For Educators: Military Resources
Military Ship Engineers
Median Salary
84,266
Workforce Count
22,695
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Ship engineers maintain machinery and equipment for various parts of the fleet and are responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and repair of engines, deck machinery, heating, power generation, and electrical wiring aboard a ship. They also respond to emergency situations such as leaks and fires, and conduct safety operations.
What is the work environment like?
Ship engineers work in engine rooms, where the noise levels and temperatures may be high.
How many people have this role in the Military?
22,695
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
$98,536
2 Years
$74,191
6 Years
$98,536
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
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 ship engineers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Training length varies depending on specialty; the time required for nuclear specialties is the longest. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:
- Inspection and maintenance of marine engines, electrical systems, and fuel systems
- Operation and maintenance of power plants and related machinery
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer
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?
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
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.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
Enterprising
You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.
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