voltage output, in engineering logs or bellbooks.
- Act as a liaison between a ship's captain and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained and that the ship is operated safely and efficiently.
- Order and receive engine room stores, such as oil or spare parts, maintain inventories, and record usage of supplies.
- Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
Augmentable
- Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
- Fabricate engine replacement parts, such as valves, stay rods, or bolts, using metalworking machinery.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
- Clean engine parts and keep engine rooms clean.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
- Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
- Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- Install engine controls, propeller shafts, or propellers.
Durable
- Supervise marine engine technicians engaged in the maintenance or repair of mechanical or electrical marine vessels, and inspect their work to ensure that it is performed properly.
Safer adjacent roles
YOUR ROLE TODAY
Ship Engineers 51→
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
54
80% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$112,230
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
61
72% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$78,620
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
53
64% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$102,040
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
37
56% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$57,550
Sailors and Marine Oilers
47
48% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$51,520
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
47
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$79,870
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
53
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$49,590
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
44
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$61,770
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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.