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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Median Salary
100,270
Job Outlook
+8%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

66%

Federal Government

20%

State and local government

8%

Self-employed

4%

Private not for profit

3%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 900 openings for marine engineers and naval architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$74,880

10%

$100,270

Median

$164,420

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Mechanical

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.