Engine Department
Second Engineer — Global Hiring Overview
Second Engineers are the senior watchkeeping engineers — leading machinery operations, overhauls, and day-to-day engine-room work.
Median Salary
$132k
$95.0k – $185k
Demand Score
95/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
5.8K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+14%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for second engineers in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 14% year-on-year increase in Second Engineer mandates, driven by fleet renewal, decarbonisation retrofits, and the global engineer shortage.
Salary Trend
Second Engineer compensation typically falls between $95.0k and $185k, with experienced 2/es in the global maritime market commanding $185k+ 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
Second Engineers typically progress to Chief Engineer, Third Engineer roles, or into chief engineer, technical superintendent, and fleet engineering leadership across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Lead engine watches and overhauls
- •Plan and execute PMS routines
- •Supervise junior engineers and ratings
- •Own ER maintenance and spare parts
Qualifications
- •STCW III/2 Second Engineer Unlimited
- •Type experience on slow/medium-speed engines
For Shipowners, Ports & Maritime Employers
Hire qualified second engineers on CosmoQuick
Shipowners, ship managers, container lines, cruise lines, port authorities, terminals, shipyards, and offshore operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted second engineers worldwide.
Second Engineer jobs by city
Second Engineer jobs in Dubai
10.7K openings · $172k
Second Engineer jobs in Abu Dhabi
8.4K openings · $169k
Second Engineer jobs in Fujairah
7.3K openings · $139k
Second Engineer jobs in Doha
9.0K openings · $172k
Second Engineer jobs in Ras Laffan
7.5K openings · $145k
Second Engineer jobs in Dammam
8.1K openings · $145k
Second Engineer jobs in Jeddah
8.4K openings · $145k
Second Engineer jobs in Muscat
6.4K openings · $139k
Second Engineer jobs in Manama
5.8K openings · $145k
Second Engineer salary insights
Second Engineer salary in Dubai
$172k
Second Engineer salary in Abu Dhabi
$169k
Second Engineer salary in Fujairah
$139k
Second Engineer salary in Doha
$172k
Second Engineer salary in Ras Laffan
$145k
Second Engineer salary in Dammam
$145k
Second Engineer salary in Jeddah
$145k
Second Engineer salary in Muscat
$139k
Second Engineer salary in Manama
$145k
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Second Engineers
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Second Engineers
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Second Engineers
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Second Engineers
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Second Engineers
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Second Engineers
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Second Engineers
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Second Engineers
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Second 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 Second Engineer in the global maritime market is around $132k, typically ranging from $95.0k to $185k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.