Engine Department
Engine Cadet — Global Hiring Overview
Engine Cadets are pre-sea engineering trainees building competence aboard merchant and offshore vessels under structured training records.
Median Salary
$18.0k
$15.0k – $25.2k
Demand Score
92/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
5.2K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+18%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for engine cadets in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 18% year-on-year increase in Engine Cadet mandates, driven by fleet renewal, decarbonisation retrofits, and the global engineer shortage.
Salary Trend
Engine Cadet compensation typically falls between $15.0k and $25.2k, with experienced cadets in the global maritime market commanding $25.2k+ 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
Engine Cadets typically progress to Junior Engineer, Fourth Engineer roles, or into chief engineer, technical superintendent, and fleet engineering leadership across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Complete approved training record book
- •Shadow engine watches
- •Learn machinery, PMS, and safety
Qualifications
- •Approved cadet training programme
- •STCW basic safety training
For Shipowners, Ports & Maritime Employers
Hire qualified engine cadets on CosmoQuick
Shipowners, ship managers, container lines, cruise lines, port authorities, terminals, shipyards, and offshore operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted engine cadets worldwide.
Engine Cadet jobs by city
Engine Cadet jobs in Dubai
9.6K openings · $23.4k
Engine Cadet jobs in Abu Dhabi
7.5K openings · $23.0k
Engine Cadet jobs in Fujairah
6.5K openings · $18.9k
Engine Cadet jobs in Doha
8.1K openings · $23.4k
Engine Cadet jobs in Ras Laffan
6.8K openings · $19.8k
Engine Cadet jobs in Dammam
7.3K openings · $19.8k
Engine Cadet jobs in Jeddah
7.5K openings · $19.8k
Engine Cadet jobs in Muscat
5.7K openings · $18.9k
Engine Cadet jobs in Manama
5.2K openings · $19.8k
Engine Cadet salary insights
Engine Cadet salary in Dubai
$23.4k
Engine Cadet salary in Abu Dhabi
$23.0k
Engine Cadet salary in Fujairah
$18.9k
Engine Cadet salary in Doha
$23.4k
Engine Cadet salary in Ras Laffan
$19.8k
Engine Cadet salary in Dammam
$19.8k
Engine Cadet salary in Jeddah
$19.8k
Engine Cadet salary in Muscat
$18.9k
Engine Cadet salary in Manama
$19.8k
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Engine Cadets
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Engine Cadets
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Engine Cadets
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Engine Cadets
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Engine Cadets
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Engine Cadets
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Engine Cadets
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Engine Cadets
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Engine Cadets
Newbuild and repair yards hiring across engineering, production, and project management
Related specialties
Related maritime roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Engine Cadet in the global maritime market is around $18.0k, typically ranging from $15.0k to $25.2k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.