Marine Transportation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Marine Transportation is a specialized academic field focused on the safe, efficient, and regulated movement of vessels across coastal, inland, and open-water routes. This program prepares students for professional roles in maritime operations, emphasizing navigation, vessel management, and compliance with international maritime standards.
- Maritime Navigation: Mastery of chart reading, electronic navigation systems, and route planning to ensure safe and accurate vessel positioning across diverse waterways.
- Marine Operations Management: Study of vessel handling, cargo loading procedures, and operational logistics to optimize efficiency and safety during voyages.
- International Maritime Law and Regulations: In-depth exploration of conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW, ensuring adherence to global safety, environmental, and crew standards.
- Marine Engineering Fundamentals: Understanding of propulsion systems, power generation, and mechanical systems essential for vessel performance and maintenance.
- Emergency Response and Safety Protocols: Training in crisis management, distress communication, and emergency procedures to safeguard personnel, cargo, and the marine environment.
- Weather and Oceanographic Analysis: Application of meteorological and hydrographic data to anticipate conditions and adjust navigation strategies accordingly.
Marine Transportation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Marine Transportation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Marine Transportation degrees, including Motorboat Operators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 2,380 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorboat Operators 53-5022 | $51,880 | $31,970 - $82,330 | 2,380 | $24.94 |
Marine Transportation Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $36,140 in Kentucky to $87,900 in California—a 143% difference. The highest-paying states include California, North Carolina, and Illinois. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 2,380 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Marine Transportation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Marine Transportation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Marine Transportation is found at Lamar State College (LSCO), Orange (17 graduates), Orange Coast College (OCC) (15 graduates), Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) (13 graduates), Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Hohenwald (9 graduates), and University of Alaska (UAS), Southeast (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 58 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar State College (LSCO) |
Other Award
|
17 | Orange, Texas | Public | lsco.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
13 | Lacombe, Louisiana | Public | northshorecollege.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
9 | Hohenwald, Tennessee | Public | tcathohenwald.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAS) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | Juneau, Alaska | Public | uas.alaska.edu |
| The Landing School |
Associate's
|
1 | Arundel, Maine | Private | landingschool.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Marine Transportation programs
How much can I earn with a Marine Transportation degree?
Salaries for Marine Transportation graduates vary by role and location. Motorboat Operators earn a median of $51,880 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $87,900 compared to $36,140 in Kentucky. Approximately 2,380 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Marine Transportation programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Marine Transportation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Lamar State College (LSCO), Orange (17 graduates), Orange Coast College (OCC) (15 graduates), and Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) (13 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Marine Transportation growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 26 in 2010 to 58 in 2023-24. This represents a 123% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Marine Transportation degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Motorboat Operators. Related occupations employ approximately 2,380 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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