As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ship Engineer in the United States is $64,466 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Ship Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Ship Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $78,556 | $6,546 | $1,511 | $38 |
| Average | $64,466 | $5,372 | $1,240 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,014 | $4,418 | $1,020 | $25 |
International Systems Management Corp. - WASHINGTON, DC
CACI - WASHINGTON, DC
Serco Inc. - WASHINGTON, DC
Serco Inc. - WASHINGTON, DC
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:
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 | $78,556 | $6,546 | $1,511 | $38 |
| Average | $64,466 | $5,372 | $1,240 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,014 | $4,418 | $1,020 | $25 |
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A Ship Engineer's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Ship Engineer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Ship Engineer is $81,311.
The highest pay for Ship Engineer is $91,385.
The lowest pay for Ship Engineer is $42,588.
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 provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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