Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Marine engineers and naval architects design and develop ships, boats, and offshore structures along with their machinery and systems. They evaluate how vessels operate and solve technical problems related to propulsion, power supply, and equipment. Most work for shipbuilding companies, engineering firms, or government agencies.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against marine engineers and naval architects and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work involves creating detailed designs using computer software, analyzing technical specifications, and testing equipment performance. Engineers review construction progress at shipyards, troubleshoot machinery problems, and collaborate with other specialists. Tasks include calculating structural integrity, optimizing fuel efficiency, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. Some time is spent in offices reviewing blueprints and reports; other time may be spent inspecting vessels during construction or sea trials.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy solving concrete technical problems and understanding how complex systems work. You're detail-oriented and comfortable with mathematics and physics, and you're drawn to work where design decisions have real, measurable consequences for performance and safety.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- NAVAL ARCHITECT · Naval Sea Systems Command · Newport News, Virginia · $90838–$118092
- NAVAL ARCHITECT (STABILITY) · U.S. Pacific Fleet · Naval Station Complex, San Diego, California · $102246–$158062
- NAVAL ARCHITECT · Naval Sea Systems Command · Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia · $143913–$197200
- Supervisory Interdisciplinary (Civil Eng, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, or Naval Architect) · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · New Orleans, Louisiana · $106437–$138370
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $118,640 | $172,330 | $172,550 | 490 |
| Texas | $119,270 | $152,780 | $189,640 | 330 |
| South Carolina | $93,580 | $136,990 | $151,790 | 40 |
| Florida | $96,580 | $130,640 | $167,060 | 370 |
| Maryland | $103,400 | $130,150 | $169,760 | 300 |
| Massachusetts | $103,310 | $114,640 | $148,620 | — |
| New York | $112,230 | $112,230 | $134,370 | 250 |
| California | $89,700 | $110,700 | $141,790 | 250 |
| Washington | $97,880 | $109,550 | $129,480 | 370 |
| Hawaii | $90,750 | $108,200 | $122,800 | 120 |
| Maine | $82,370 | $100,430 | $127,130 | 260 |
| Georgia | $79,110 | $97,770 | $123,350 | 40 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Naval Architecture and Marine (PE-NA&M) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Certified Marine Chemist (CMC) — National Fire Protection Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against marine engineers and naval architects and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2121.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.