# Competitive Pay for WA Ferries Engineers

> WA ferries need competitive wages to keep engineers and avoid service disruptions.
- Title: Competitive Pay for WA Ferries Engineers · Seattletimes
- Summary: WA ferries need competitive wages to keep engineers and avoid service disruptions. Washington State Ferries must pay engineers competitive wages to prevent…
- Keywords: washington state ferries, marine engineers, engineer wages, ferry service, overtime, wsf, seattle, news, local, Competitive, Pay, Ferries
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/opinion/competitive-pay-for-engineers-is-key-to-reliable-wa-ferries-service
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: washington state ferries, marine engineers, engineer wages, ferry service, overtime, wsf, seattle, news, local
## Ferry service disruptions
The Washington State Ferry system has been failing ferry-dependent communities and engine room crew for years.
## Engineer shortage crisis
Low morale and frustration that compensation does not reflect qualifications, responsibilities or job demands have made it difficult to find engineers willing to work additional shifts.
## Engineer licensing requirements
It takes 1,080 days of sea service to qualify for a third assistant engineer’s license and an additional 720 days of sea service to qualify for a chief engineer’s license.
## Engineer work conditions
Engineers work below deck in a loud, windowless, hot environment ensuring safe operations and needed maintenance and repairs.
## Engineer overtime impact
Washington State Ferries engine crew worked more than 100,000 hours of overtime last year alone, with many working 500-1,500 extra hours annually.
## Engineer retention crisis
A June survey found over 60% of marine engineers say they are likely to retire or leave WSF for a job elsewhere.
## Wage gap issue
Engineers’ wages have fallen 20% below those of shipmates above deck and WSF engineers make 40% less than public and private sector maritime engineers.
## Hybrid ferry transition
The state plans to convert ferries to hybrid-electric by 2040, with first deliveries expected in the next few years and service starting around 2029 to 2030.
## Government action
Gov. Bob Ferguson has publicly acknowledged the need to close the wage gap and ordered a new salary survey to address the issue.
## Key takeaway

Washington State Ferries must pay engineers competitive wages to prevent service disruptions and retain staff.