Engine Department
Marine Engineer — Global Hiring Overview
Marine Engineers operate and maintain shipboard propulsion, electrical, and mechanical systems across deep-sea, coastal, offshore, and naval fleets.
Median Salary
$98.0k
$70.6k – $137k
Demand Score
96/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
8.8K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+15%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for marine engineers in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 15% year-on-year increase in Marine Engineer mandates, driven by fleet renewal, decarbonisation retrofits, and the global engineer shortage.
Salary Trend
Marine Engineer compensation typically falls between $70.6k and $137k, with experienced marine engineers in the global maritime market commanding $137k+ 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
Marine Engineers typically progress to Chief Engineer, Second Engineer roles, or into chief engineer, technical superintendent, and fleet engineering leadership across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Operate propulsion and auxiliary machinery
- •Lead troubleshooting, overhauls, and PMS
- •Drive engine-room safety, efficiency, and fuel performance
Qualifications
- •STCW III/1, III/2 or III/3 as applicable
- •Strong PMS / CMMS experience
- •Type-rated on relevant engine OEMs
For Shipowners, Ports & Maritime Employers
Hire qualified marine engineers on CosmoQuick
Shipowners, ship managers, container lines, cruise lines, port authorities, terminals, shipyards, and offshore operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted marine engineers worldwide.
Marine Engineer jobs by city
Marine Engineer jobs in Dubai
16.3K openings · $127k
Marine Engineer jobs in Abu Dhabi
12.8K openings · $125k
Marine Engineer jobs in Fujairah
11K openings · $103k
Marine Engineer jobs in Doha
13.6K openings · $127k
Marine Engineer jobs in Ras Laffan
11.4K openings · $108k
Marine Engineer jobs in Dammam
12.3K openings · $108k
Marine Engineer jobs in Jeddah
12.8K openings · $108k
Marine Engineer jobs in Muscat
9.7K openings · $103k
Marine Engineer jobs in Manama
8.8K openings · $108k
Marine Engineer salary insights
Marine Engineer salary in Dubai
$127k
Marine Engineer salary in Abu Dhabi
$125k
Marine Engineer salary in Fujairah
$103k
Marine Engineer salary in Doha
$127k
Marine Engineer salary in Ras Laffan
$108k
Marine Engineer salary in Dammam
$108k
Marine Engineer salary in Jeddah
$108k
Marine Engineer salary in Muscat
$103k
Marine Engineer salary in Manama
$108k
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Marine Engineers
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Marine Engineers
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Marine Engineers
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Marine Engineers
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Marine Engineers
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Marine Engineers
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Marine Engineers
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Marine Engineers
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Marine 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 Marine Engineer in the global maritime market is around $98.0k, typically ranging from $70.6k to $137k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.