Marine Engineer
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$96,900
Full-time annual
People employed
1,900
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Controls and manages the operation, maintenance and repair of a ship's machinery and equipment.
Read official OSCA descriptionSkills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Manages the operation and maintenance of a ship's mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam-generating and fire control systems
- Conducts regular inspections of machinery and equipment, and diagnoses issues on board the ship
- Plans, coordinates, supervises and carries out repair and maintenance activities
- Ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations and procedures in the operation of equipment
- Keeps records of equipment performance, fuel consumption and maintenance activities
- Orders and maintains inventory of spare parts and supplies for the ship's machinery
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
8%
Female rate
4%
Median age
45
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+5%
554 projected jobs
to 2035
+12%
1,265 projected jobs
WiseAffiliate linkMoving abroad to study?
Pay tuition and send money home at the real exchange rate with Wise.
Open a free Wise accountCredentials & Pathway
OSCA skill level 2
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing is required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal)
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)
Progression pathway
Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal)
Progression pathway
Diploma of Marine Engineering
Specialised training
Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering (Class 1)
Specialised training
Related study options
Bachelor
Compare university ROIReal jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
18
ACT · May 2026
0
VIC · May 2026
5
NT · May 2026
6
SA · May 2026
4
NSW · May 2026
6
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Marine Engineer.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Perth - South West
517 estimated employed
- 1
Perth - South West
517 employed
WA
-23.18%
year on year
- 2
Gold Coast
490 employed
QLD
+9.13%
year on year
- 3
Cairns
487 employed
QLD
-2.21%
year on year
- 4
Perth - North West
453 employed
WA
-22.56%
year on year
- 5
Brisbane - East
450 employed
QLD
+19.36%
year on year
AiraloAffiliate linkNeed a local eSIM when you arrive?
Stay connected from day one with an affordable Airalo eSIM — 200+ countries covered.
Get your eSIMPossible next career moves
Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
4,390
Moved in from another occupation
535
Moved to another occupation
390
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
4
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 313431
- Last updated
- 2026-01-23
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2025 Shortage List + ABS EEH May 2025
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: verified.