For Educators: Military Resources
Military Marine Engineers
Median Salary
141,319
Workforce Count
3,527
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Marine engineers direct or supervise the design of ships, submarines, and other watercraft. They organize and coordinate design work, and oversee the construction, alteration, or repair of ships and marine equipment. Marine engineers may also lead or participate in naval scientific research.
What is the work environment like?
Marine engineers do much of their work outdoors at shipyards while overseeing shipbuilding and repair activities. They work in offices while directing vessel design and development activities.
How many people have this role in the Military?
3,527
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$162,606
2 Years
$131,258
6 Years
$162,606
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Job training for marine engineers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:
- Basic shipboard engineering
- Damage control
- Engineering management and administration afloat
- Deck watch officer responsibilities
- Naval engineering organization and maintenance management
- Program management and mission support
Education
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Mechanical
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test