Marine Transportation
Quick Facts: Marine Transportation Training
Where it's offered
Marine Transportation programs are offered at 2 schools across 2 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $34,846/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship pathways related to Marine Transportation — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 2 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 42/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Marine Transportation Graduates Do
Your career in marine transportation puts you at the center of global commerce. On the bridge as a mate or pilot, you’ll use advanced electronic charts and radar to navigate massive vessels through open seas and into busy ports, overseeing crew and cargo operations. Alternatively, you could work as a ship engineer in the powerful heart of the vessel, maintaining and repairing the complex engines, pumps, and generators that keep everything running. For a more specialized, high-growth option, commercial diving takes you underwater for construction, inspection, and repair projects.
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You'll likely begin as a deckhand or junior engineer, gaining the sea time required to advance. With experience and certifications, you’ll climb the ranks to mate or assistant engineer. This is hands-on work that requires your physical presence; it can’t be automated or done from a remote office. The path leads toward senior roles like Captain or Chief Engineer, where you command the entire vessel and can earn a six-figure income. With thousands of openings each year, demand for skilled mariners remains steady.
Students considering Marine Transportation also weigh Aviation, Mechanics & Repair, and HVAC Technology — see each trade's earnings and school count side by side.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Marine Transportation. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Officer In Charge Of Navig Watch
RAPIDS 1104 |
3000 hrs
~1.5 yrs |
Time | $61K – $85,540 – $125K | 0.5% |
|
Pilot, Ship
RAPIDS 623 |
3000 hrs
~1.5 yrs |
Time | $61K – $85,540 – $125K | 0.5% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Find Marine Transportation Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Marine Transportation is offered at 2 schools across 2 states. Click your state to see all trade programs offered locally.
Top Marine Transportation Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Marine Transportation programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
2 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Divers Institute of Technology Seattle, WA |
47 46–48 |
| 2 | Ocean Corporation Houston, TX |
42 41–43 |
Highest Earning Marine Transportation Programs
Schools where Marine Transportation graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Divers Institute of Technology | $38,699/yr | 47 |
| Ocean Corporation | $30,992/yr | 42 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Marine Transportation degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.