All occupationsCompare
Export

Ship Engineers

Transportation & Material Movingmediumaugment
BLS 2024-34: +1%
Median Wage: $77,050
Employment: 10K

Overall Exposure

33+11

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

52

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

16

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

26

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

33โ†’48
+15

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

52โ†’68
+16

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

16โ†’28
+12

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

26โ†’38
+12

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
20232240818actual
202427461222actual
202533521626actual
202638582030estimated
202743632434estimated
202848682838estimated

Task Breakdown

Monitor and maintain propulsion engines and systems
35%ฮฒ 0.5
Operate and repair electrical and electronic systems
28%ฮฒ 0.5
Manage fuel consumption and ballast systems
50%ฮฒ 1
Maintain engine room logs and compliance records
62%ฮฒ 1
Respond to mechanical emergencies at sea
15%ฮฒ 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Ship Engineer, AI is gradually transforming your profession. With an automation risk of 26/100 and overall exposure at 33%, this role faces medium transformation as sensor-based monitoring and predictive maintenance tools augment but do not replace hands-on engineering skills. The highest-impact area is maintaining engine room logs and compliance records at 62% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +1% growth through 2034. Engineers who master AI-driven diagnostic systems will remain essential aboard vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 26%, Ship Engineers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Ship Engineers is 26% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 33%, with 52% theoretical exposure and 16% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +8 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Ship Engineers are: Maintain engine room logs and compliance records (62%), Manage fuel consumption and ballast systems (50%), Monitor and maintain propulsion engines and systems (35%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +1% employment change for Ship Engineers from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 33%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Ship Engineers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Published evergreen blog post analyzing AI impact on ship engineers: 26% automation risk. Engine room logs at 62% automation, emergency response at sea at 15%. Autonomous ships limited to coastal routes.

[Source: ACW Blog]