Mostly Resilient
Last Update: 10/7/2026
AI Resilience Score for Water Vessel Captain/Pilot:
53.2%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
Med
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Med
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
This result is backed by strong agreement across multiple data sources.
AI Resilience Report forCaptains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
$92,460 median salary•3,800 annual openings•SOC Code: 53-5021.00
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels are somewhat more resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 6 sources.
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels are labeled "Mostly Resilient" because while AI is definitely entering this field, it is being used as a helpful tool rather than a replacement for the humans in charge. The hands-on, high-stakes parts of the job, like docking in a busy port, managing a crew, responding to emergencies, and reading tricky weather conditions, still require the kind of real-world judgment and "sea sense" that AI simply cannot replicate yet.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is mostly resilient
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels are labeled "Mostly Resilient" because while AI is definitely entering this field, it is being used as a helpful tool rather than a replacement for the humans in charge. The hands-on, high-stakes parts of the job, like docking in a busy port, managing a crew, responding to emergencies, and reading tricky weather conditions, still require the kind of real-world judgment and "sea sense" that AI simply cannot replicate yet.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Water Vessel Captain/Pilot
Updated quarterly
How can Water Vessel Captain/Pilot prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Water Vessel Captain/Pilot
These articles highlight how AI is transforming maritime careers for Captains, Mates, and Pilots. For example, while AI can assist in navigation and voyage planning, human oversight remains crucial during emergencies and in complex environments like fog or busy ports. This means that rather than replacing these roles, AI is enhancing them, allowing professionals to focus on critical decision-making. Embracing AI tools can lead to safer and more efficient operations, underscoring the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in this evolving field.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
willrobotstakemyjob.com • 9/20/2026
AI would be in charge during long sea phases while captain or mate would take control in emergencies and during transits through congested waters, narrow ...
How AI Is Changing the Maritime Industry
www.mitags.org • 9/20/2026
Apr 10, 2023 — AI can navigate vessels without human intervention, opening the possibility for autonomous ships or those with minimal crew members.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels (Mid-Level)
jobzonerisk.com • 9/20/2026
AI augments navigation and voyage planning but cannot command a vessel through fog, port approaches, or emergencies. Safe for 10+ years.
Ship Captain and Mate: Will AI Replace It?
wontreplace.com • 9/20/2026
AI and automation help ship crews with electronic charting, radar tracking, AIS, autopilot, weather routing, and voyage planning. Some operators are testing ... Read more
Will AI replace the Captain? Autonomous ships are no longer ...
www.facebook.com • 9/20/2026
Will AI replace the Captain ? Autonomous ships are no longer science fiction. But if an AI makes the wrong decision and lives are lost…
More Career Info
Career: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
They guide and operate ships, ensuring safe navigation and smooth journeys on water by managing the crew and following safety protocols.
Parent Careers
Similar Careers
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$92,460
Jobs (2025)
41,300
Growth (2025-35)
+4.0%
Annual Openings
3,800
Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Experience
Less than 5 years
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.
2
Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
3
Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.
4
Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.
5
Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.
6
Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
7
Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
