Marine Engineer
Design, build and maintain ships and shipboard systems - engines, propulsion, electrics.
This UK marine engineer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £35,000 - £45,000
- Mid-career salary
- £50,000 - £65,000
- Senior salary
- £75,000 - £100,000
- Work environment
- Onboard ships, shipyards, design offices
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 Years (cadetship / degree)
- Degree required
- Preferred
- Category
- Maritime and Offshore
What a Marine Engineer does
Design, build and maintain ships and shipboard systems - engines, propulsion, electrics.
How to become a Marine Engineer
- Look up Marine Engineer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Marine Engineer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Marine systems
- MEOL / STCW certification
- Diagnosis
- Project management