Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Marine engineers and naval architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field. PayThe median annual wage for marine engineers and naval architects was $112,230 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 500 openings for marine engineers and naval architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marine engineers and naval architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marine engineers and naval architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about marine engineers and naval architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for marine engineers and naval architects was $112,230 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 500 openings for marine engineers and naval architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marine engineers and naval architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marine engineers and naval architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about marine engineers and naval architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 500 openings for marine engineers and naval architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marine engineers and naval architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marine engineers and naval architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about marine engineers and naval architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Marine engineers and naval architects design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment.
Work Environment
Marine engineers and naval architects may work in a variety of settings, such as in offices, on manufacturing shop floors, or at sea. Most marine engineers and naval architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Marine Engineer or Naval Architect
Marine engineers and naval architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for marine engineers and naval architects was $112,230 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 500 openings for marine engineers and naval architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marine engineers and naval architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marine engineers and naval architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about marine engineers and naval architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Marine engineers and naval architects may work in a variety of settings, such as in offices, on manufacturing shop floors, or at sea. Most marine engineers and naval architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Marine Engineer or Naval Architect
Marine engineers and naval architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for marine engineers and naval architects was $112,230 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of marine engineers and naval architects is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 500 openings for marine engineers and naval architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marine engineers and naval architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marine engineers and naval architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about marine engineers and naval architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marine engineers and naval architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marine engineers and naval architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about marine engineers and naval architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about marine engineers and naval architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.