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Marine Engineer

Marine engineers design and maintain the machines that power ships and boats. They work on engines, fuel systems, power generation and other equipment that keeps a vessel safe and running smoothly at sea. It's hands-on engineering that takes you out on the water or into engine rooms all over the world.

Marine Engineer

28

Engineering and Technology

AI IMPACT
AI USED FOR28%moving to70%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £40,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years

This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for a modest share of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Marine EngineerAs a Junior Marine Engineer, you will assist in the design and maintenance of marine systems under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in the industry.£30,000 - £40,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Marine EngineerIn this role, you will take on more complex projects, leading design efforts and collaborating with other engineering disciplines. You will be responsible for ensuring that projects meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements.£50,000 - £70,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Marine EngineerAs a Senior Marine Engineer, you will oversee large-scale projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation within your team. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the future of marine engineering practices.£90,000+

4 live apprenticeship vacancies

The degree route

Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£45,000 median
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median

All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →

Real apprenticeship standards

Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.

L3Maritime electrical fitter42 months typicalnot published
L4Small vessel chief engineer48 months typicalnot published
L3Maritime mechanical fitter42 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.