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Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Operator

ROV operators control robot submarines from ships above. These robots work underwater where it is too dangerous or difficult for human divers, doing jobs in oil exploration, marine science, and underwater construction.

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Operator

19

Engineering and Technology

AI IMPACT
AI USED FOR19%moving to64%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.

THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years

This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior ROV OperatorAs a Junior ROV Operator, you will assist in the operation of ROVs, gaining hands-on experience while working under the supervision of senior operators.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level ROV OperatorIn this role, you will independently operate ROVs, manage missions, and contribute to project planning and execution.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior ROV OperatorAs a Senior ROV Operator, you will lead teams, oversee complex missions, and play a pivotal role in strategic project development.£50,000+

13 live apprenticeship vacancies

The degree route

Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£45,000 median
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median

All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →

There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.