Marine Engineering Degree Programs in Washington, DC (2026)
Quick answer: The Washington metro employs about 710 marine engineers and naval architects (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through your state engineering licensing board and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Two separate credential systems apply. Shore-side engineering follows the standard state Professional Engineer framework through an ABET-accredited degree and the NCEES sequence. Sailing as a ship’s engineer instead requires a U.S. Coast Guard license earned through documented sea time and Coast Guard examination, which many maritime academy programs build into the degree itself.
See the District of Columbia licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with your state engineering licensing board and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Earn in Washington
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects in the Washington area earn a median $159,700 per year, above the national median of $112,230 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Marine Engineering Pay in Washington, DC
| Metric | Washington metro | District of Columbia | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $159,700 | $172,330 | $112,230 |
| 10th percentile | $104,210 | $107,030 | $83,010 |
| 25th percentile | $118,630 | $118,640 | $99,250 |
| 75th percentile | $172,580 | $172,550 | $137,690 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 | $195,190 | $173,330 |
| Employment | 710 | 490 | 8,250 |
| Location quotient | 4.28 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Washington median of $159,700 is above the national median of $112,230, and below the District of Columbia statewide median of $172,330 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 4.28 means marine engineers and naval architects are more concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Marine engineering is one of the most geographically concentrated occupations covered here, clustering in coastal shipbuilding regions, Great Lakes ports and around naval facilities.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do marine engineers and naval architects make in Washington?
The median annual wage for marine engineers and naval architects in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $159,700, above the national median of $112,230 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many marine engineers and naval architects work in the Washington area?
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area employs about 710 marine engineers and naval architects (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do marine engineers and naval architects in Washington need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Two separate credential systems apply. Shore-side engineering follows the standard state Professional Engineer framework through an ABET-accredited degree and the NCEES sequence. Sailing as a ship's engineer instead requires a U.S. Coast Guard license earned through documented sea time and Coast Guard examination, which many maritime academy programs build into the degree itself. Confirm current requirements with your state engineering licensing board and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Can I study marine engineering online from Washington?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies your state engineering licensing board and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Is Washington a better market than the rest of District of Columbia?
The Washington metro median is $159,700 against a statewide median of $172,330 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Marine Engineering degree programs in District of Columbia - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Marine Engineering programs and how to choose one
- Marine Engineer career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (SOC 17-2121), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.