Engineering

Marine Engineer Salary

Marine engineers design, build, and maintain ships, boats, and offshore structures including engines and propulsion systems.

Median Salary
$96,910
Mean Salary
$102,400
Total Employed
8,600
Job Growth
+4%

Marine Engineer Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level marine engineers earn around $62,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $98,000. Senior-level marine engineers can earn $145,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for marine engineers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $58,000, while the top 10% earn $152,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $58,000
25th Percentile $76,000
50th Percentile (Median) $96,910
75th Percentile $124,000
90th Percentile $152,000

Marine Engineer Salary by State

Marine Engineer salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $164,747, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $80,435.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $164,747 Details →
#2 California $133,736 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $130,829 Details →
#4 Alaska $120,168 Details →
#5 New York $118,230 Details →
#6 New Jersey $111,446 Details →
#7 Washington $111,446 Details →
#8 Connecticut $108,539 Details →
#9 Maryland $106,601 Details →
#10 Oregon $106,601 Details →
#11 Colorado $101,756 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $101,756 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $101,756 Details →
#14 Virginia $100,786 Details →
#15 Delaware $97,879 Details →
#16 Vermont $97,879 Details →
#17 Florida $94,972 Details →
#18 Maine $94,972 Details →
#19 Arizona $94,003 Details →
#20 Minnesota $94,003 Details →
#21 Nevada $94,003 Details →
#22 Utah $94,003 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $93,034 Details →
#24 Illinois $92,065 Details →
#25 Michigan $92,065 Details →
#26 Montana $92,065 Details →
#27 Idaho $91,095 Details →
#28 Georgia $90,126 Details →
#29 New Mexico $90,126 Details →
#30 North Carolina $89,157 Details →
#31 Texas $89,157 Details →
#32 Wisconsin $89,157 Details →
#33 Wyoming $89,157 Details →
#34 Louisiana $88,188 Details →
#35 Indiana $87,219 Details →
#36 Nebraska $87,219 Details →
#37 North Dakota $87,219 Details →
#38 Ohio $87,219 Details →
#39 Iowa $86,250 Details →
#40 South Carolina $86,250 Details →
#41 Tennessee $86,250 Details →
#42 Missouri $85,281 Details →
#43 South Dakota $85,281 Details →
#44 Alabama $84,312 Details →
#45 Kansas $84,312 Details →
#46 Kentucky $84,312 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $83,343 Details →
#48 Arkansas $81,404 Details →
#49 West Virginia $81,404 Details →
#50 Mississippi $80,435 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Design marine vessels and systems
  • ● Oversee ship construction and repairs
  • ● Test marine equipment
  • ● Ensure maritime safety compliance
  • ● Manage marine engineering projects

Top Skills

Naval Architecture Marine Systems CAD Propulsion Maritime Law Project Management

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

As fast as average — projected 4% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Engineer Salaries

How much does a Marine Engineer make per year? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in the United States is $96,910 per year. Entry-level positions start around $62,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $145,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $102,400.
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $96,910 per year, a marine engineer earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for marine engineers? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for marine engineers, with a median salary of $164,747. Other top-paying states include California ($133,736) and Massachusetts ($130,829).
What education do you need to become a marine engineer? ▼
Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for marine engineers? ▼
Employment for marine engineers is projected to grow 4% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 8,600 marine engineers employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level marine engineer make? ▼
An entry-level marine engineer with 0-2 years of experience earns around $62,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $98,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $58,000, while the top 10% earn $152,000.