All occupationsCompare
Export

Vessel Traffic Operators

Transportation & Material Movinghighaugment
BLS 2024-34: +2%
Median Wage: $58,740
Employment: 3K

Overall Exposure

53

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

72

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

33

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

37

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

53โ†’67
+14

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

72โ†’83
+11

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

33โ†’49
+16

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

37โ†’52
+15

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202448682832actual
202553723337estimated
202658763842estimated
202763804447estimated
202867834952estimated

Task Breakdown

Track vessel positions using radar and AIS systems
72%ฮฒ 1
Communicate navigational advisories to ship captains
35%ฮฒ 0.5
Coordinate emergency response for maritime incidents
18%ฮฒ 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Vessel Traffic Operator, AI is augmenting your monitoring and tracking tasks. With an automation risk of 37/100 and overall exposure at 53%, this role faces high transformation. AIS vessel tracking sees 72% automation, while emergency coordination remains human-led at 18%. BLS projects +2% growth through 2034.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 37%, Vessel Traffic Operators faces a moderate level of AI-driven change. Some tasks can be automated, but many require human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot yet replicate. The role is more likely to evolve alongside AI than be replaced.

The AI automation risk score for Vessel Traffic Operators is 37% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 53%, with 72% theoretical exposure and 33% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is 0 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Vessel Traffic Operators are: Track vessel positions using radar and AIS systems (72%), Communicate navigational advisories to ship captains (35%), Coordinate emergency response for maritime incidents (18%). 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 +2% employment change for Vessel Traffic Operators from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 53%, 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 Vessel Traffic Operators 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.