How to become ship engineerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$109,530

25th–75th pct. $82,130–$135,760

Top pay (est.)

$215,100

Top 10% $165,490

Pay in 5 years

$127,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$149,000est.

$128,100–$172,900

Outlook score

67/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

25%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.7%

900 openings / yr

How to become ship engineers

Typical education

Postsecondary nondegree award

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Ship Engineers

Key skills

Operation and Control

3.9

Repairing

3.9

Operations Monitoring

3.9

Critical Thinking

3.9

Troubleshooting

3.9

Monitoring

3.8

Equipment Maintenance

3.8

Active Listening

3.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical

5.7

Building and Construction

3.6

Physics

3.6

Computers and Electronics

3.5

Chemistry

3.5

Transportation

3.5

Engineering and Technology

3.4

Administration and Management

3.3

What the work involves

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionControl Precision

Education of workers

High school diploma

48%

Post-secondary certificate

24%

Post-bachelor's certificate

11%

Bachelor's degree

Some college

Less than high school

Training before entry

6–12 months

29%

1–2 years

27%

3–6 months

14%

Up to 1 month

11%

2–4 years

None / short demo

1–3 months

4–10 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

45%

2–4 years

32%

6–8 years

12%

6–12 months

None

4–6 years

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as ship engineers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).	$58,640	53/100	42%
2	Light Truck Drivers Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver.	$44,860	56/100	35%
3	Driver/Sales Workers Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry.	$38,770	58/100	32%
4	Bus Drivers, School Drive a school bus to transport students.	$47,920	43/100	45%
5	Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis.	$37,290	63/100	37%
6	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage.	$59,050	57/100	38%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.