As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Ship Engineer in the United States is $31, which translates to an annual salary of about $65,140.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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Ship Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $79,378 | $6,615 | $1,526 | $38 |
| Average | $65,140 | $5,428 | $1,253 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,569 | $4,464 | $1,030 | $26 |
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A Ship Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Ship Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Ship Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,140. While startup companies pay approximate $65,140.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $65,140 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $65,140 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,140 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $65,140 |
Understanding how a Ship Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,378 | $6,615 | $1,526 | $38 |
| Average | $65,140 | $5,428 | $1,253 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,569 | $4,464 | $1,030 | $26 |
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Repairs and maintains gasoline and diesel engines in boats, such as yachts, tugs, and trawlers, following specifications. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field. Is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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