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
How to Become a Marine Engineer or Naval Architect Marine engineers and naval architects must give clear instructions and explain complex concepts when leading projects. Marine engineers and naval architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field. Some marine engineering and naval architecture programs are offered at state maritime academies.
Education
High school students interested in becoming a marine engineer or naval architect should take classes in math, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; and science, such as chemistry and physics. If available, drafting courses also may be helpful. College students interested in this occupation typically pursue a degree in an engineering field. Programs in marine engineering and naval architecture usually include courses in computer-aided design, fluid mechanics, and marine structures. Students also may choose to participate in cooperative education programs or internships. Through partnerships with local businesses, these programs allow students to gain practical experience while they complete their education. Some marine engineering and naval architecture programs are offered at maritime academies. For information about the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or state maritime academies, visit the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy also offer programs in marine engineering and naval architecture. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who graduate from a program accredited by a professional association.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Merchant marine academies may include an MMC with engineer endorsements as part of their bachelor’s degree track. For more information about Coast Guard credentials and endorsements, visit the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center. Licensure is not required for entry-level marine engineers or naval architects. Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure typically requires a bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam. Each state issues its own license. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Advancement Marine engineers and naval engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a team of naval architects, marine engineers, or technicians. They also may move into sales work. For more information, see the profiles on architectural and engineering managers and sales engineers.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
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. Employment Marine engineers and naval architects are expected to be needed to help design ships and port facilities that meet increasingly strict international emissions standards. Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Engineers 8% Marine engineers and naval architects 7% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Do
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.
Duties
Marine engineers and naval architects typically do the following:
- Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of a marine vessel, such as its size, weight, and speed
- Design ship hulls and superstructures, following standards for safety, efficiency and economy
- Prepare system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics
- Design and oversee the building and testing of prototypes and the installation and repair of marine equipment
- Conduct environmental, operational, or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment
- Prepare cost estimates, contract specifications, and design and construction schedules
- Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure that repairs and alterations are done safely and at minimal cost
- Prepare technical reports for use by engineers, managers, or sales personnel
Marine engineers and naval architects focus on the design and production processes of water vehicles. They also may work on offshore projects, such as oil rigs and wind turbines, or on coastal structures, such as ports and seawalls.
Responsibilities for marine engineers and naval architects vary by employer. For example, those who work for ship and boat building firms may design large or small vessels, such as passenger ships, cargo ships, and rowboats. In the federal government, they may design or test ships or systems for the Army, Navy, or Coast Guard.
Marine engineers should not be confused with ship engineers, who supervise the operation of a ship’s machinery. For more information about ship engineers, see the profile on water transportation workers.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Marine engineers and naval architects held about 8,400 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of marine engineers and naval architects were as follows:
| Ship and boat building | 51% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 22 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 13 |
| Water transportation | 4 |
Marine engineers and naval architects may work in a variety of settings, such as in offices, on manufacturing shop floors, or at sea. Those who work on power generation projects, such as offshore oil rigs or wind turbines, may spend much of their time offshore. Those involved in projects on land, such as ports and seawalls, may work along the coast.
Work Schedules
Most marine engineers and naval architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules may vary. For example, marine engineers and naval architects who work at sea usually keep hours that are tied to the operation of the ship.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Attention to detail. Marine engineers and naval architects must be accurate and meticulous in designing drawings and schematics. Communication skills. Marine engineers and naval architects must be able to give clear instructions and explain complex concepts when leading projects. Critical-thinking skills. Marine engineers and naval architects need to anticipate and correct any deficiencies in a ship’s performance before it is built or set to sea. Interpersonal skills. Marine engineers and naval architects may collaborate with workers from a variety of specialties or lead a team in building and testing prototypes. They should be able to develop a rapport with others to encourage cooperation. Math skills. Marine engineers and naval architects use calculus, trigonometry, and other mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. Problem-solving skills. Marine engineers must troubleshoot issues that arise in designing systems and address them as safely and efficiently as possible.
More Information
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.
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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.