Transportation & Logistics
Ship Engineers
Also called: Barge Engineer, Engineer, Ferry Engineer, Harbor Engineer
US median pay
$109,530
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
900
8,800 employed
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
What they do day to day
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
- Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
- Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
- Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
- Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
- Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.9/5
- Operation and Control3.9/5
- Troubleshooting3.8/5
- Repairing3.8/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Systems Analysis3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical4.5/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Transportation3.3/5
- Mathematics3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Postsecondary nondegree award, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma48%
- Post-secondary certificate24%
- Post-baccalaureate certificate11%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.