FAQ
Ship Engineer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a ship engineer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a ship engineer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about ship engineers
How do you become a ship engineer?
Maritime academy or working up from oiler, plus Coast Guard licenses.
Is pay good?
Yes, BLS reports strong median pay.
Are rotations long?
Often weeks at a time.
How much does a ship engineer make?
The median annual wage for ship engineers was $109,530 ($52.66 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $57,870 and the highest 10% earned more than $165,490.
How long does it take to become a ship engineer?
Most people need about Years of sea time and credentials of training. A maritime academy degree or postsecondary program plus a Coast Guard engineering license is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a ship engineer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.
Is ship engineer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.7% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 900 openings each year. Upsides include strong pay; a common challenge is that weeks away.
What skills does a ship engineer need?
Key technical skills include diesel engines, electrical systems, pumps and piping, and boilers. Employers also value problem-solving, leadership, and calm under pressure.
What certifications are available for ship engineers?
Common credentials include USCG engineer license, STCW certificates, TWIC, and QMED. Ship engineers need a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an engineering officer endorsement.
Still deciding?
Try the Ship Engineer fit quiz, compare with Ship Captain, or explore Ship Engineer training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-5031 (Ship engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Ship engineers (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.