by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Marine Engineering Technology involves the study of A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In Shipboard Mechanical And Electrical Engineering And The Maintenance And Operation Of Marine Engines, Including Gas, Diesel, And Steam Engines. Includes Instruction In Automation, Diesel-Powered Systems, Electrical Circuits And Systems, Engine Performance, Hydraulics, Manufacturing, Motor-Powered Systems, Refrigeration And Air-Conditioning, Steam-Powered Systems, And Welding. Read on to learn the important information every marine engineering technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering marine engineering technology programs.
Nationwide, marine engineering technology draws strong interest, with 68 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Marine Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 5 schools to determine the best overall colleges for marine engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of marine engineering technology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Marine Engineering Technology build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations marine engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a marine engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a marine engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several marine engineering technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 19 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 48 |
People currently working in careers related to marine engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 38.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 23.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 18.1% |
| Some college courses | 8.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 6.0% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 2.3% |
| Master’s degree | 1.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in marine engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying marine engineering technology can lead to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to marine engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to marine engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians | 350,797 | 10.0% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of marine engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $58,128 |
| 4 years | $66,942 |
| 5 years | $75,102 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for marine engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers marine engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
| Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians | $50,761 |
With 5 different marine engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased marine engineering technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering marine engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
