Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Ship Engineers
SOC: 53-5031 O*NET: 53-5031.00
Median Salary
$109,530
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.7%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
What does a Ship Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$57,870
10th percentile
Early Career
$82,130
25th percentile
Median
$109,530
50th percentile
Experienced
$135,760
75th percentile
Top Earners
$165,490
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$57,870
25th
$82,130
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$109,530
Mean: $111,790
75th
$135,760
90th
$165,490
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $107,620 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $82,130 and $135,760
- •Salary spread is 49.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 8,400 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:8,800
Top Industries
Water Transportation44%
Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation27%
Support Activities for Water Transportation21%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.7%
Annual Openings:900
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)8,800
Current
2035 (Projected)9,000
+2.7%
+200
Employment Change
+2.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Ship Engineers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 24 locations
Virginia
1,450 jobs$82,3706.53x
Florida
1,260 jobs$130,4802.34x
Washington
730 jobs$107,9403.78x
Texas
660 jobs$127,8100.87x
Louisiana
610 jobs$103,4305.84x
California
610 jobs$97,6600.62x
New York
550 jobs$133,6401.05x
Alaska
420 jobs$88,19023.80x
Indiana
210 jobs$122,1901.22x
New Jersey
170 jobs$118,3100.74x
Massachusetts
150 jobs$122,7200.74x
Mississippi
140 jobs$98,3802.16x
Illinois
110 jobs$115,3100.33x
Michigan
100 jobs$79,1700.40x
Pennsylvania
90 jobs$80,2100.28x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Mechanical
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Operation and Control
94%
#5
Problem Sensitivity
92%
#6
English Language
90%
#7
Critical Thinking
86%
#8
Oral Expression
82%
#9
Troubleshooting
80%
#10
Engineering and Technology
80%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
advanced4.5
90%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Oral Expression
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance90%
knowledge
4.5/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Oral Expression
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Engineering and Technology
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Deductive Reasoning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics82%
5 shared skills
Continuous Mining Machine Operators82%
5 shared skills
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas82%
5 shared skills
Sailors and Marine Oilers82%
5 shared skills
Wellhead Pumpers82%
5 shared skills
Rail Car Repairers73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓English Language
- ✓Engineering and Technology
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Monitoring
- →Transportation
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓English Language
- ✓Engineering and Technology
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Mechanical
- ★English Language
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Operation and Control
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Ship Engineers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Salesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechApple macOS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Salesforce software
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Apple macOS
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (6)Documentation & Record-Keeping (7)Management & Supervision (3)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Record orders for changes in ship speed or direction, and note gauge readings or test data, such as revolutions per minute or voltage output, in engineering logs or bellbooks.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision91% perform94%
5
Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision82% perform88%
8
Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Ship Engineers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Ship Engineers professionals typically have a RCE Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Ship Engineers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.56
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.54
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.38
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.30
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.22
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.20
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Dependability
4.5
Integrity
4.4
Cooperation
4.3
Self-Control
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Persistence
4.2
Initiative
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Ship Engineers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Ship Engineers
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