Highest Paying Maritime Engineer Jobs in the UK

The UK’s maritime industry isn’t just making waves. It’s setting the standard for high-paying engineering roles. From innovative ship design to offshore energy developments, engineers at the forefront of maritime innovation are earning some of the most competitive salaries. Here’s a breakdown of the top-paying maritime engineering careers, who’s hiring, and why these roles are in high demand.

Top High-Paying Roles in Maritime Engineering

1. Naval Architects

Naval architects design everything from military submarines to luxury yachts and offshore platforms. With the UK at the centre of shipbuilding and naval innovation, these specialists lead high-stakes, exciting projects.

Typical salary (UK): £50,000–£80,000+

Top employers: BAE Systems, Babcock International, Lloyd’s Register

Hot regions: Southampton, Portsmouth, Glasgow

2. Offshore Installation Engineers

Offshore installation engineers are key to renewable energy and oil production. They manage the setup of wind turbines, undersea cabling, and oil platforms, often spending weeks at sea or on remote worksites, and their pay reflects the challenge.

Typical salary (UK): £55,000–£95,000+ (including rotation bonuses)

Top employers: Subsea7, Ørsted, TechnipFMC

Hot regions: Aberdeen, North Sea

3. Marine Systems Engineers

Marine systems engineers ensure ships remain safe, fuel-efficient, and operational. From propulsion systems to advanced onboard technology, they ensure vessels meet industry standards while navigating technical challenges.

Typical salary (UK): £45,000–£75,000

Top employers: Rolls-Royce Marine, Carnival UK, Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Hot regions: Ports of Southampton and Liverpool

4. Subsea Engineers

Subsea engineers are in high demand as the UK expands offshore energy, including oil, gas, and wind. They work on deepwater robotics, pipelines, and equipment critical to energy production and grid integration.

Typical salary (UK): £60,000–£110,000+

Top employers: Shell UK, BP, Aker Solutions

Hot regions: Aberdeen, North Sea, emerging wind sites

5. Senior Project Engineers (Marine & Offshore)

Experienced project engineers leading offshore energy developments or large-scale ship builds are among the highest earners. Leadership, problem-solving, and sector knowledge make these roles highly lucrative.

Typical salary (UK): £65,000–£100,000

Top employers: Wood Group, Petrofac, Sembmarine SLP

Hot regions: Aberdeen, London, industrial ports like Glasgow

Where Are These Jobs Based?

The UK’s maritime career map reflects its rich heritage and innovation hubs:

• Southampton & Portsmouth: Naval defence, marine technology, ship design
• Aberdeen & North Sea: Offshore wind, oil, and gas infrastructure
• Liverpool & Glasgow: Ship management, ports innovation
• London: Regulatory bodies, consultancy firms, shipping companies

Expert Insight

"The maritime sector is evolving rapidly, especially with the growth of offshore renewable energy. Engineering roles linked to sustainability and innovation are seeing a rise in demand and salaries. Engineers with niche skills in offshore and subsea technology are positioning themselves for standout career opportunities."

– Sam Wills, Maritime Recruitment Specialist, Matchtech

Set Sail on Your Maritime Career

Whether you’re entering the field, climbing the ladder, or exploring a new path, the UK’s maritime sector offers well-paying opportunities for skilled engineers. Browse our latest maritime job openings or visit our maritime recruitment page for insights into this dynamic and rewarding industry.