Marine Engineer Salary in India 2026: Pay Scale by Officer Rank
Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At…
- 28 Sep 2026Collegedunia updates Marine Engineering career pay figures
Updated national salary averages for Indian marine engineering roles place average offshore engineer pay at INR 11 LPA and top city averages at INR 14.2 LPA.
Marine engineering officer salaries vary based on officer rank, ship type, domain experience, and employer.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Trainee Engineer Salary | ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 per month |
| 4th Engineer Salary | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 per month |
| Chief Engineer Salary | ₹6,60,000 – ₹12,00,000+ per month |
| Average Shore/Land Salary | INR 7 LPA |
| Highest Paying Company | V.Ships (INR 16.50 LPA average) |
| Eligibility | 12th PCM with 60% aggregate, 50% in English & DG Shipping medical fitness |
| Regulator / Licensing Authority | Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Govt. of India |
Marine Engineering Salary in India
| Officer Rank | Dry Cargo Ship Pay (per month) | Tanker Ship Pay (per month) | Core Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Engineer | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 | ₹2,15,000 – ₹3,50,000 | In charge of purifiers, air compressors, and general machinery except main engines/boilers |
| 3rd Engineer | ₹3,30,000 – ₹4,00,000 | ₹3,30,000 – ₹4,16,000 | Maintains auxiliary engines, freshwater generators, boilers, and water tests |
| Chief Engineer | ₹6,60,000 – ₹8,30,000 | ₹7,50,000 – ₹12,00,000+ | Head of engine department; overall technical management and engine crew welfare |
Trainee Marine Engineers receive a stipend of ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per month during onboard engine room training. New Watchkeeping Engineers command around US$ 2,200 per month on board after taxes upon clearing Class IV Part B DGS examinations.
Marine Engineering Salary by Experience
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 2 Years | INR 4.40 LPA |
| 2 – 3 Years | INR 5.60 LPA |
| 3 – 4 Years | INR 6.60 LPA |
| 4 – 5 Years | INR 8.40 LPA |
Marine engineers with 1 to 2 years of experience earn an average annual salary of INR 4.40 LPA in India. Compensation increases steadily to INR 8.40 LPA for professionals with 4 to 5 years of experience.
Marine Engineering Salary by Job Role
Marine engineering graduates work across diverse onshore, offshore, and naval architectural roles. Specific job designations command different pay scales based on technical specialization and working environment. Offshore Engineers earn an average annual salary of INR 11 LPA, while Shipbuilding Engineers receive an average of INR 7.80 LPA.
Marine Systems Engineers earn an average of INR 7 LPA, while Naval Architects earn an average of INR 5 LPA, and Port Engineers receive an average of INR 3 LPA.
Top Recruiters
Global ship management agencies and major container lines actively recruit marine engineers in India. Pay packages vary based on fleet size, vessel type, and company sponsorship tracks provided during maritime training programs.
Among top private recruiters, Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (BSM) offers an average annual package of INR 9.80 LPA, Maersk Line offers INR 9.30 LPA, Synergy Maritime provides INR 8.70 LPA, and Executive Ship Management offers INR 8.10 LPA.
| Shipping Line / Company | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| V.Ships | INR 16.50 LPA |
| Anglo-Eastern Ship Management | INR 12.60 LPA |
| Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) | INR 11.50 LPA |
| Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (BSM) | INR 9.80 LPA |
| Maersk Line | INR 9.30 LPA |
| Synergy Maritime | INR 8.70 LPA |
| Executive Ship Management | INR 8.10 LPA |
| Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) | INR 7.30 LPA |
| Fleet Management | INR 5.90 LPA |
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | Average package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies | Mumbai | Private | ₹10.44 lakh | 11.25 LPA |
| Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training | Chennai | Private | ₹3.65 lakh | 5 LPA |
| Coimbatore Marine College | Coimbatore | Private | ₹3.51 lakh | 4 LPA |
How to Increase Marine Engineering Salary
- Technical Skill Mastery: Marine engineers with Planned Maintenance System (PMS) skills earn an average salary of INR 7.20 LPA, while communication skills command INR 8.50 LPA.
- Rank Advancement: Clearing DGS Class IV Part B examinations enables candidates to become certified watchkeeping engineers, opening pathways to earn up to ₹8,00,000 per month as Second Engineer and ₹12,00,000+ per month as Chief Engineer on tankers.
Transitioning from dry cargo ships to tankers yields higher monthly pay across officer ranks. Engineers can further maximize compensation through rank promotion, NRI tax exemptions, and specialized skill development.
How to Start Your Marine Engineering Journey: Step by Step
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Verify Class 12 PCM aggregate is minimum 60% with at least 50% marks in English, and age is between 17 and 25 years.
- Clear DG Shipping Medical Examination: Undergo physical fitness and medical examination by a DGS-approved doctor, certifying 6/6 unaided vision with no colour blindness.
- Register and Appear for Entrance Exams: Apply and take IMU CET 2026, JEE Main 2026, or state engineering entrance exams like TNEA.
- Apply for Company Sponsorship Tracks: Apply for sponsored seats at institutes like AMET University (Maersk Line sponsorship) or IMI Greater Noida (MSC sponsorship) to guarantee a job on a specific shipping company’s vessel after graduation.
- Complete 4-Year B.Tech Degree Program: Enroll in a DGS-approved 4-year B.Tech Marine Engineering course and complete practical workshop and simulator modules.
- Undergo Mandatory 12-Month Onboard Sea Training: Join a vessel as Trainee Marine Engineer / Engine Cadet to log 12 months of mandatory engine room sea time.
- Clear DGS Class IV Part B Examination: Appear for and pass the Directorate General of Shipping Class IV Part B COC exam to become a licensed 4th Engineer / Watchkeeping Officer.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | Marine Engineering colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
After passing the DGS Class IV Part B examination, new Watchkeeping Engineers command around US$ 2,200 per month on board after taxes. Further sea service and examinations allow officers to advance up to Chief Engineer.
FAQs
What is the salary of a marine engineer per month?
Trainee Marine Engineers earn ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per month. Licensed officers earn higher: 4th Engineers receive ₹1.5L–₹3.5L, 3rd Engineers earn ₹2.5L–₹4.16L, 2nd Engineers earn ₹4L–₹8L, and Chief Engineers get ₹6.6L–₹12L+ per month.
What is the salary of a 4th Marine Engineer?
A 4th Marine Engineer earns between ₹2,00,000 and ₹3,00,000 per month on dry cargo ships and between ₹2,15,000 and ₹3,50,000 per month on tanker vessels.
Is Marine Engineering a high paid job in India?
Yes, marine engineering is one of the highest-paying engineering sectors.
Is marine engineering salary tax-free in India?
Yes, merchant navy officers are eligible to claim tax-free income if they satisfy non-resident Indian (NRI) tax rules by spending required days on board sailing vessels outside India.
How much do marine engineers at Maersk Line earn in India?
What is the salary of a naval engineer or offshore engineer in India?
An Offshore Engineer earns an average annual salary of INR 11 LPA, a Shipbuilding Engineer earns INR 7.80 LPA, while Naval Architects earn an average of INR 5 LPA.
