Marine Architect

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Work Tasks

MARINE ARCHITECTS design and supervise construction and repair of marine craft and floating structures, such as ships, submarines, and marinas. They study design and specifications, such as size, speed, cargo, and passenger areas. They discuss with engineers arrangement of boiler room and refrigeration equipment, heating and ventilating systems, and other equipment. They design hulls and superstructures and the layout of the craft interior, such as cargo space, passenger cabins, and elevators. They oversee the construction and evaluate the performance of the craft during dock and sea trials.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $81,500 average per year ($39.25 per hour)
• A small occupation (5,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.6% per year)

Entry Requirements

A bachelor's degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, or ocean engineering is required for entry-level MARINE ARCHITECT positions. Many obtain master's or doctoral degrees. Those with advanced degrees are in demand in design and construction and often reach top positions in the industry. All states require registration for marine architects. Registration generally requires a degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 4 years of relevant work experience, and passing a state exam.