Sailors and marine oilers

Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.

AI Resistance Index 89 of 99

Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 89% 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 +3.2% by 2035, slower than average. The work leans on physical dexterity.

AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.

Median pay (2025): $51,520
Job growth to 2035: +3.2%
Openings a year: 3,600
People doing it (2025): 33,000
Usual route in: No formal credential, then moderate on-the-job training

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Where people already use AI for this work

Connect components or supply lines to equipment or tools
Set up equipment
Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Maintain vehicles in working condition
Tend watercraft
Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment

What the work looks like

Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
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.
Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Fence erectorsHuman edge, growing, Index 91, +5.6%
Roustabouts, oil and gasHuman edge, growing, Index 95, +3.6%
Cleaners of vehicles and equipmentHuman edge, growing, Index 90, +3.9%
Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workersHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +5.3%

Also known as: AB Seaman (Able Bodied Seaman), Able Seaman, Deckhand, Deckhand Engineer, AB Watchman (Able Bodied Watchman), Deck Hand, Oiler, Pilot Boat Deckhand.

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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.