Jobs / Transportation and material moving / 53-5031.00
Ship Engineers
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
- US jobs
- 8,400
- Median wage
- $109,530 a year
- Job family
- Transportation and material moving
Can agents do the work of ship engineers?
We read the evidence for the whole job family, Transportation and material moving: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)
No direct benchmark gives a success rate.
0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.
- 20%Maintain vehicles in working conditionNot measured
- 14%Maintain operational recordsNot measured
- 11%Monitor equipment operationNot measured
- 7%Monitor resources or inventoriesNot measured
- 7%Direct security or safety activities or operationsNot measured
- 7%Operate transportation equipment or vehiclesNot measured
- 6%Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areasNot measured
- 6%Operate pumping systems or equipmentNot measured
Benchmarks for the job family
These cover work in transportation and material moving, not always this occupation's tasks.
Direct evidence
Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.
- 82%Waymo Driver (rider-only, 220.6M miles through March 2026) · Mar 2026Unrated
Also relevant
These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.
Typical tasks
From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
- Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
- Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
- Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
- Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
- Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
- Install engine controls, propeller shafts, or propellers.
- Clean engine parts and keep engine rooms clean.
Other job titles for this occupation (26)
Barge Engineer · Engineer · Ferry Engineer · Harbor Engineer · Port Engineer · Ship Engineer · Towboat Engineer · Tug Boat Engineer · Vessel Engineer · Deck Engineer · Engineering Watch Officer · Equipment Maintenance Marine Engineer · Equipment Operating Engineer · Fire Boat Engineer · Fire Department Marine Engineer · Licensed Marine Engineer · Marine Engine Mechanic · Marine Mechanic · Maritime Engineer · Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch (OICEW) · Operating Engineer · Operating Marine Engineer · Ship Engines Operating Engineer · Small Boat Engineer · Tugboat Engineer · Turnaround Engineer