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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Ship Engineers

Median Salary
94,270
Job Outlook
+8%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of water transportation workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,700 openings for water transportation workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$58,700

10%

$94,270

Median

$120,180

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    47%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    23%

  • Post baccalaureate

    10%

  • Bachelor's degree

    8%

  • Some college

    6%

  • Less than high school

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Building and Construction
  • Physics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Chemistry

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

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

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.