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Salary Index › Chief Engineer
Engine department

Chief Engineer salary in 2026

$8,500 – $21,000 / month basic

Head of the engine department, responsible for all machinery on board. Chief Engineers remain in structural shortage in 2026 — on LNG tonnage their pay matches the Master's.

By vessel type
Bulk Carrier
$8.5k – 12.5k /mo
Tanker
$11k – 15.5k /mo
Container
$9.5k – 13.5k /mo
LNG / LPGHIGHEST
$15k – 21k /mo
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Figures are monthly basic wages in USD, excluding overtime and bonuses. Compiled from ITF/IBF frameworks, 2026 market data and live ShipCrewFinder listings. Upper bounds reflect premium operators and specialist tonnage. Last update: July 2026.
📈 See the full path to Chief Engineer — typical years at sea and salary growth at each stepView career path →
Other engine ranks
2nd Engineer3rd Engineer4th EngineerETO
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