As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vessel Engineer in the United States is $95,379 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Vessel Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Vessel Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Vessel Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Workforce... Level Vessel Engineer | $80,089 |
| Vessel En... Level Vessel Engineer | $97,611 |
| Workforce... Level Vessel Engineer | $112,904 |
| Workforce... Level Vessel Engineer | $116,660 |
| Workforce... Level Vessel Engineer | $182,886 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Vessel Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 16.98% |
| Logistics | 1.92% |
| Administrative Support | 1.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Acute Care
|
$100,148 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$99,194 |
4%
|
|
Sense Of Urgency
|
$98,240 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$98,240 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$98,240 |
3%
|
|
Upselling
|
$97,286 |
2%
|
For Vessel Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Vessel Engineer positions in Financial Services or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Vessel Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $128,761 | $62.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $123,992 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $119,223 | $57.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $114,454 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $114,454 | $55.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Vessel 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Vessel Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,301 in 2023 to around $101,785 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Vessel Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $102,301 |
| 2024 | $102,535 |
| 2025 | $101,785 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Vessel Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Vessel Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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