Also known as: Barge Engineer, Deck Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Watch Officer
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+2.7%
US average: +3.5%
900
per year (US)
8,800
in 2025 → 9,000 (2035)
Postsecondary nondegree award
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The outlook for Ship Engineers is stable, with about 900 job openings expected each year through 2035. The field is projected to grow by 2.7%, and the median annual wage is about $109,530.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$109,530
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Marine Engineering Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Electrical Engineering
Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years
Electrical Engineering
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years