Ship engineers
SOC Code: 53-5031Also known as:
Barge Engineer, Deck Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Watch Officer, Equipment Maintenance Marine Engineer
Median Annual Salary
$101,320
+1.6% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Ship engineers Do
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
💰 Salary
$101,320
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
8,800
Projected Employment (2034)
9,000
Related Careers
Marine engineers and naval architects
$105,670 •
+5.8% growth
Maintenance and repair workers, general
$48,620 •
+3.8% growth
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Stationary engineers and boiler operators
$75,190 •
+2.2% growth
Sailors and marine oilers
$49,610 •
+2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Equipment Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
- Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
- Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
- Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
- Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
- Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Ship engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a ship engineers:
Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer
561 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Ship engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become ship engineers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Merchant Marine Academy | Kings Point, NY | 94 | B+ |
| 2 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | 53 | B+ |
| 3 | SUNY Maritime College | Throggs Neck, NY | 139 | C+ |
| 4 | California State University Maritime Academy | Vallejo, CA | 94 | C+ |
| 5 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy | Buzzards Bay, MA | 56 | C+ |
| 6 | Maine Maritime Academy | Castine, ME | 54 | C+ |
| 7 | Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City, MI | 41 | C+ |
| 8 | San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, TX | 18 | C+ |
| 9 | Seattle Central College | Seattle, WA | 12 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ship engineers make?
The median annual salary for ship engineers is $101,320.
What education do ship engineers need?
Most ship engineers positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer.
Is becoming ship engineers a good career choice?
Ship engineers is projected to see +1.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for ship engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring ship engineers include
United States Merchant Marine Academy, Texas A & M University-College Station, SUNY Maritime College, California State University Maritime Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to ship engineers?
Ship engineers may also be known as: Barge Engineer, Deck Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Watch Officer, Equipment Maintenance Marine Engineer, Equipment Operating Engineer, Ferry Engineer, Fire Boat Engineer, Fire Department Marine Engineer, Harbor Engineer, Licensed Marine Engineer, Marine Engine Mechanic, Marine Mechanic, Maritime Engineer, Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch (OICEW), Operating Engineer, Operating Marine Engineer, Port Engineer, Ship Engineer, Ship Engines Operating Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.