Marine engineers and naval architects
SOC Code: 17-2121Also known as:
Architect Specialist, Automation Engineer, Boat Designer, Consulting Marine Engineer, Engineering Specialist
Median Annual Salary
$105,670
+5.8% growth (2024-2034)
600
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Marine engineers and naval architects Do
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
💰 Salary
$105,670
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.8%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
600
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
8,500
Projected Employment (2034)
9,000
Related Careers
Aerospace engineers
$134,830 •
+6.1% growth
Mechanical engineers
$102,320 •
+9.1% growth
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830 •
+8.1% growth
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
$68,730 •
+0.0% growth
Ship engineers
$101,320 •
+1.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
- Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
- Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
- Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
- Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
- Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.
- Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
- Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.
- Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.
- Prepare, or direct the preparation of, product or system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Marine engineers and naval architects
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a marine engineers and naval architects:
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
445 degrees awarded •
15 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Marine engineers and naval architects
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become marine engineers and naval architects.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 51 | A+ |
| 2 | United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | 36 | A |
| 3 | United States Merchant Marine Academy | Kings Point, NY | 93 | B+ |
| 4 | United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 23 | B+ |
| 5 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | 6 | B+ |
| 6 | Webb Institute | Glen Cove, NY | 25 | B |
| 7 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 5 | B |
| 8 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 2 | B |
| 9 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | 1 | B |
| 10 | Maine Maritime Academy | Castine, ME | 71 | C+ |
| 11 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy | Buzzards Bay, MA | 69 | C+ |
| 12 | SUNY Maritime College | Throggs Neck, NY | 24 | C+ |
| 13 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | 19 | C+ |
| 14 | University of New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 10 | C+ |
| 15 | The Landing School | Arundel, ME | 10 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do marine engineers and naval architects make?
The median annual salary for marine engineers and naval architects is $105,670.
What education do marine engineers and naval architects need?
Most marine engineers and naval architects positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Is becoming marine engineers and naval architects a good career choice?
Marine engineers and naval architects is projected to see +5.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for marine engineers and naval architects?
Top colleges for aspiring marine engineers and naval architects include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, United States Naval Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Coast Guard Academy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to marine engineers and naval architects?
Marine engineers and naval architects may also be known as: Architect Specialist, Automation Engineer, Boat Designer, Consulting Marine Engineer, Engineering Specialist, Marine Architect, Marine Civil Engineer, Marine Consultant, Marine Design Engineer, Marine Engineer, Marine Engineering Consultant, Marine Equipment Design Engineer, Marine Equipment Engineer, Marine Equipment Research Engineer, Marine Equipment Test Engineer, Marine Service Engineer, Marine Structural Designer, Marine Surveyor, Naval Architect, Naval Architect Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.