SOC 53-5021
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Risk Score
⚠️38/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥35,390
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$86K
$46K – $164K
Projected Growth
📈+0.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖38/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels face a risk score of 38/100 — 6 points below the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $86K ($39K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions offer lower AI risk while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 38/100, Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai route optimization reducing dispatcher roles are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 35,390 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in emergency situation response and quick decision-making and manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
AI route optimization reducing dispatcher roles
Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
Navigating complex urban environments with obstacles
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation Workers | 31 | $107K | 74% |
| Ship Engineers | 33 | $101K | 70% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 81% |