CFChooseField
Engineering and Architecture

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Median pay

$105,670
Median annual pay for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

5.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

8,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Marine Engineers and Naval Architects.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Engineering and Technology
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Design
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Transportation
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Information Ordering
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Innovation
  5. 5Intellectual Curiosity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Analyzing Data or Information
  5. 5Documenting/Recording Information
  6. 6Working with Computers

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  6. 6Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

Representative tasks

  • Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
  • Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
  • Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
  • Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
  • Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
  • Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.
  • Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
  • Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.

Software and tools

Microsoft PowerPoint · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMcNeel Rhinoceros 3D · in demandAdobe Acrobat · hot technologyThe MathWorks MATLAB · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.