Marine Engineering Salary in Nigeria

You are about to apply for the marine engineer job but are unsure about the salary, right? The salary determines the future of a job; if the amount is low, then the position holder will face challenges. In contrast, if the salary is high, the job will be suitable for a wide number of people.

Occupation:	Marine Engineer
Monthly Salary Range:	₦681534 – ₦17552657
Average Monthly Salary:	₦9117095.5
Description:	The marine engineer is responsible for regulating, operating, repairing, and maintaining the marine vessels and the marine systems.
Minimum Qualification:	The minimum qualification required is a bachelor’s in marine engineering from an authorized institute and holding a SAMSA certificate.

So if you have decided that you want to become a marine engineer, then come with me to see the minimum qualification and the average salaries one receives in the occupation. Also, discover what the extras a job holder receives in this position and the responsibilities of a marine engineer. It is time to launch our quest, so let’s kick off.

Overview of Marine Engineering Salary

Marine engineering is a respected profession with varied pay depending on experience, role, and type of employment. Salaries for marine engineers in Nigeria are influenced by industry demand, experience, and whether the engineer works offshore, on ships, or in port operations.

The average annual salary for a marine engineer in Nigeria is around ₦1,051,500, which is about ₦87,625 per month on average. However, many marine engineers earn significantly more, especially with experience or when employed in specialized roles or offshore positions. Salary figures can range from roughly ₦150,000 to over ₦1,200,000 per month depending on experience and employer.

Typical Salary Breakdown

Salary by Experience

• Entry‑Level Marine Engineer: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 per month
• Mid‑Level Marine Engineer: ₦300,000 – ₦700,000 per month
• Senior Marine Engineer/Project Manager: ₦700,000 – ₦1,200,000+ per month

Larger shipping companies, offshore oil and gas firms, and multinational employers often pay at the higher end of this range.

Salary by Role

Different titles within marine engineering affect pay:

• Junior/Assistant Marine Engineer: Usually on the lower range.
• Marine Engineering Officer / Mid‑Level Engineer: Mid‑range salary.
• Senior Marine Engineer / Chief Engineer / Project Lead: Highest salaries in the field.

Benefits and Allowances

Marine engineers often receive additional benefits beyond base salary:

• Health Insurance: Coverage for the engineer and sometimes dependents.
• Housing or Accommodation Allowance: Especially for offshore or remote postings.
• Travel and Transport Allowances: For movement between postings or travel.
• Overtime or Offshore Bonuses: Extra pay for time spent at sea or in hazardous environments.

These benefits vary widely by employer and contract terms.

Responsibilities of a Marine Engineer

Marine engineers have important duties that ensure the safety and efficiency of marine vessels and machinery. Common responsibilities include:

• Design & Maintenance: Designing and maintaining ship machinery, engines, and support systems.
• Performance Monitoring: Checking machinery performance and addressing issues to avoid breakdowns.
• System Repairs: Troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Risk Assessment: Anticipating potential machinery failures and preparing preventive measures.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensuring equipment meets safety standards and maritime regulations.

What Is Marine Engineering in Nigeria?

Marine engineering involves the study and application of engineering principles to ship systems, offshore structures, submarines, and other marine vessels. It covers mechanical, electrical, and power systems critical to marine operation.

How Long Do Marine Engineers Work?

Work hours for marine engineers vary by employer and contract. Offshore or shipboard roles may involve rotational work patterns (e.g., weeks at sea followed by weeks off), and total monthly hours can exceed typical shore‑based schedules.

What Field of Study Is Marine Engineering?

Marine engineering is an engineering discipline focusing on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of marine vessels and offshore structures. It integrates mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering principles for marine applications.

Marine engineering is challenging due to technical complexity and demanding physical work environments, but it offers solid salary prospects, career growth, and opportunities across maritime, shipping, and offshore industries.