Ship Engineers
SOC code 53-5031 · O*NET-SOC 53-5031.00 · Medium preparation needed · Transportation
Ship Engineers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$109,530
a year
Hourly
$52.66
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$111,790
$53.75 per hour
Middle 50%
$82,130 – $135,760
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$57,870 – $165,490
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
8,400
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $57,870
- $27.82/hr
- 25th percentile
- $82,130
- $39.49/hr
- Median percentile
- $109,530
- $52.66/hr
- 75th percentile
- $135,760
- $65.27/hr
- 90th percentile
- $165,490
- $79.56/hr
What does a ship engineer do?
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to become a ship engineer
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48%
- Post-Secondary Certificate24%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate11%
- Bachelor's Degree8%
Common questions
How much does a ship engineer earn?
The national median is $109,530 a year. The full range runs from $57,870 at the 10th percentile to $165,490 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a ship engineer without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.6/5
- Monitoring3.6/5
- Speaking3.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.5/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Transportation3.3/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- Building and Construction3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Complex Problem Solving.