Ship Engineers Salary in Charleston, SC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Ship Engineers in Charleston, SC have a median annual salary of $98,450, with 70 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $64,050 at the 10th percentile to $122,190 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$98,450

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$47.33

Employment

70

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$64,050
10th
$80,720
25th
$98,450
Median
$103,580
75th
$122,190
90th

Local compared with national

Charleston, SC

$98,450

Median annual · 2025

United States

$109,530

Median annual · 2025

The Charleston, SC median is 10.1% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $11,080).

Top skills

  1. 1.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.9
  2. 2.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.9
  3. 3.Operation and ControlImportance 3.9
  4. 4.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.8
  5. 5.TroubleshootingImportance 3.8
  6. 6.RepairingImportance 3.8
  7. 7.Active ListeningImportance 3.6
  8. 8.MonitoringImportance 3.6
  9. 9.SpeakingImportance 3.5
  10. 10.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4
  11. 11.Active LearningImportance 3.3
  12. 12.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
3

Technology used

  • Apple macOS
  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Damen DAMOS
  • Electronic data interchange EDI software
  • Kongsberg Maritime K-LOG Electronic Logbooks
  • Marine Software Marine Planned Maintenance
  • Marine Software Marine Safety Manager
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Word

Common tasks

  • Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
  • Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
  • Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
  • Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
  • Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
  • Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
  • Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
  • Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
  • Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
  • Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Ship Engineers salary in other locations

Other occupations in Charleston, SC