For Educators: Military Resources
Military Marine Equipment Mechanics
Median Salary
77,412
Workforce Count
38,800
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Marine equipment mechanics repair, inspect, test, and maintain gasoline and diesel engines on ships, boats, and other watercraft. They also repair shipboard mechanical and electrical equipment, including refrigeration, hydro jet propulsion, hydraulic, water, and air conditioning systems. Specialized tools help them make accurate diagnoses and estimate how long a part will be reliable before it should be replaced.
What is the work environment like?
Marine engine mechanics work aboard ships, normally in the engine or power rooms. Sometimes they work in repair centers on land bases. Working conditions in engine rooms tend to be noisy and hot.
How many people have this role in the Military?
38,800
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$101,090
2 Years
$73,150
6 Years
$101,090
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Marine engine mechanics in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in marine engine maintenance and repair, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Internal combustion engine theory
- Repair of shipboard electronic and electrical machinery systems
- Service and repair of fuel injection systems
- Use and care of hand and power tools
- Welding and machine shop fabrication
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
- Instrumentation Technology/Technician
- Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
- Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
- Automation Engineer Technology/Technician
- Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Robotics Technology/Technician
- Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
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.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
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