Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
O*NET 17-2121.00 · SOC 17-2121
Marine Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $112k a year with +6.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 500 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design hull structures and propulsion systems for ships or vessels.
- →Evaluate vessel stability calculations to ensure safe load conditions.
- →Review engineering drawings for marine systems and structural components.
- →Oversee construction or repair of vessels at shipyards.
- →Conduct sea trials to verify vessel performance meets design specifications.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Marine Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Marine Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Marine Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Marine Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects is projected to grow 6.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Marine Engineer make?
The median Marine Engineer earns $112k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Marine Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Marine Engineer at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Marine Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Marine Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Marine Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Marine Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Marine Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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