The Salty Mariner

How Much Do 1st Assistant Engineers Make? A Complete Career Guide

Picture this: It's 3 AM in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and the main engine just started making a noise that sounds like a freight train hitting a brick wall. The captain's on the bridge, the crew's asleep, and there's one person who needs to figure out what's wrong - the 1st Assistant Engineer. This isn't just a job; it's being the go-to problem solver for everything that keeps a ship running.

First Assistant Engineers are the backbone of any ship's engine department. They're the ones who make sure the lights stay on, the engines keep running, and the ship doesn't turn into a floating paperweight. But here's what most people don't realize - these engineers are also some of the highest-paid crew members on the ship, often earning $180,000 to $230,000 per year.

If you're thinking about a career in marine engineering or just curious about what these professionals actually do, you're in the right place. We'll break down everything from their daily responsibilities to their salary structure, work schedule, and what it really takes to become a 1st Assistant Engineer.

For more information about marine engineering careers, check out our guides on how much ship engineers make and starting a career in marine engineering. You can also explore general maritime salary information to see how 1st Assistant Engineers compare to other positions.

What Does a 1st Assistant Engineer Actually Do?

Let's get straight to the point - a 1st Assistant Engineer is basically the engine room's problem solver-in-chief. When something breaks at 2 AM (and it always breaks at 2 AM), they're the ones getting called. But their job goes way beyond just fixing things when they break.

Day-to-Day Operations: First engineers run the engine room like a well-oiled machine (pun intended). They coordinate all the maintenance, oversee the watch schedule, and make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing. Think of them as the engine department's project manager, safety officer, and technical expert all rolled into one.

Safety Responsibilities: Here's where it gets serious. The 1st Assistant Engineer is responsible for the safety of every person working in the engine department. That means making sure everyone's following proper procedures, wearing the right safety gear, and not doing anything that could get them hurt. One mistake in the engine room can be deadly, so this isn't just paperwork - it's life and death.

Equipment Oversight: Every piece of machinery on the ship falls under their watch. We're talking main engines, generators, pumps, compressors, and all the other stuff that keeps a ship running. They need to know how everything works, what can go wrong, and how to fix it when it does.

Administrative Duties: Yeah, there's paperwork too. Lots of it. Maintenance logs, safety reports, inventory tracking, and all the documentation that keeps the ship compliant with regulations. It's not the glamorous part of the job, but it's what keeps them out of trouble with the Coast Guard and other authorities.

The Knowledge Base: What 1st Engineers Need to Know

Here's the thing about being a 1st Assistant Engineer - you can't just wing it. The knowledge base required is massive, and there's no room for "I'll figure it out when I get there." When you're 500 miles from the nearest port and something breaks, you need to know exactly what to do.

Propulsion Systems: First engineers need to be experts in whatever type of propulsion their ship uses. That could be diesel engines, steam turbines, or gas turbines. Each system has its own quirks, maintenance requirements, and failure modes. You can't just know the basics - you need to understand the deep technical details.

Auxiliary Systems: But it's not just about the main engines. Ships have dozens of other systems that all need to work together:

Power Generation: The ship's electrical system, generators, and power distribution
Potable Water Creation: Making fresh water from seawater using reverse osmosis or distillation
Fuel & Lubricating Oil Systems: Storage, transfer, treatment, and distribution of all the oils the ship needs
Compressed Air Systems: Starting air for engines, control air for valves, and service air for tools
Firefighting Systems: CO2 systems, water mist, foam systems, and all the emergency equipment

Ship Structure Knowledge: This might surprise you, but 1st engineers need to know the ship's layout better than most people. Where are the firefighting repair lockers? How do you get from the engine room to the cargo holds? What's the quickest route to the emergency generator? In an emergency, knowing the ship's layout can save lives.

Emergency Procedures: When things go wrong, the 1st engineer is often the first person called. They need to know emergency procedures for fires, flooding, power loss, and any other disaster that can happen at sea. There's no time to look things up in a manual when the ship is in trouble.

Machine Shop Skills: Marine engineers are also trained in most machine shop processes such as welding, lathe work, drill press operations, milling, and other fabrication techniques. When it comes down to it, ship's engineers may have to fabricate any number of things from scratch when in the middle of the ocean in order to fix an issue. There's no calling a repair service or ordering parts when you're 1,000 miles from the nearest port - you have to make what you need with what you have.

Work Schedule: The 24/7 Reality of Engine Room Life

Here's the reality check - being a 1st Assistant Engineer isn't a 9-to-5 job. Far from it. You're basically on call 24/7 while you're on the ship, and the work schedule reflects that demanding reality.

Typical Work Day: Most 1st engineers work 12-15 hours per day, seven days a week. That's not including the times when something breaks in the middle of the night and you have to get up to fix it. There are no weekends off, no holidays, and no "I'm not feeling well" days while you're at sea.

Hitch Lengths: Depending on the employer, 1st Assistant Engineers typically work anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months straight. They then get an equivalent amount of time off, which is typical of the industry. Licensed mariners like 1st Assistant Engineers typically work for 6 months a year and have 6 months of vacation.

Schedule Variations: The schedule can be broken up from as little as 2 weeks on/2 weeks off to 4 months on/4 months off. With the exception of employment by Military Sealift Command, where mariners are required to do a minimum of 4 months and are not forced to get off a ship at any point, this is the typical manning schedule for engineers.

Oil Rig Schedules: Companies that operate oil rigs provide a typical standard schedule that is either 3 weeks on/3 weeks off or 4 weeks on/4 weeks off. This can vary to some degree and is not exact, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Watch Standing: Even when they're not actively working, 1st engineers are often on watch. That means they're responsible for monitoring the engine room, responding to alarms, and making sure everything's running smoothly. It's like being a doctor on call, but instead of patients, you're watching over massive engines and machinery.

Emergency Response: Remember that 3 AM engine problem we talked about? That's when the 1st engineer's phone rings. They need to be ready to respond to any engineering casualty at any time. It doesn't matter if they just finished a 15-hour day - when something breaks, they're the ones who need to fix it.

Administrative Time: On top of all the hands-on work, there's the paperwork. Maintenance logs, safety reports, inventory tracking, and all the documentation that keeps the ship compliant. This often gets done during "off" hours, which aren't really off hours when you're on a ship.

But here's the thing - this demanding schedule comes with some serious perks. The overtime pay is substantial, and the vacation time is generous. Most 1st engineers work 2-4 months at sea, then get equal time off with pay. So while the work is intense, you're only working half the year.

1st Assistant Engineer Salary: The Numbers That Matter

Let's talk money. First Assistant Engineers are among the highest-paid crew members on most ships, and for good reason. The responsibility, knowledge requirements, and demanding schedule all factor into their compensation.

Why Engineers Are So Well Paid: Here's the reality that most people don't understand - marine engineers are paid so well because they're doing things that not many other people want to do. They work in a dangerous environment for 6 months a year at sea, away from their friends and families. Up until recently, there was very poor internet on ships until Starlink came around, so when engineers were gone, they were gone and had little ability to communicate back home. This isolation, combined with the physical demands and constant responsibility, is why the industry pays premium salaries to attract and retain qualified professionals.

Day Rate System: Most 1st Assistant Engineers can expect to make at least $1,000 per day. This is for 12-15 hours of work, depending on the employer. This day rate system includes both regular pay and overtime, making it easier to calculate total compensation when you know exactly how many days you'll be working.

Annual Earnings: When you work 6 months out of the year at $1,000+ per day, that's roughly $180,000 to $230,000 per year while at sea. But here's where it gets interesting - most companies pay vacation pay at 50-75% of the sea-going salary. So even when they're at home, they're still earning substantial income.

Overtime Pay: Those 12-15 hour days include substantial overtime built into the day rate. Most 1st engineers earn overtime pay for anything over 8 hours per day, and the rates can be 1.5x or 2x their base hourly rate. This is already factored into the $1,000+ daily rate.

Employment Options: 1st Assistant Engineers are employed across a broad range of companies. This includes Merchant Mariner Unions such as the Marine Engineer's Beneficial Association (MEBA) and American Maritime Officers (AMO), as well as private shipping companies like Chevron and oil companies such as Transocean and Diamond Offshore.

Military Sealift Command: The US Navy's Military Sealift Command is the largest single employer of US Merchant Mariners in the United States. This government position offers competitive pay and benefits, though it comes with specific requirements and commitments.

Union vs. Non-Union: Union positions typically pay more and offer better benefits. Organizations like MEBA and AMO negotiate contracts that often include premium pay rates, better vacation pay, and additional benefits like overtime conversion to additional time off.

Vessel Type Impact: The type of ship you work on affects your salary. Container ships, oil tankers, and LNG carriers typically pay the highest wages because they carry valuable cargo and require highly skilled crews. Oil rigs and offshore platforms also offer competitive compensation packages.

Career Path: How to Become a 1st Assistant Engineer

Becoming a 1st Assistant Engineer isn't something that happens overnight. It takes years of experience, the right education, and a lot of hard work. But the path is pretty clear if you're willing to put in the time and effort.

Education Requirements: Most 1st Assistant Engineers have a bachelor's degree in marine engineering from a maritime academy. These programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience and sea time. The education covers everything from thermodynamics to electrical systems to ship construction.

Licensing: You'll need a Coast Guard license as a 1st Assistant Engineer. This requires passing written exams, completing sea time requirements, and demonstrating competency in various engineering systems. The licensing process is rigorous and designed to ensure that only qualified people are running ship engine rooms.

Sea Time Requirements: Before you can get a 1st Assistant Engineer license, you need to accumulate sea time as a 2nd Assistant Engineer. This typically takes 2-3 years of working at sea, gaining experience with different systems and learning how to handle various situations.

Experience Progression: Most engineers start as 3rd Assistant Engineers, then move up to 2nd Assistant, and finally to 1st Assistant. Each step requires more knowledge, more responsibility, and more experience. It's not uncommon for the entire process to take 8-12 years from graduation to becoming a 1st Assistant Engineer.

Continuous Learning: The learning doesn't stop once you become a 1st Assistant Engineer. Technology changes, regulations evolve, and new systems are introduced. Successful engineers are always learning, taking additional training, and staying current with industry developments.

For more detailed information about the education path, check out our guide to maritime academies in the United States.

The Reality Check: Challenges of Being a 1st Assistant Engineer

Let's be honest - being a 1st Assistant Engineer isn't all sunshine and high salaries. There are some real challenges that come with the job, and it's important to understand them before you decide to pursue this career.

Constant Responsibility: When you're the 1st Assistant Engineer, everything that goes wrong in the engine room is ultimately your responsibility. That's a lot of pressure, especially when you're dealing with expensive equipment and the safety of your crew. There's no passing the buck or blaming someone else.

Time Away From Home: You'll spend months at a time away from family and friends. Missing birthdays, holidays, and important life events is just part of the job. The isolation can be difficult, especially for those with young children or aging parents who need care.

Physical Demands: Engine rooms are hot, noisy, and often cramped. You'll be working in uncomfortable positions, lifting heavy equipment, and dealing with the physical demands of maintaining machinery. It's not a desk job, and your body will feel it.

Stress and Pressure: When something breaks at sea, there's no calling a repair service. You're it. The pressure to fix problems quickly and correctly can be intense, especially when the ship's schedule and the crew's safety are on the line.

Regulatory Compliance: The maritime industry is heavily regulated, and 1st Assistant Engineers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. This means lots of paperwork, inspections, and the constant threat of violations if something goes wrong.

But here's the thing - for the right person, these challenges are part of what makes the job rewarding. The sense of accomplishment when you solve a complex problem, the camaraderie with your crew, and the knowledge that you're keeping world trade moving can make it all worthwhile.

Benefits Beyond the Salary: What Makes This Career Worth It

Sure, the salary is good, but there are other benefits that make being a 1st Assistant Engineer attractive to many people. These perks go beyond just the paycheck and can make a real difference in your quality of life.

Generous Vacation Time: Licensed mariners like 1st Assistant Engineers typically work for 6 months a year and have 6 months of vacation. The schedule can range from 2 weeks on/2 weeks off to 4 months on/4 months off, depending on the employer. That means you could be working 6 months out of the year and still earning a full year's salary. Try finding that kind of work-life balance in a shore-based job.

Travel Opportunities: You get paid to travel the world and visit ports in different countries. While you might not have extensive shore leave in every port, you still get to experience different cultures and see places most people only dream of visiting.

Free Room and Board: While at sea, all your living expenses are covered. You get a private cabin, all meals are provided, and you don't pay for utilities, rent, or groceries. This can save you thousands of dollars per month compared to shore-based living.

Comprehensive Benefits: Most companies provide health insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage. Union positions often include pension plans and additional benefits like overtime conversion to additional time off.

Job Security: The maritime industry is experiencing a shortage of qualified engineers, which means job security is excellent. As long as you maintain your licenses and stay current with training, you'll have plenty of job opportunities.

Professional Development: Companies typically cover the cost of required training, certifications, and professional development courses. This includes everything from safety training to advanced technical certifications that can boost your career prospects.

Tax Advantages: US mariners can qualify for the "foreign earned income exclusion" if they spend enough time outside US waters. This can significantly reduce your tax burden, effectively increasing your take-home pay.

Future Outlook: Is This Career Still Worth Pursuing?

The maritime industry is changing, and it's worth asking whether being a 1st Assistant Engineer is still a good career choice. The short answer? Yes, but with some important caveats.

Growing Demand: Global trade continues to expand, requiring more ships and more crew members. The growth of e-commerce and international supply chains means more opportunities for marine engineers across all ranks. The current shortage of qualified personnel is expected to continue for years to come.

Technology Integration: Modern ships are becoming more technologically advanced, requiring engineers with both traditional maritime skills and technical expertise. This creates opportunities for those willing to learn new technologies and systems, but it also means you can't rest on your laurels.

Environmental Regulations: New environmental regulations are creating demand for specialized training and certifications. Engineers with expertise in environmental compliance and green technologies are in high demand and often command premium salaries.

Automation Concerns: There's no denying that some aspects of ship operations are becoming more automated. But here's the thing - someone still needs to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot all that automation. The role of the 1st Assistant Engineer is evolving, not disappearing.

Retirement Wave: Many experienced engineers are reaching retirement age, creating opportunities for younger professionals to advance more quickly than in previous generations. This is particularly true for those willing to take on leadership roles and additional responsibilities.

The bottom line? Being a 1st Assistant Engineer is still a solid career choice, but it's not for everyone. You need to be willing to work hard, learn continuously, and accept the lifestyle trade-offs that come with working at sea.

Conclusion

Being a 1st Assistant Engineer is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers in the maritime industry. With day rates of at least $1,000 per day, annual earnings of $180,000 to $230,000 while working just 6 months a year, generous vacation time, and excellent job security, it's easy to see why so many people are drawn to this profession.

But the job isn't just about the money. It's about being the person who keeps the lights on, the engines running, and the ship moving forward. It's about solving complex problems in the middle of the ocean when there's no one else to call. It's about taking responsibility for the safety of your crew and the success of the voyage.

The path to becoming a 1st Assistant Engineer is long and demanding. It requires years of education, experience, and continuous learning. But for those who are willing to put in the work, the rewards can be exceptional - both financially and professionally.

If you're considering a career as a 1st Assistant Engineer, make sure you understand what you're getting into. The lifestyle isn't for everyone, but for the right person, it can be an incredibly fulfilling and lucrative career choice.

The maritime industry needs skilled engineers now more than ever. With the current shortage of qualified personnel and growing global trade, there's never been a better time to consider a career as a 1st Assistant Engineer. The opportunities are there - you just need to be ready to seize them.