Coast Guard Machinery Technician

Also called: MK, Navy Machinist's Mate

Maintains engines and machinery on Coast Guard boats and cutters.

A day in the life

Machinery techs fix diesel engines, pumps, and hydraulics, often in rough seas. The skills translate directly to civilian marine engineering jobs.

Pay over a career

Starting
$35k
Typical
$50k
High
$78k

Figures approximate total military compensation (base pay plus tax-free housing and food allowances) from new to senior ranks; benefits include free healthcare, college money (GI Bill), and pensions after 20 years.

Training

High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Coast Guard or Navy enlistment plus technical school.

Ways in: Military. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Outlook

Growing about average. Military hiring follows recruiting goals rather than BLS projections.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Fixing diesels, pumps and hydraulics in rough seas is hands-on; skills transfer to civilian marine jobs.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Auto mechanics CTE class, Physics, Welding CTE class.

Official data: O*NET occupation 55-3019.

More Coast Guard, Navy & Maritime Security careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.