Engineering Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Marine Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median marine engineer salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $85,281 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$85,281
vs State Avg
+$969
vs National
$-11,629
Cost of Living
88%

Marine Engineer Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median marine engineer salary of $85,281, which is $969 above the Alabama state average of $84,312. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $85,281 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Tuscaloosa spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $133,760 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,600. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,600
$-17,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $51,040
25th Percentile $66,880
Median (50th) $85,281
75th Percentile $109,120
90th Percentile $133,760

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$89,157
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$87,219
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$83,343
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$82,374
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open marine engineer positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $85,281 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $51,040 (10th percentile) to $133,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,281, a marine engineer in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median marine engineer salary of $85,281 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $84,312. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $85,281 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Tuscaloosa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.