Ship Engineers
O*NET 53-5031.00 · SOC 53-5031
Ship Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $110k a year with +2.7% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 900 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Monitor and operate ship engines, boilers, and mechanical systems
- →Perform routine maintenance on pumps, valves, and generators
- →Record engine performance data in engineering log books
- →Troubleshoot mechanical failures and make repairs at sea
- →Manage fuel consumption and ballast water during voyages
Education & How to Get In
Most Ship Engineer positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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 Ship Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Ship 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 Ship Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Ship Engineers is projected to grow 2.7% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·36% 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 Ship Engineer make?
The median Ship Engineer earns $110k 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 Ship Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Ship Engineer at 44 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Ship Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Ship Engineer?
Most Ship Engineer roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Ship Engineer?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Ship 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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