Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Median pay: $112,230/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +5.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
• Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
• Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
• Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
• Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
• Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.
• Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
• Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.
What's the median pay for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects?
The median pay for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects is $112,230 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects?
Employment for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects is projected to change +5.8% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.
What education is typically required for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects?
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.