Ship Engineer
Run and repair the engines and systems that power ships.
- $109,530
- Years of sea time and credentials
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Marine Engineer
Also called: Naval Architect · Marine Systems Engineer · Ship Designer · Offshore Engineer
What marine engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a marine engineer do?
Marine engineers and naval architects design, build and maintain ships, from aircraft carriers to submarines and sailboats to tankers. The median pay is $112,230 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year engineering degree, and employment is projected to grow +6.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$112,230$53.96/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+6.7%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4-year engineering degreeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs8,400Employment, 2025
What marine engineers do
Marine engineers and naval architects design vessels. They work on hull forms, stability, propulsion, power and onboard systems, run calculations and tests, oversee construction in shipyards and support repairs and refits.
A bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or naval architecture is required. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Design hulls
- Calculate stability
- Design propulsion systems
- Design onboard systems
- Oversee construction
- Run tests
- Support repairs
Work environment and schedule
Marine engineers work in offices, shipyards and at sea.
Schedule: Full time, with some travel and sea trials.
A day in the life
- Review stability calculations.
- Meet the shipyard team.
- Update a 3D ship model.
- Inspect a hull section.
See a full day in the life of a marine engineer →
Marine Engineer salary
Half of marine engineers earned more than $112,230 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $83,010 for the lowest 10% to $173,330 for the top 10%.
Full marine engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a marine engineer
- Earn a marine engineering degree
- Do co-ops at shipyards
- Join as an engineer
- Earn PE or clearance
- Lead designs
A bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or naval architecture is required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a marine engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Naval architecture
- Stability analysis
- Propulsion
- Marine systems
- CAD
People skills
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Attention to detail
All marine engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- High pay
- Unique projects
- Navy and offshore demand
Cons
- Travel to shipyards
- Small field
- Strict class rules
- Long projects
Certifications and licenses
- PE license: Optional.
- USCG engineering license: For seagoing roles.
- Security clearance: For Navy work.
- SNAME membership: Professional society.
Career path
- Engineer I: Entry.
- Marine Engineer: Design.
- Senior Naval Architect: Lead.
- Chief Engineer: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Marine Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as check a vessel’s intact stability and size a ship’s propulsion system, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Mechanical Engineer
Design machines, engines, tools and products that move and work.
- $104,110
- 4 years
Ship Captain
Command and navigate ships, tugs and ferries on oceans, rivers and lakes.
- $92,460
- Years of sea time and credentials
Civil Engineer
Design and build roads, bridges, water systems and the infrastructure we rely on.
- $100,840
- 4 years + PE path
Compare: Marine Engineer vs. Ship Engineer · Marine Engineer vs. Mechanical Engineer · Marine Engineer vs. Ship Captain · Marine Engineer vs. Civil Engineer
Marine Engineer FAQ
What is a naval architect?
An engineer who designs ships.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Is it a small field?
Yes, but demand is steady.
How much does a marine engineer make?
The median annual wage for marine engineers was $112,230 ($53.96 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $83,010 and the highest 10% earned more than $173,330.
How long does it take to become a marine engineer?
Most people need about 4-year engineering degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or naval architecture is required.
Do you need a degree to be a marine engineer?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More marine engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2121 (Marine engineers and naval architects).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Marine engineers and naval architects (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.