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Sailors and Marine Oilers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 165 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 7% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Record data in ships' logs, such as weather conditions or distances traveled.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

    Similar work
    slightly less pay1,632 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$50,099 vs your $55,396 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Control Precision
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Far Vision
    • Depth Perception
    • Operation and Control

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Riggers

    Similar work
    +96% pay90 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 96% more—$108,583 vs your $55,396 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Depth Perception
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Control Precision
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Far Vision

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Design
    • Production and Processing
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Engineering and Technology
  • Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

    Somewhat similar work
    +30% pay2,106 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 30% more—$72,078 vs your $55,396 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Control Precision
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Near Vision
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Transportation
    • Repairing
    • Education and Training
  • Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

    Somewhat similar work
    +50% pay1,580 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 50% more—$83,178 vs your $55,396 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Depth Perception
    • Control Precision
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Operation and Control
    • Near Vision

    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
  • Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

    Somewhat similar work
    +9% pay162 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 9% more—$60,609 vs your $55,396 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Control Precision
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Operation and Control
    • Near Vision
    • Operations Monitoring

    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Design