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.
Also called: Architect Specialist, Automation Engineer, Boat Designer, Consulting Marine Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Specialist
Median pay
$112,230
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$83,010 – $173,330
People employed
8,250
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (14 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects salary in every state →
What marine engineers and naval architects do
- 01Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
- 02Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
- 03Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
- 04Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
- 05Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
- 06Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Design
- English Language
- Transportation
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from marine engineers and naval architects
- Materials Scientists76% · +5%
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers74% · group pay
- Water Resource Specialists73% · group pay
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians72% · −34%
- Hydrologists70% · −14%
Change into marine engineers and naval architects
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians77% · $59,920
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians76% · $64,950
- Materials Scientists76% · $117,790
- Geodetic Surveyors75% · $75,440
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians74% · $74,510
Majors that lead here
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.