All careers › Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Marine engineer: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $83,010lowest 10% earn less
- $99,25025th percentile
- $112,230median
- $137,69075th percentile
- $173,330top 10% earn more
The median pay for marine engineers and naval architects was $112,230 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to grow 6.7% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% for all occupations[2][3].
How much do marine engineers make?
BLS groups marine engineers with naval architects. Marine Engineer is one of the job titles workers in this category report[8]. In May 2025, the median wage was $112,230 a year, or $53.96 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $124,180 a year, or $59.70 an hour[9]. The median for all occupations was $50,980 a year[5].
Here is how the wages are spread:
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th[4][10] | $83,010 | $39.91 |
| 25th[4][10] | $99,250 | $47.71 |
| Median[1] | $112,230 | $53.96 |
| 75th[4][10] | $137,690 | $66.20 |
| 90th[4][10] | $173,330 | $83.33 |
The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $83,010 a year[4]. A percentile is a boundary line, and BLS does not publish a starting salary[11].
These figures cover people paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, certain bonuses and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[12]. About 8,250 people held these wage and salary jobs in May 2025[13].
Pay by state and city
This is a small occupation, so BLS published state medians for only 14 states and the District of Columbia[14]. The District of Columbia had the highest median at $172,330 with 490 jobs[14]. Texas was next at $152,780 with 330 jobs, then South Carolina at $136,990 with 40 jobs[14]. The lowest listed median was Michigan at $76,210[14].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV had the highest median at $159,700[15]. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA followed at $128,610, then New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ at $112,230[15].
By job count, the District of Columbia had the most at 490, then Louisiana at 430, and Florida and Washington at 370 each[16]. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area had 710 jobs, the most of any metro area[17].
Show median pay in 14 states and DC
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia[14] | $172,330 | 490 |
| Texas | $152,780 | 330 |
| South Carolina | $136,990 | 40 |
| Florida | $130,640 | 370 |
| Maryland | $130,150 | 300 |
| Massachusetts | $114,640 | n/a |
| New York | $112,230 | 250 |
| California | $110,700 | 250 |
| Washington | $109,550 | 370 |
| Hawaii | $108,200 | 120 |
| Maine | $100,430 | 260 |
| Georgia | $97,770 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $97,060 | 70 |
| Wisconsin | $78,850 | 80 |
| Michigan | $76,210 | n/a |
How to become a marine engineer
BLS describes the typical path this way[7][18]:
- First: Earn a bachelor's degree in marine engineering, naval architecture or a related field[18]. College students usually pursue an engineering degree, and these programs often cover computer-aided design, fluid mechanics and marine structures[19].
- Next: Think about where to study. Some programs are offered at maritime academies, including state maritime academies, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy[18][20]. Employers may prefer graduates of a program accredited by a professional association[21].
- Then: Gain practical experience. Students may join cooperative education programs or internships[19]. BLS lists no typical work experience or on-the-job training for entry[7].
- Optional: Employers may prefer candidates with a Merchant Mariner Credential from the U.S. Coast Guard, and some academies include one in the degree track[22].
High school students can prepare with math and science classes, and drafting if offered[23].
Entry-level workers do not need a license[24]. Experienced engineers may earn a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which lets them sign off on projects and serve the public directly[24]. State licensure typically requires an engineering degree, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, several years of relevant experience and a passing score on the PE exam[25]. Each state issues its own license, and most states recognize licenses from other states that meet or exceed their requirements[26].
In an O*NET survey of 19 workers, 53% said a bachelor's degree was required[27].
What marine engineers do
Marine engineers and naval architects design, develop and evaluate ships, boats, ship machinery and related equipment such as propulsion systems[28]. Tasks that O*NET lists as most important include[29]:
- Check that ships meet international rules for life-saving gear and pollution prevention.
- Design the hull and upper structure to meet specifications and safety standards.
- Run analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight and vibration studies.
- Study design proposals to set basics such as size, weight, speed and propulsion.
- Keep in touch with contractors and clients and write reports for them.
- Test and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
- Draw layouts and detailed schematics, including interior spaces such as cargo and passenger areas.
BLS names attention to detail and communication skills as important qualities[30][31].
Where they work
Marine engineers and naval architects may work in offices, on manufacturing shop floors or at sea[32]. People on offshore power projects, such as oil rigs or wind turbines, may spend much of their time offshore[32]. Those on land projects such as ports and seawalls may work along the coast[32]. Ship and boat building was the largest employer group, at 51%[33].
Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week[34]. Schedules vary. People who work at sea usually keep hours tied to how the ship operates[34].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of marine engineers and naval architects to grow 6.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 8,400 to 8,900 jobs, a change of 600[2]. For all occupations, the projected growth is 3.5%[3]. These projection counts include self-employed workers[2].
BLS projects about 500 openings a year on average from 2025 to 2035[6]. Openings come from new jobs and from workers who leave, so they exceed growth alone[6]. Each year, 1.7% of workers leave the labor force and 3.1% move to a different occupation[35].
Is it a good fit?
Pay is well above the median for all occupations, and jobs are projected to grow faster than average[1][5][2][3]. The typical route is a bachelor's degree with no required experience, and no license is needed at entry level[7][24]. It is a small field, with about 500 openings a year[13][6]. Settings range from offices to manufacturing shop floors to sea, so the work may suit people comfortable with varied locations[32]. It also calls for careful, accurate design work[30].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a marine engineer make an hour?
- The median hourly wage for marine engineers and naval architects was $53.96 in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $39.91 and the 90th was $83.33[10].
- What degree do you need to be a marine engineer?
- A bachelor's degree is the typical entry requirement, in marine engineering, naval architecture or a related field[7][18].
- Do marine engineers need a license?
- No license is required for entry-level marine engineers or naval architects[24]. Experienced engineers may earn a Professional Engineer license[24].
- Is marine engineer a job in demand?
- BLS projects 6.7% growth from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations[2][3]. It also projects about 500 openings a year[6].
- What is the highest paying state for marine engineers?
- Among the 14 states and DC with published data, the District of Columbia had the highest median, at $172,330 a year, followed by Texas at $152,780[14].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects in the US was $112,230 per year and $53.96 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects is projected to grow 6.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 8,400 to 8,900 jobs (a change of +600). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects: 10th percentile $83,010, 25th percentile $99,250, 75th percentile $137,690, 90th percentile $173,330. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 500 openings for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Marine Engineers and Naval Architects: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
- O*NET 17-2121.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Marine Architect, Marine Design Engineer, Marine Engineer, Marine Engineering Consultant, Marine Structural Designer, Marine Surveyor, Naval Architect, Naval Architect Specialist. O*NET OnLine
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects was $124,180 per year and $59.70 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects: 10th percentile $39.91, 25th percentile $47.71, 75th percentile $66.20, 90th percentile $83.33. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 8,250 people were employed as Marine Engineers and Naval Architects in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (areas with at least 100 jobs): Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $159,700; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $128,610; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $112,230; Urban Honolulu, HI $108,200; Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $106,250; Portland-South Portland, ME $104,850. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Marine Engineers and Naval Architects jobs: District of Columbia 490; Louisiana 430; Florida 370; Washington 370; Texas 330. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Marine Engineers and Naval Architects jobs: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 710 (median $159,700); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 250 (median $112,230); Portland-South Portland, ME 230 (median $104,850); Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA 180 (median $106,250); Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 150 (median $128,610); Barnstable Town, MA 120. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 17-2121.00 survey of workers (19 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 53%, Post-Secondary Certificate 16%, Some College Courses 11%, First Professional Degree 11%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 5%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 5% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
- O*NET description of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of marine engineers and naval architects in 2025: Ship and boat building 51%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects: 1.7% of workers leave the labor force each year and 3.1% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.