Engine Department
Third Engineer — Global Hiring Overview
Third Engineers stand engine watches and look after generators, purifiers, boilers, and fuel systems on merchant and offshore vessels.
Median Salary
$82.0k
$59.0k – $115k
Demand Score
96/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
7.2K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+16%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for third engineers in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 16% year-on-year increase in Third Engineer mandates, driven by fleet renewal, decarbonisation retrofits, and the global engineer shortage.
Salary Trend
Third Engineer compensation typically falls between $59.0k and $115k, with experienced 3/es in the global maritime market commanding $115k+ 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
Third Engineers typically progress to Fourth Engineer, Second Engineer roles, or into chief engineer, technical superintendent, and fleet engineering leadership across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Stand engine watches
- •Maintain generators, boilers, purifiers
- •Execute PMS jobs and minor overhauls
- •Support engine-room safety
Qualifications
- •STCW III/1 Engineer Officer of the Watch
- •Hands-on watchkeeping experience
For Shipowners, Ports & Maritime Employers
Hire qualified third engineers on CosmoQuick
Shipowners, ship managers, container lines, cruise lines, port authorities, terminals, shipyards, and offshore operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted third engineers worldwide.
Third Engineer jobs by city
Third Engineer jobs in Dubai
13.3K openings · $107k
Third Engineer jobs in Abu Dhabi
10.4K openings · $105k
Third Engineer jobs in Fujairah
9K openings · $86.1k
Third Engineer jobs in Doha
11.2K openings · $107k
Third Engineer jobs in Ras Laffan
9.4K openings · $90.2k
Third Engineer jobs in Dammam
10.1K openings · $90.2k
Third Engineer jobs in Jeddah
10.4K openings · $90.2k
Third Engineer jobs in Muscat
7.9K openings · $86.1k
Third Engineer jobs in Manama
7.2K openings · $90.2k
Third Engineer salary insights
Third Engineer salary in Dubai
$107k
Third Engineer salary in Abu Dhabi
$105k
Third Engineer salary in Fujairah
$86.1k
Third Engineer salary in Doha
$107k
Third Engineer salary in Ras Laffan
$90.2k
Third Engineer salary in Dammam
$90.2k
Third Engineer salary in Jeddah
$90.2k
Third Engineer salary in Muscat
$86.1k
Third Engineer salary in Manama
$90.2k
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Third Engineers
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Third Engineers
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Third Engineers
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Third Engineers
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Third Engineers
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Third Engineers
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Third Engineers
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Third Engineers
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Third 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 Third Engineer in the global maritime market is around $82.0k, typically ranging from $59.0k to $115k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.