Career Explorer Transport and logistics
Human edge, growing
Motorboat operators
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 96% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it low), and US jobs are projected to change by +4.9% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on ethical judgement and physical dexterity.
AI struggles with much of this work, and US employers are expected to hire more people into it than average.
- Median pay (2025)
- $47,520
- Job growth to 2035
- +4.9%
- Openings a year
- 300
- People doing it (2025)
- 2,800
- Usual route in
- College certificate
Where people already use AI for this work
- Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Operate transportation equipment or vehicles
- Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures
- Maintain vehicles in working condition
What the work looks like
- Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
- Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
- Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
- Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
- Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Medical equipment preparersHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +10.8%
- Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workersHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +5.3%
- Tree trimmers and prunersHuman edge, growing, Index 98, +4.2%
- Electrical power-line installers and repairersHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +10.3%
Also known as: Boat Operator, Launch Operator, River Pilot, Water Taxi Business Operator, Crew Boat Operator, Harbor Pilot, Launchman, Motorboat Operator.
Is this career on your child's list?
Build a free Career Playbook matched to your child, or get a 90-day Action Plan with dated next steps, written for your child by name.
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.