How much does a marine engineer make?
a year · about $54 an hour
A typical marine engineer in the United States makes $112,230 a year, about $54 an hour, about 2.2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At a desk, they review a ship’s size and hull plans, map engines and pipes, and write reports. They may visit a shipyard or test a vessel at the dock or during a sea trial.
Did you know? In 1970, naval engineer Raye Montague used a computer to design a Navy ship in 18 hours and 26 minutes—a process that normally took two years.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $83,010 and $173,330How do you become one?
In the U.S., study math and science, then earn a bachelor's in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field; internships give practice. A PE license isn't needed to start, but experienced engineers may earn a state license.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can rise with experience, in-demand skills, or a PE license, and it differs by employer or industry and location. More specialized or responsible work—and the amount or timing of work, including ship-tied schedules—can also matter.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($172,330), lowest in Michigan ($76,210).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $83,010 | $112,230 | $173,330 | about 8,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $172,330 | about 490 |
| Texas | $152,780 | about 330 |
| South Carolina | $136,990 | about 40 |
| Florida | $130,640 | about 370 |
| Maryland | $130,150 | about 300 |
Official definition: Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/marine-engineers-and-naval-architec
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2121.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- navalunderseamuseum.org/undersea-pioneers2
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY