Ship Engineers
Ship engineers supervise and coordinate the crew responsible for operating and maintaining a ship's engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration systems. They work aboard commercial vessels, ensuring all mechanical and technical systems function properly during voyages. The role requires both hands-on technical knowledge and the ability to manage crew members.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against ship engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves monitoring engine performance, scheduling maintenance work, and inspecting equipment like boilers and refrigeration systems. Ship engineers conduct safety checks, troubleshoot mechanical problems, and coordinate repairs with their crew. They maintain detailed logs of equipment status and fuel consumption. Work includes both time in engine rooms and on deck, along with administrative tasks and training crew members on proper equipment operation and maintenance procedures.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. 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 tend to prefer working with mechanical systems and following established procedures and standards. You're detail-oriented, value practical problem-solving, and work well managing technical crews to keep operations running smoothly. This career appeals to you if you like clear responsibilities and enjoy hands-on work in structured environments.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $106,660 | $133,640 | $151,240 | 550 |
| Hawaii | $105,660 | $131,640 | $165,260 | 70 |
| Florida | $103,090 | $130,480 | $147,220 | 1,260 |
| Texas | $103,930 | $127,810 | $132,740 | 660 |
| Massachusetts | $102,020 | $122,720 | $150,800 | 150 |
| Indiana | $99,060 | $122,190 | $139,050 | 210 |
| Kentucky | $116,330 | $120,550 | $121,270 | — |
| Rhode Island | $95,950 | $119,330 | $139,360 | 50 |
| Connecticut | $53,690 | $119,010 | $130,350 | 50 |
| New Jersey | $90,920 | $118,310 | $119,540 | 170 |
| Illinois | $77,770 | $115,310 | $123,300 | 110 |
| Washington | $82,520 | $107,940 | $135,400 | 730 |
All 24 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Chief Engineer/Assistant Engineer UFIV — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- National Chief Engineer (Limited) Steam/Motor/GT — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- National Chief Engineer — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- Chief Engineer (OSV) - Near Coastal Domestic — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- Chief Engineer (Unlimited) — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- Chief Engineer (Limited) — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
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 ship engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-5031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.