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Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=445nfaA6gdI.
Quick Facts: Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
2023 Median Pay $100,270 per year
$48.21 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2023 10,100
Job Outlook, 2023-33 8% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33 800

What Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Do

Marine engineers and naval architects design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment.

Work Environment

Marine engineers and naval architects may work in a variety of settings, such as in offices, on manufacturing shop floors, or at sea. Most marine engineers and naval architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Marine Engineer or Naval Architect

Marine engineers and naval architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field.  

Pay

The median annual wage for marine engineers and naval architects was $100,270 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

Employment of marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 900 openings for marine engineers and naval architects 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.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marine engineers and naval architects.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marine engineers and naval architects with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about marine engineers and naval architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Do About this section

Marine engineers and naval architects
Marine engineers and naval architects may work directly on ships.

Marine engineers and naval architects design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.

Duties

Marine engineers and naval architects typically do the following:

  • Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of a marine vessel, such as its size, weight, and speed
  • Design ship hulls and superstructures, following standards for safety, efficiency and economy
  • Prepare system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics
  • Design and oversee the building and testing of prototypes and the installation and repair of marine equipment
  • Conduct environmental, operational, or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment
  • Prepare cost estimates, contract specifications, and design and construction schedules
  • Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure that repairs and alterations are done safely and at minimal cost
  • Prepare technical reports for use by engineers, managers, or sales personnel

Marine engineers and naval architects focus on the design and production processes of water vehicles. They also may work on offshore projects, such as oil rigs and wind turbines, or on coastal structures, such as ports and seawalls.

Responsibilities for marine engineers and naval architects vary by employer. For example, those who work for ship and boat building firms may design large or small vessels, such as passenger ships, cargo ships, and rowboats. In the federal government, they may design or test ships or systems for the Army, Navy, or Coast Guard.

Marine engineers should not be confused with ship engineers, who supervise the operation of a ship’s machinery. For more information about ship engineers, see the profile on water transportation workers.

Work Environment About this section

Marine engineers and naval architects
Marine engineers and naval architects may work in a variety of settings, including outdoors.

Marine engineers and naval architects held about 10,100 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of marine engineers and naval architects were as follows:

Ship and boat building 52%
Professional, scientific, and technical services 26
Federal government, excluding postal service 11
Water transportation 3

Marine engineers and naval architects may work in a variety of settings, such as in offices, on manufacturing shop floors, or at sea. Those who work on power generation projects, such as offshore oil rigs or wind turbines, may spend much of their time offshore. Those involved in projects on land, such as ports and seawalls, may work along the coast.

Work Schedules

Most marine engineers and naval architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules may vary. For example, marine engineers and naval architects who work at sea usually keep hours that are tied to the operation of the ship.

How to Become a Marine Engineer or Naval Architect About this section

Marine engineers and naval architects
Marine engineers and naval architects must give clear instructions and explain complex concepts when leading projects.

Marine engineers and naval architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field. Some marine engineering and naval architecture programs are offered at state maritime academies.

Education

High school students interested in becoming a marine engineer or naval architect should take classes in math, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; and science, such as chemistry and physics. If available, drafting courses also may be helpful.

College students interested in this occupation typically pursue a degree in an engineering field. Programs in marine engineering and naval architecture usually include courses in computer-aided design, fluid mechanics, and marine structures. Students also may choose to participate in cooperative education programs or internships. Through partnerships with local businesses, these programs allow students to gain practical experience while they complete their education.

Some marine engineering and naval architecture programs are offered at maritime academies. For information about the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or state maritime academies, visit the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy also offer programs in marine engineering and naval architecture.

Employers may prefer to hire candidates who graduate from a program accredited by a professional association such as ABET.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Merchant marine academies may include an MMC with engineer endorsements as part of their bachelor’s degree track. For more information about Coast Guard credentials and endorsements, visit the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center.

Licensure is not required for entry-level marine engineers or naval architects. Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public.

State licensure typically requires a bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam.

Each state issues its own license. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.

Advancement

Marine engineers and naval engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a team of naval architects, marine engineers, or technicians. They also may move into sales work. For more information, see the profiles on architectural and engineering managers and sales engineers.

Important Qualities

Attention to detail. Marine engineers and naval architects must be accurate and meticulous in designing drawings and schematics.

Communication skills. Marine engineers and naval architects must be able to give clear instructions and explain complex concepts when leading projects.

Critical-thinking skills. Marine engineers and naval architects need to anticipate and correct any deficiencies in a ship’s performance before it is built or set to sea.

Interpersonal skills. Marine engineers and naval architects may collaborate with workers from a variety of specialties or lead a team in building and testing prototypes. They should be able to develop a rapport with others to encourage cooperation.

Math skills. Marine engineers and naval architects use calculus, trigonometry, and other mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills. Marine engineers must troubleshoot issues that arise in designing systems and address them as safely and efficiently as possible.

Pay About this section

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Median annual wages, May 2023

Engineers

$102,660

Marine engineers and naval architects

$100,270

Total, all occupations

$48,060

 

The median annual wage for marine engineers and naval architects was $100,270 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $76,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $156,630.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for marine engineers and naval architects in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Water transportation $127,810
Federal government, excluding postal service 113,190
Professional, scientific, and technical services 104,020
Ship and boat building 96,570

Most marine engineers and naval architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Their schedules may vary. For example, marine engineers and naval architects who work at sea usually keep hours that are tied to the operation of the ship.

Job Outlook About this section

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Engineers

9%

Marine engineers and naval architects

8%

Total, all occupations

4%

 

Employment of marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 900 openings for marine engineers and naval architects 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.

Employment

Marine engineers and naval architects are expected to be needed to help design ships and port facilities that meet increasingly strict international emissions standards. In addition, as offshore wind energy projects become more feasible, marine engineers and naval architects are expected to be needed to provide expertise for the construction of wind platforms.

Employment projections data for marine engineers and naval architects, 2023-33
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2023 Projected Employment, 2033 Change, 2023-33 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Marine engineers and naval architects

17-2121 10,100 11,000 8 800 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of marine engineers and naval architects.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Aerospace engineers Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.

Bachelor's degree $130,720
Civil engineers Civil Engineers

Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects.

Bachelor's degree $95,890
Electrical and electronics engineers Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.

Bachelor's degree $109,010
Mechanical engineers Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

Bachelor's degree $99,510
Petroleum engineers Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production.

Bachelor's degree $135,690
Sales engineers Sales Engineers

Sales engineers sell business products or services, such as software or support, that require technical expertise.

Bachelor's degree $116,950
Water transportation occupations Water Transportation Workers

Water transportation workers operate and maintain vessels that take cargo and people over water.

See How to Become One $64,930

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about marine engineers and naval architects, visit

American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE)

Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA)

For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation 

Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)

For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit

ABET

O*NET

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/marine-engineers-and-naval-architects.htm (visited October 12, 2024).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2023

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2023-33

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

Employment Change, 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.