Engine Department
Chief Engineer — Global Hiring Overview
Chief Engineers lead the engine department on merchant, cruise, offshore, and specialised vessels — owning propulsion, power, machinery, and engine-room safety.
Median Salary
$195k
$140k – $273k
Demand Score
95/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
4.4K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+13%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for chief engineers in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 13% year-on-year increase in Chief Engineer mandates, driven by fleet renewal, decarbonisation retrofits, and the global engineer shortage.
Salary Trend
Chief Engineer compensation typically falls between $140k and $273k, with experienced c/es in the global maritime market commanding $273k+ at leading shipowners, managers, ports, cruise operators, and offshore players. Total compensation often includes leave pay, travel, joining bonuses, performance pay, and ship-type or DP allowances.
Career Path
Chief Engineers typically progress to Second Engineer, Marine Engineer roles, or into chief engineer, technical superintendent, and fleet engineering leadership across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Lead engine department and watchkeeping
- •Own propulsion, generators, and auxiliaries
- •Plan PMS, dry-dock, and major overhauls
- •Manage bunkers, lubes, and engine-room safety
Qualifications
- •STCW III/2 Chief Engineer Unlimited
- •Significant time on type (MAN, Wärtsilä, MAK)
- •Vetting and ISM compliance experience
For Shipowners, Ports & Maritime Employers
Hire qualified chief engineers on CosmoQuick
Shipowners, ship managers, container lines, cruise lines, port authorities, terminals, shipyards, and offshore operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted chief engineers worldwide.
Chief Engineer jobs by city
Chief Engineer jobs in Dubai
8.1K openings · $254k
Chief Engineer jobs in Abu Dhabi
6.4K openings · $250k
Chief Engineer jobs in Fujairah
5.5K openings · $205k
Chief Engineer jobs in Doha
6.8K openings · $254k
Chief Engineer jobs in Ras Laffan
5.7K openings · $215k
Chief Engineer jobs in Dammam
6.2K openings · $215k
Chief Engineer jobs in Jeddah
6.4K openings · $215k
Chief Engineer jobs in Muscat
4.8K openings · $205k
Chief Engineer jobs in Manama
4.4K openings · $215k
Chief Engineer salary insights
Chief Engineer salary in Dubai
$254k
Chief Engineer salary in Abu Dhabi
$250k
Chief Engineer salary in Fujairah
$205k
Chief Engineer salary in Doha
$254k
Chief Engineer salary in Ras Laffan
$215k
Chief Engineer salary in Dammam
$215k
Chief Engineer salary in Jeddah
$215k
Chief Engineer salary in Muscat
$205k
Chief Engineer salary in Manama
$215k
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Chief Engineers
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Chief Engineers
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Chief Engineers
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Chief Engineers
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Chief Engineers
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Chief Engineers
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Chief Engineers
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Chief Engineers
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Chief Engineers
Newbuild and repair yards hiring across engineering, production, and project management
Related specialties
Related maritime roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Chief Engineer in the global maritime market is around $195k, typically ranging from $140k to $273k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.