Marine engineers and naval architects design, build, and maintain ships, submarines, and other vessels. The work is technical and analytical, rooted in engineering principles, and requires a bachelor's degree. Here is what the role involves, the skills it demands, and how to enter the field.
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Marine engineers and naval architects evaluate vessel designs and systems to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. They gather technical information, analyze data, and make decisions about structural integrity, propulsion, and operational efficiency. The work involves extensive use of computers for design and modeling, detailed documentation of specifications and test results, and close collaboration with teams to solve complex engineering problems. You will read and write technical reports, listen to stakeholder needs, and apply mathematics and physics to real-world maritime challenges.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects earn a median of $112,230 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
This career requires a bachelor's degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related engineering field. The preparation is considerable, involving coursework in engineering and technology, mechanical systems, design principles, mathematics, and transportation. During your studies, you will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through labs, projects, and design work. Some programs include internships or cooperative education experiences with shipbuilders, naval contractors, or maritime companies. After graduation, you may pursue additional credentials or licensure depending on your specific role and employer.
Most people enter this field through a four-year engineering degree. The path is structured but demanding, so if you want to explore whether this timeline and rigor fit your goals, Pathly can map the marine engineer and naval architect path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build confidence in your choice.
Many marine engineer and naval architects must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to this work if you think in systems, enjoy solving technical problems, and like building or improving physical things. A realistic mindset helps you focus on practical engineering solutions.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).